MacKenzie Scott Funds May Reduce Durham Schools Budget Shortfall

Durham Public Schools seems closer to erasing the recently discovered $7-million budget shortfall, thanks to more than $1.4 million in deferred revenue from NC Pre-K and about $3.8 million in funds from a 2022 donation made to DPS by philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.

If the district moves forward with this plan, it would leave them short by $1.66 million – so DPS still has work to do to balance their budget.

That’s according to a presentation that DPS Board of Education members are expected to receive from Chief Financial Officer Jeremy Teetor during the Feb. 6 work session.

Next steps, the presentation indicates:

• DPS budget requests are due by Feb. 17.
• By Feb. 19, central office leaders review departments for efficiency and cost-saving opportunities.
• Public hearing on Feb. 20.
• Cabinet members receive budget presentations on March 3.
• Superintendent Dr. Anthony Lewis releases the recommended budget on March 27.

Board members also are considering a resolution honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Lavonia Ingram Allison, longtime leader of the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People, who passed away on Jan. 7 at 94.

“Her enduring legacy of courage, service, and advocacy remains a guiding force, inspiring future generations,” the resolution reads.

The work session starts at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday at the DPS headquarters on Cleveland Street.

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