Durham Board of Education Meeting Monday on Pay Issue

The Durham Public Schools Board of Education is set to meet in closed session on Monday at 8 a.m. to review the compensation schedule calculation issue that has left classified district employees worried about retracted raises and possible clawbacks.

The meeting is closed so the board can discuss personnel matters with their attorney, but a statement is expected from district officials after the meeting.

DPS announced the special meeting on Saturday, a day after Superintendent Pascal Mubenga sent an email to employees, assuring them that the Board of Education and the district’s attorney “are investigating this urgent matter.”

He apologized for the impact of the implementation of the compensation study that resulted in confusion over how past experience – in the private sector, outside North Carolina, or just in North Carolina public schools – would be measured for certain employees, including school bus mechanics and occupational therapists.

“Your ongoing dedication to our students and your commitment to our district’s mission to ensure that every student receives a quality education is greatly appreciated,” he said.

Mubenga asked employees to send email to compensationstudy@dpsnc.net to sign up for one-on-one consultations about the situation.

“Your concerns are our top priority, and we want to provide space for you to speak with someone about your specific situation,” Mubenga said.

He noted that the administration recognizes “the need for better communication, and moving forward, we will keep you informed.”

“I want to assure you that we are fully committed to finding a resolution,” he said. “Your dedication to our students and community does not go unnoticed, and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you do to make DPS a school district of excellence.”

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