Durham Public Schools reviewed findings from nearly 2,600 community members on superintendent qualities, revealing staff retention and pay as the top priority while exposing deep concerns about equity, special education services, and trust deficits among classified staff.
Staff retention and competitive pay emerged as the top priority across all stakeholder groups, though classified staff remain wary following a recent salary study controversy that damaged trust in district leadership.
Students and families reported stark inequities: nearly 1,000 high school students cited exclusion of disabled peers and unequal resources, while Hispanic and Latino families scored feeling unseen at 4.78 out of 5.
Special education families face long waits for counselors, staffing shortages, and language barriers in IEP meetings; board will continue finalist interviews June 22 with a community panel meeting June 3 at 4:30 PM.