DPS Budget Hearing Today: A Step Toward Correcting Pay Disparities?

Can Durham Public Schools repair the damage done by the botched implementation of the last classified worker pay plan?

The Board of Education meets today at 5:30 p.m. for a public hearing on the proposed 2024-25 budget, which includes an $8.8 million ask in an effort to reach market-rate salaries for classified employees. It also includes $1.5 million for master’s degree pay and an $800 teacher supplement increase.

“At the center of this funding request is compensation for the lifeblood of our district, our employees,” wrote Interim Superintendent Catty Moore in a letter to DPS families on Wednesday. “We have worked collaboratively with the Board to develop a budget that demonstrates a strong commitment to the value and respect we hold for every employee.”

During the public hearing, the DPS community is invited to provide comment about the district’s financial priorities. The final review and adoption of the budget is scheduled for April 25’s school board meeting. After that, it goes to the Durham County Board of Commissioners.

Meanwhile, the district continues to move ahead with its effort to find a new permanent superintendent to replace Pascal Mubenga. Board members are scheduled to hold a special meeting today to discuss the process.

The timeline presented by Alma Advisory Group, which is handling the search effort for DPS, goes like this:

• April: The district seeks stakeholder input and starts the recruitment process.
• May: Candidates identified.
• June: Candidate interviews.
• June-July: Finalist round and candidate selection.

The process also includes a community survey. A draft of that survey, which is expected to be sent to the community on April 22, asks – among other things – what matters most about the future of Durham Public Schools and what the next superintendent’s focus should be, such as:

• Closing student opportunity and achievement gaps.
• Supporting student mental health and well-being.
• Rebuilding trust with the community.
• Attracting, retaining, and supporting leaders, educators, and staff.
• Listen to families and community.
• Cultivate a culture that values growth, innovation, and joy across schools.
• Strengthen communications.
• Strengthen district finances.
• Fight declining enrollment.

The survey also asks respondents to consider whether a superintendent needs to:

• Have a strong equity lens.
• Be a clear communicator and collaborator.
• Show excellence at organization and project management.
• Be supportive and a developer of leaders.
• Comprehend district finances.
• Work well with the Board of Education.
• Be an innovative problem solver.
• Be a reflective leader and continuous learner.

The superintendent search site goes live on April 19.

The meetings today will be held at the Fuller Building on Cleveland Street in downtown Durham.