Durham Public Schools approved cuts eliminating 27 central office positions and over 112 teacher roles to address a $34 million budget shortfall, drawing nearly 50 speakers opposing the reductions.
DPS board unanimously approved cuts eliminating 27 central office positions and over 112 teacher roles to address a $34 million shortfall created by expired pandemic funds and prior budget errors.
Nearly 50 speakers opposed the reductions, with classified staff demanding pay equity, parents defending threatened programs like Club Boulevard's dance program, and students testifying about inadequate meals and nutrition standards.
Parent Sarishia Dawson reported her non-verbal child with muscular dystrophy was grabbed and kicked by staff on March 28, prompting calls for a district-wide review of incident protocols for disabled students.