The Durham Public Schools Board of Education held its monthly meeting on January 29, featuring student and staff recognition ceremonies and celebrating Durham School of Technology's national recognition as a top magnet school.
Superintendent Dr. Lewis publicly confirmed three administrators have been indicted and announced a thorough investigation, with Board Chair Umstead calling some allegations alarming and emphasizing student safety as the district's foundational responsibility.
The board deferred a decision on proposed 35-50% after-school program tuition increases pending staff development of sliding scale fee models by February 26 that would generate approximately $6.5 million in revenue.
Multiple public speakers raised serious safety concerns including teacher Ellen Holmes reporting students afraid to learn at Jordan High School and parent Stephanie Walton detailing inadequate conditions in the exceptional children program.