#DPSCommunity | DPS Board of Education Monthly Work Session | 5/14/26

The Durham Public Schools Board of Education held its monthly work session on May 14, 2026. The meeting included extensive public comments focused primarily on the district's decision to discontinue visa sponsorship for international teachers, with community members urging the board to reconsider due to the impact on teacher retention and student learning. The board approved several procurement-related consent items, including contracts for fire extinguisher services, elevator inspections and repairs, pest control, and purchases for Career and Technical Education labs and learning systems. Policy discussions were a major focus, particularly around the meet and confer policy, disciplinary policies including seclusion and restraint, and the student code of conduct. The board debated procedural issues regarding policy discussions and referrals to the policy committee. They approved the first reading of the seclusion and restraint policy and moved the student code of conduct policy to the June work session for further review. The board also emphasized the need for improved data reporting and transparency on disciplinary actions and parent notifications. No new contract awards or capital improvement projects were announced, but the meeting reflected ongoing policy development and community engagement affecting future procurement and operational decisions.