Southpoint Access

[SoDu Sunrise Showcase] Spicing Up Hope Valley

No one made off with $34 million from the Durham Public Schools coffers. Plus, the new Chipotle opens today in Hope Valley! And a from-scratch sloppy joe sauce recipe.

Wes Platt

30 Jan 2025 — 3 min read

So, let's get something straight: as far as anyone knows, Durham Public Schools hasn't lost $34 million. No one snuck out of the central office on Cleveland Street with sacks of money and disappeared into the night.

Instead, the district's new finance officer, Jeremy Teetor, and his team discovered that much in unbudgeted expenses. Sort of like when my wife gives me a shopping list for milk, eggs, and bread, and I reach checkout with that plus chicken breast, ground beef, and cheddar-flavored Oreos (these aren't a thing yet, but give them time). I try to pay, but get rejected, because our bank account can't quite afford the Oreos. So, I'm left searching my pockets for cash to cover the cost - or I'm putting those cookies back.

Not a great situation, but it's not embezzlement.

In our school district's case, we benefited from the wisdom of Catty Moore, the interim superintendent, who urged DPS to hold back 15% of funds budgeted for various schools and departments. As a result, we're looking at a $7-million shortfall instead.

Again, not good. But DPS seems intent on having these line items better documented going forward.

What else is going on?

Well, last night, I made sloppy joes for the family using my own from-scratch recipe. I'm sharing the sauce recipe in case you want to try it with a pound of hamburger:

1 cup of ketchup.
1 tablespoon of tomato paste.
2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce.
1 tablespoon of mustard.
1 tablespoon of brown sugar.
1 teaspoon of chili powder.
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
1/2 teaspoon of onion powder.
1/2 teaspoon of paprika.
1/2 cup water.
Salt and black pepper to taste.

But what about the news, neighbors?

New Life for the Old Denny's Site

After sitting dormant for a few years, that storefront at 7021 NC Highway 751's got a new occupant: Chipotle! Now, it's not South Durham's first Chipotle. There's one at Patterson Place and another at The Streets at Southpoint. But, hey, it's the first in walking distance of Jordan High School.

The restaurant opens today at 10:45 a.m.

[Letter to the Editor] Support Local Food Banks: Neighbor Jane Callahan Dornemann of Woodcroft urges SoDu to step up for nonprofits like Parktown Food Hub.

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