Superintendent Proposes $708M Durham Schools Budget

Durham Public Schools (DPS) is entering a pivotal budget year as the district navigates rising costs, expiring federal funding, and increased demands for educational equity. Superintendent Dr. Anthony Lewis at Thursday’s Board of Education meeting proposed a $708 million budget for the 2025-2026 school year, emphasizing competitive compensation for educators, sustaining critical programs, and addressing gaps in resources for exceptional children and underserved communities.

“This budget reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence in education, providing the necessary resources to meet the needs of all our students, and continuing our progress toward a more robust and equitable school system,” Lewis stated in his budget letter.

Acknowledging Support from County Commissioners

Lewis expressed appreciation for the record investment made by the Durham County Board of Commissioners last year, noting that it laid “a strong foundation upon which we can continue to build.” However, he warned that ongoing challenges, including inflation, rising operational costs, and federal funding uncertainties, present new hurdles for maintaining progress.

“While we remain optimistic, the uncertainty surrounding federal funding adds an element of unpredictability to our financial planning,” Lewis said. “This, coupled with navigating the mounting costs of doing business in an ever-changing environment, creates significant challenges.”

DPS By the Numbers

Total Enrollment:

31,188 students across 57 schools
Elementary Schools: 13,906 students
Middle Schools: 6,436 students
High Schools: 10,846 students

Budget Snapshot: Funding Sources and Allocation

DPS’s proposed budget draws from multiple funding sources, with local, state, and federal contributions supporting day-to-day operations, capital improvements, and specialized programs.

Funding Breakdown:

State: 35% ($244 million)
Local: 29% ($208 million)
Federal: 6% ($43 million)
Capital Outlay: 23% ($161 million)
Child Nutrition, Grants, and Other: 7% ($52 million)

Allocation of Funds:

Instructional Services: $364 million
Capital Outlay: $161 million
Systemwide Support Services: $95 million
Ancillary and Non-Programmed Services: $87 million

As federal pandemic relief funds phase out, DPS is increasingly reliant on local funding to fill gaps left by federal and state sources. Last year, the Durham County Board of Commissioners increased the district’s local appropriation to $206 million – a record amount – but the 2025-2026 proposal seeks an additional $15.98 million to address growing operational and instructional needs.

Prioritizing Teacher and Staff Compensation

A major focus of the proposed budget is ensuring that teachers, bus drivers, and support staff receive competitive compensation. DPS ranks third in North Carolina for teacher supplements, providing an average of $10,355 per teacher annually, but still trails Wake County and Chapel Hill-Carrboro schools.

To close this gap, the budget proposes an additional $2.26 million to increase local teacher supplements. Higher supplements would help DPS attract and retain experienced educators, which is essential for maintaining classroom stability and improving student outcomes.

To address persistent bus driver shortages, the budget allocates $377,436 to provide a $2,000 local supplement for drivers with permanent routes. This increase is expected to improve retention and ensure reliable student transportation.

The budget also seeks $1.44 million to restore and expand local master’s pay for 358 teachers and 11 school social workers who have earned advanced degrees. Research shows that educators with advanced credentials contribute to higher student achievement, making this investment critical for improving outcomes and reducing turnover.

“Our teachers, administrators, and support personnel are the backbone of Durham Public Schools, and it is essential that we remain competitive in attracting and retaining top talent,” Lewis said. “We are deeply committed to creating a working environment where all staff feel valued and supported.”

Navigating Key Gaps and Challenges

While the proposed budget addresses critical priorities, several funding gaps remain that could impact key initiatives without additional local support.

Exhaustion of MacKenzie Scott Funds for Growing Together

The Growing Together initiative, which promotes equitable access to magnet and Montessori programs, previously relied on allocated funds from MacKenzie Scott’s $18 million gift to DPS. This funding allocation, which supported 22 positions for dual language and Montessori programs, is projected to be exhausted by the upcoming fiscal year, creating a $1.65 million funding gap that must be filled through local funding.

Expiration of ESSER Funds for SEL and Mental Health

Programs such as ReThink Ed, Panorama, and services provided by the Center for Child & Family Health were previously funded by Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds, which are set to expire. Without $607,095 in local funding, these essential services could be reduced or eliminated.

Exceptional Children Funding Gap

North Carolina caps state funding for exceptional children at 13% of total enrollment, but 16.4% of DPS students qualify for these services. This discrepancy leaves 1,032 students unfunded, creating a $1.1 million shortfall in the first year of a five-year plan to close this gap.

Charter School Growth and Financial Impact

As charter school enrollment increases, DPS is required to allocate a portion of its budget to these institutions. The proposed budget includes $1.98 million to cover the district’s share of charter school expansion, reflecting the ongoing challenge of balancing resources between traditional public schools and charter institutions.

Special Investments: Enhancing Student Experiences

The budget includes targeted investments to enrich student experiences and promote equity across the district.

Growing Together: Expanding Magnet and Montessori Programs

To balance resources across schools and increase access to high-quality magnet programs, the budget would fund:

10 Dual Language Teachers ($850,000)
4 Montessori Pre-K Teachers ($360,000) and 8 Instructional Aides ($443,000)

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Mental Health

The budget seeks $607,095 to continue supporting SEL programs, which have proven critical for addressing students’ emotional and behavioral needs.

Supporting Exceptional Children

To address the state’s cap on exceptional children funding, DPS proposes an initial $1.1 million investment to begin closing the gap over five years.

Musical Instrument Refresh and Arts Funding

The budget includes $150,000 to replace aging musical instruments and upgrade arts resources in elementary, middle, and high schools.

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