Southpoint Access

[SoDu Sunrise Showcase] Can a Windfall Help a Shortfall?

Do parents of schoolkids know too much these days? Plus, Durham Public Schools might have a plan for reducing a big chunk of their $7M shortfall.

Wes Platt

05 Feb 2025 — 3 min read

Every day, I get alerts from Durham Public Schools via Canvas or Talking Points, letting me know what's going on with my kids.

I know before I wait in car line to pick up John Michael if he forgot to turn in classwork or if he struggled on a quiz. His mother and I pepper him with questions at dinner based on our intelligence gathering.

Can't help but notice it aggravates him sometimes. You know what? I can't blame him. When I went to school, long before the internet and smartphones, my parents only found out about any academic struggles when the report card came home. No matter how much they might've wanted to help me, the system wasn't really designed to engage them.

Now, though, if you're a parent wired for using these tools, it's setting the table for a buffet of micromanagement.

How do you like these apps? Let me know in an email: southpointaccessnews@gmail.com.

Oh, and other things are happening in the news!

MacKenzie Scott Funds Could Help with DPS Shortfall

The Durham Public Schools Board of Education on Thursday gets an update from Chief Financial Officer Jeremy Teetor, and the good news seems to be that they've worked out a plan to cover a large chunk of the recent $7-million budget shortfall with funds from deferred NC Pre-K revenue and an infusion from the 2022 MacKenzie Scott donation.

[SoDu How-To] Apply for Durham Pre-K 2025-2026: For parents with kids turning 4 by Aug. 31, here's what you need to know about public pre-kindergarten options.

[Crossword] Political Animals: Enjoy crossword puzzles? Each week, I try to share at least one on Southpoint Access.