Schools

[SeeGov] Durham County Budget Hearing Centers on Calls for Higher DPS Classified Staff Pay

At Tuesday's public hearing, school workers and advocates urged Durham County commissioners to fully fund Durham Public Schools and raise support staff pay to a living wage.

Southpoint Access

Southpoint Access

— 3 min read
Share
[SeeGov] Durham County Budget Hearing Centers on Calls for Higher DPS Classified Staff Pay
Celebrate Your 2026 Durham Grad
Southpoint Access is proud to offer this free feature recognizing local high school graduates. Parents and families are invited to submit a senior photo, the student’s name, age, graduating school, and a few details about what’s next after graduation. Send photos to wes.platt@southpointaccess.news. There is no cost to be included. If you’d like to support Southpoint Access and help us continue community features like this one, a donation of $5 or more is appreciated, but not required. Please fill out the form completely and make sure all information is accurate before submitting. We may edit entries for length, clarity, and style. Thank you for helping us celebrate the Class of 2026!
Google Docs

Durham County commissioners opened a public hearing Tuesday on the county manager’s proposed $1.045 billion budget for fiscal 2026-27, a plan that includes a 2-cent property tax increase and has become a flashpoint over school funding.

Speaker after speaker urged commissioners to fully fund Durham Public Schools’ request, with a particular focus on raises for classified employees. Several asked the county to lift school support staff to at least the county’s $19.22 minimum wage.

[SeeGov] Durham County Proposes $10.9M Increase for Schools
That’s less than half what Durham Public Schools has requested for the upcoming school year, hoping to cover higher wages for classified staff.
Southpoint AccessWes Platt

Workers described mounting financial strain, saying stagnant pay has forced some to delay medical care, seek second or third jobs, and reconsider whether they can remain in public education.

Union and community speakers also pressed commissioners to consider reprioritizing spending — including delaying some capital purchases — and said a tax increase may be necessary to stabilize school staffing.

The Board of County Commissioners is in the midst of its annual budget process. The budget could be approved at a meeting on June 8.

Watch highlights via the SeeGov platform:

Get Connected

Southpoint Access Events Calendar
From Durham County Library programs and family activities to special events at local businesses and key public meetings like the City Council, County Commission, and Planning Board, our calendar brings it all together in one easy-to-use resource.
Southpoint AccessWes Platt

🤝 Support Our Sponsors

Local journalism in South Durham survives thanks to the generous businesses and organizations that make this work possible. 🧭

By supporting these sponsors, you’re helping Southpoint Access continue to deliver trusted, hyperlocal news and resources for our community - from school updates to neighborhood stories that keep South Durham connected.

💛 Shop local. Hire local. Support those who support Southpoint Access.

Read more