#DPSCommunity | DPS Board of Education Monthly Work Session | 9/10/26

The Durham Public Schools Board of Education held a monthly work session on September 10, 2026, focusing primarily on educational policy updates, student performance data, and operational issues. Key procurement-related discussions included a detailed presentation on classified employee pay scales and a new pay calculator tool designed to assist in evaluating wage adjustments, particularly in light of upcoming discussions on living wages involving the county, city, and school system. The board explored options for increasing classified staff wages, addressing pay compression, and preparing for budgetary decisions tied to enrollment trends. Additionally, the board reviewed extensive academic accountability data for the 2025-2026 school year, highlighting school performance grades, growth metrics, and subgroup proficiency, though these were informational rather than procurement actions. The meeting also covered attendance awareness initiatives and strategies to reduce chronic absenteeism, emphasizing community partnerships and data-driven interventions. Motions were passed to approve consent agenda items, and the board agreed to further discuss and potentially revise policies related to religious instruction release time in schools. No direct contract awards or vendor selections were reported, but the classified pay tool and wage discussions indicate ongoing budget and compensation planning that could influence future procurement and staffing decisions.