Durham Public Schools Faces $7M Budget Shortfall Amid Transparency Push

The Durham Public Schools Board of Education will meet Thursday to tackle a projected $7-million budget shortfall for the current fiscal year, driven by underbudgeted expenses and rising costs in key areas. Superintendent Dr. Anthony Lewis has committed to a transparent approach, promising regular updates and opportunities for community input. The district’s new chief finance officer, Jeremy Teetor, has already uncovered significant gaps, including $18.6 million in unaccounted-for positions, $9.7 million in charter school payments, and $3 million in child nutrition costs. Other underbudgeted areas include master’s pay for teachers, arts supplements, and utilities.

DPS has taken steps to address the shortfall, such as withholding 15% of school and departmental budgets to create a $26.4 million reserve and identifying $1.1 million in state funds. Lewis also announced a series, Dollars and Decisions, to educate the public on the district’s budget process and encourage active involvement. For more details on the budget challenges and upcoming strategies, check out our newsletter.