Durham Public Schools Board of Education held a work session on January 15, with public comments addressing mold remediation concerns at schools, the feasibility study of Old Loess Grove School, and disproportionate suspension rates for students with disabilities.
Occupational therapist Erica White earns $67,150 annually, $7,000-11,000 below neighboring counties, with 73% of OT staff departing in two years and the department unable to provide federally mandated services for students with disabilities.
A parent and DPS employee challenged mold remediation work as inadequate, citing spending of $20,000 monthly plus per diem for one position while schools suffer broken doors and poor air quality.
Student discipline incidents dropped 29% in one year through restorative practices training, but board noted inconsistent implementation across schools without required policy changes.