Durham Public Schools Adopts 2025-26 Budget, Seeks Record Support from County

The Durham Public Schools Board of Education unanimously adopted its proposed 2025-2026 budget Thursday night, approving a $708 million spending plan centered around supporting educators, enhancing student services, and maintaining school facilities – even as financial pressures mount.

Board members also unanimously approved a reduction in force affecting central office operations, while emphasizing efforts to shield classroom instruction from cuts.

The district is requesting $230 million from Durham County to fund the upcoming school year – an almost $16-million increase over last year.

“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,” wrote Superintendent Dr. Anthony Lewis in his budget letter. “This includes addressing the vital role of our bus drivers, who are an essential part of the daily operation of our schools.”

2025-2026 Recommended Budget 4.24.2025 Download

Key Budget Highlights

Teacher Pay Boost:
➔ An additional $2.26 million to raise local teacher salary supplements, keeping DPS competitive with neighboring districts.
Bus Driver Raises:
➔ A $2,000 annual supplement to help recruit and retain qualified drivers amid ongoing shortages.
Master’s Degree Compensation:
➔ Over $1.44 million to enhance pay for teachers and social workers with advanced degrees.
Student Mental Health and Wellness:
➔ Continued investments in social-emotional learning programs and partnerships with the Center for Child & Family Health.
Exceptional Children Funding:
➔ $1.1 million to support students with disabilities, addressing a shortfall in state funding.
Magnet and Montessori Expansion:
➔ Funding of $1.6 million to sustain dual-language and Montessori programs, originally launched with philanthropic support.
Arts Investment:
➔ $150,000 dedicated to refreshing musical instruments and arts equipment across schools.

Central Office Reduction in Force

In response to the expiration of pandemic-era ESSER funds and rising operating costs, the board also approved a reorganization of central office staff.

27 classified central office positions are set to be eliminated, saving an estimated $2.06 million annually.
Some of the affected positions are already vacant or expected to be absorbed through retirements and attrition, reducing the number of staff members who will face layoffs.
The cuts specifically target administrative and support roles, not classroom teachers or direct student services.

Affected employees will remain in their positions through June 30 and will be offered the chance to apply for open roles within the district.

District officials said the reorganization is necessary to maintain long-term financial health, following a $34 million budget gap earlier this year.

Board Member Natalie Beyer praised Chief Financial Officer Jeremy Teetor for leading the budget work “thoughtfully and with a heart toward the classroom and protecting frontline positions.”

Board Member Joy Harrell Goff credited the administration with building transparency and trust with this year’s budget process, despite the difficulties encountered with last year’s budget shortfall and the associated confusion stemming from it.

The new budget proposal represents a sort of square one, she said.

“It’s going to be hard,” she told Teetor. “You know, we’re ready to take the heat, but with understanding.”

Board Member Bettina Umstead thanked the community for engaging with DPS during the budget-planning process.

“I hope we can keep this up as we keep moving forward,” she said.

What’s Next:

The Durham County Commissioners will review DPS’s funding request during the county’s budget process this spring.
Public hearings are expected in May and June, with final budget adoption in late June.

Check out the highlights from the meeting from See Gov:

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