Durham Public Schools Board of Education discussed budget constraints and approved adding a resolution supporting "kids over corporations" to address funding pressures on schools.
The Durham Public Schools Board of Education debated how to fund significant pay increases for classified workers while confronting persistent inequities in building maintenance and community engagement during its March 12 work session.
Administration revised its budget recommendation to raise the minimum wage for classified staff from a proposed 5 percent to approximately 12 percent, bringing the floor to $19.22 per hour to match Durham County government pay. The change would cost an additional $10.6 million. Emily Chávez and Wendell Tabb expressed strong support for the increase, though both noted that compressed pay scales—where experienced workers earn only slightly more than new hires—remain unaddressed due to budget limitations. The board unanimously supported adding occupational therapy assistants to the salary schedule alongside physical therapists.
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