Regular Meeting · January 29, 2026

The Durham Public Schools Board addressed one of the most serious challenges in its history when Superintendent Dr. Lewis publicly confirmed for the first time that three administrators have been indicted and announced a thorough investigation. Board Chair Bettina Umstead called some of the allegations "alarming" and emphasized that nothing is more important than student safety. Dr. Lewis stated the district's "most foundational job is to ensure that our scholars are safe," acknowledging the tremendous trust families place in the schools daily. The board will cooperate fully with the Durham County District Attorney's Office and has established policies and procedures to protect students, though board members acknowledged the need to reinforce expectations and provide additional training.

The indictments dominated public comment, where multiple speakers raised broader safety concerns. Ellen Holmes, a teacher at Jordan High School, told the board: "My students are afraid every day. They cannot learn when they are afraid." Speakers urged the board to adopt "Private Zones" administrative policies to protect immigrant families and strengthen protocols around law enforcement and immigration enforcement activities. Stephanie Walton, parent of a five-year-old with developmental disabilities, detailed harrowing conditions in the district's exceptional children program, describing complete isolation from her child's classroom, delayed notification of restraints by improperly trained staff, and minimal accountability when she raised concerns. Walton stated: "When EC families are in a situation with no meaningful interaction with the teachers, the classroom, or each other, these are the exact conditions where mistrust and abuse thrive."