[SeeGov Enhanced] Durham school board delays consolidation study vote until Nov. 19

South Durham Youth Activities Guide

Search sports, dance, martial arts, outdoor adventures and recreation programs serving South Durham families.

Southpoint AccessWes Platt

The Durham school board voted 4-2 Thursday to put off hiring a consultant to study whether the district should redraw attendance boundaries or combine schools.

Members want a revised contract on Nov. 19 that would let them hear from families and review enrollment data before deciding whether to pay for consolidation recommendations.

The proposed $474,405 contract with MGT Impact Solutions drew more than two hours of debate. Board members wanted the Tampa, Florida, firm and the people working on the study to disclose their ties to charter schools, including any current contracts in North Carolina. They also wanted families to be able to see how their input shaped the recommendations.

Board attorney Rod Malone suggested putting a separate price on each phase. The board could authorize the first round of work, review what MGT learned, and decide whether to proceed.

Board member Gabby Rivero moved to table the contract so attorneys could negotiate those terms. Wendell Tabb seconded the motion.