#DPSCommunity | DPS Board of Education Monthly Work Session | 6/9/26

The Durham Public Schools Board of Education held its monthly work session on June 9, 2026, focusing extensively on budget updates, capital improvement projects, and policy revisions related to student discipline and special education. Key procurement-related discussions included the allocation of funds for classified staff raises, with a proposed minimum wage adjustment to $18.22 per hour and a $100 monthly supplement for safety assistants. The board reviewed the 2022 bond projects, noting budget shortfalls for Glenn Elementary and Durham School of the Arts but anticipated coverage through construction contingencies. They discussed the postponement of a 2026 bond in favor of a potential 2028 bond, with early prioritization and shovel-ready funding possible. The board also considered initiating an RFP process to engage a third-party consultant for a district right-sizing study to optimize facility use and address underutilized buildings, emphasizing the need for community engagement and academic alignment. Policy updates included amendments to the seclusion and restraint rules and disciplinary actions for students with disabilities, with motions passed to enhance parental notification and require principal supervisor review prior to suspensions for certain students. The board deferred some policy discussions to future meetings and requested further information on budget allotments, interpreter pay, and coordination with county projects. Overall, the session combined fiscal planning, capital project oversight, and policy refinement to support educational and operational priorities.