Durham Public Schools may eliminate 27 classified positions within its central office as part of a proposed $2 million cost-saving measure tied to the district’s looming budget deficit. The proposal is set to be discussed at the DPS Board of Education meeting on Thursday.
According to the agenda packet released ahead of the meeting, the cuts are intended to address a $34 million budget shortfall and will focus on non-instructional roles to minimize the impact on classrooms.
📉 What’s Driving the Cuts?
In a presentation prepared by Chief Finance Officer Jeremy Teetor, the district outlines two major drivers behind the move:
- The expiration of more than $160 million in federal ESSER funds, which had temporarily supported staff and resources since the pandemic began.
- Increased operating costs and the need to replace one-time financial patches used to balance the 2024–25 budget.
Teetor emphasized that the RIF is part of a long-term reorganization strategy meant to bring district staffing in line with sustainable funding levels.
🧾 The Proposal at a Glance
- Positions affected include roles in Human Resources, School Nutrition, Transportation, Finance, Equity, and Curriculum & Instruction.
- Some roles are already vacant or are expected to be vacated through retirement or attrition.
- The total estimated savings: $2,058,895.10, including salaries and benefits.
Key titles affected include:
- HR Administrator Support (2 positions)
- Life Safety Supervisor
- Fixed Asset Specialist
- Budget Analyst
- Dietician
- Student Engagement Coordinator
- DLI (Dual Language Immersion) Specialist
🗓️ What Happens Next?
If the board approves the proposal on April 24:
- Affected employees will be notified by May 1.
- Staff will remain in current roles until June 30.
- Employees will be eligible to apply for open positions elsewhere in the district.
All steps will follow Board Policy 7921, which governs how reductions in force are handled in Durham Public Schools.
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