Durham Public Schools grapples with $9 million shortfall amid pay dispute

Classified staff account for about half of DPS employees. It’s a group that includes instructional assistants, occupational therapists, physical therapists, nutritional staff and transportation support staff.

For the district to continue paying classified staff at the same rate from October 2023, DPS would be $9 million over budget. October 2023 is when DPS classified staff got raises after a study conducted by HIL Consultants.

Q&A: What is going on with Durham Public Schools?

A report into what happened with Durham Public Schools' classified staff pay shows a breakdown in communication.

Departments had a discrepancy on how many years of service would count, and how much paying for them would cost. The report also shows a glimpse of what could be coming.

HIL consultants, who did the salary study, weighed in on deeper issues.

"The consultants also identified other apparent shortfalls in the district’s budget, due in part to declining student enrollment that has resulted in a significant decrease in state funding," HIL’s study said.

Schools are funded by the state based on their average daily membership.

According to state data, that number is declining, with more families opting out of public-school education.

School Board members voted only on February paychecks at their meeting last week, tabling a long-term decision until the newly hired comptroller can weigh in.

"We do need to figure out responsibly what we're going to do,” said Durham Public Schools board member Emily Chavez. “We can't spend money that we don't have."

DPS staff have recommended four options for the school board to consider on this issue, ranging from $90.1 million to 90.4 million dollars. Each option could be funded in the current budget.

The Durham County Commission and the school board meet once a quarter.

The Durham Public Schools Board of Education is also meeting Thursday with the Durham Association of Educators.

The Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People (DCABP) held a news conference Monday at 11:30 a.m. to make a statement and put forth some recommendations regarding the current problems at Durham Public Schools that have led to school cancellations and other issues.

The organization is asking that the district maintain the raises that were promised to employees until the end of the school year.

"We want pay to be maintained for our classified workers," said Walter Jackson, chair of the DCABP.

In the event of future cancellations, the group is asking the district to employ remote learning for students.

The organization also called on the county commissioner to step up.

“We think the county commission needs to step up and become actively involved in this issue because they are the primary funding source for the schools," Jackson said. "We are asking county commissioners to step up and do what they need to do to provide adequate funding."

The organization said the county commission needs to be more involved in the discussion.

“It is our belief that the fundamental issue that needs to be kept in mind in this current situation is the welfare of our students."