Durham Public Schools public meetings in 2025
37 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board of Education Special Meeting
This is a special meeting of the Durham Public Schools Board of Education. The board will convene into closed session to consult with the attorney, discuss confidential personnel matters, and formulate emergency response plans for school violence. The open session includes a personnel action item. The agenda is largely procedural with no specific public agenda items detailed.
- Closed session to consult with attorney under G.S. 143-318.11(a)(3)
- Closed session to consider confidential personnel matters under G.S. 143-318.11(a)(6) and G.S. 115C-319
- Closed session to formulate emergency response plans for incidents of school violence
- Open session action on personnel approval
Board of Education Work Session
The Durham Public Schools Board of Education holds a work session with actions including approval of consent items, extension of the superintendent's contract, and discussion of policy updates on law enforcement and naloxone. The board will also receive a finance update and 2026-2027 budget priorities.
- Lease renewal with YMCA of the Triangle at Lakewood Middle School
- International teacher recruitment program approval
- Policy 5120 update on relationship with law enforcement (discussion)
- Policy 5023/6128/7268 on emergency use of naloxone (first reading)
- Finance update and service contract reduction (action)
Policy Committee Meeting
The Durham Public Schools Policy Committee will meet to discuss revisions to three policies: emergency use of naloxone, relationship with law enforcement, and private zones. These are discussion items only; no votes are scheduled. The meeting also includes procedural items such as call to order and agenda approval.
- Discussion of Policy Revision 5023/6128/7268 on Emergency Use of Naloxone
- Discussion of Policy Revision 5120 on Relationship with Law Enforcement (including community-submitted revision and ACLU toolkit)
- Discussion of Policy Revision on Private Zones (administrative policy)
- Motion to approve the Policy Committee Agenda for December 4, 2025
Board of Education Monthly Meeting
The Board will vote on a resolution affirming commitment to student safety and privacy regardless of immigration status. They will also discuss a proposed policy on student cell phone use, review classified salary scale scenarios, and consider approval of consent items including school improvement plans, a security contract, and fire alarm replacement at Githens Middle School. Action is also expected on adopting instructional calendars for 2026-2028.
- Resolution to affirm district commitment to student safety and privacy regardless of immigration status
- Discussion of Policy 4318 on student use of cell phones and personal wireless devices
- Discussion of classified salary scale scenarios for district staff
- Contract with Brady Integrated Security, Inc. for 2025-2026 school year
- Approval of 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 traditional and year-round instructional school calendars
Joint Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners and the Board of Education
The Durham County Board of Commissioners and Board of Education will hold a joint meeting to receive presentations and discuss the Durham Public Schools Capital Improvement Planning process and the County's capital improvement planning update. They will also hear a school academic update and vote on approving the joint 2026 meeting calendar. The meeting includes procedural items such as agenda approval and minutes approval.
- DPS Capital Improvement Planning Process presentation by Chief Operating Officer Kenneth Barnes and Director Devan Mitchell (20 minutes)
- County Capital Improvement Planning update and discussion led by County Manager Claudia Hager and Budget Director Keith Lane (20 minutes plus 20-minute discussion)
- School Academic Update from Deputy Superintendent Dr. Nicholas King covering ESSA accountability results (15 minutes)
- Approval of the Joint BOCC/BOE 2026 Meeting Calendar
- Approval of meeting minutes from August 12, 2025
Policy Committee Meeting
The Durham Public Schools Policy Committee will discuss revisions to Policy 4318 on student cell phone use and Policy 5023/6128/7268 on emergency use of Naloxone. The committee will also vote to approve the meeting agenda and the minutes from October 30, 2025.
- Discussion of Policy 4318: Student Use of Cell Phones and Other Personal Wireless Communication Devices, including public engagement summary
- Discussion of Policy 5023/6128/7268: Emergency Use of Naloxone
- Approval of minutes from October 30, 2025
- Approval of the November 10, 2025 agenda
Board of Education Work Session
The Board of Education Work Session will consider an action on the 2025-2026 Budget Resolution and other consent items, including easements for bus stop improvements and a utility easement for Durham School of Arts. Discussions are scheduled for a first reading of Policy 4318 on student cell phone use, low-performing school improvement plans, an enrollment and program alignment update, and the formation of a legislative steering committee.
- 2025-2026 Budget Resolution (consent action)
- City of Durham easements for GoDurham bus stop improvements on Freeman Road at Southern School of Energy and Sustainability (consent action)
- Policy 4318 – Student Use of Cell Phones and Other Personal Wireless Communication Devices – first reading (discussion)
- Low Performing School Improvement Plans FY 2025-2026 (discussion/information)
- Chromebook Repair Service Contract (consent action)
Policy Committee Meeting
The Policy Committee will discuss revisions to policies regarding student cell phone use, extracurricular activities, and the emergency use of Naloxone. The committee is also scheduled to approve meeting minutes from October 2 and October 15, 2025.
- Policy Revision: 3620 - Extra Curricular Activities and Student Organizations
- Policy Revision: 4318 - Student Use of Cell Phones and Other Personal Wireless Communication Devices
- Policy Revision: 5023/6128/7268 - Emergency Use of Naloxone
Board of Education Monthly Meeting
The Board will discuss a classified salary study and consider a consent agenda that includes approving funding for electric school buses, vendor approval, and multiple policy changes. The Board will also hold a closed session for confidential student and personnel matters, and consider a first reading of Policy 3210 on parental inspection of instructional materials.
- 2023 Clean School Bus Funding Allotment (EV buses via Carolina Thomas)
- Vendor approval for Piedmont Trucks for 2025-26 school year
- Tiering of policies including Student Use of Cell Phones (4318) and Emergency Use of Naloxone (5023/6128/7268)
- Adoption on second reading of nine policies including Parental Involvement, Internet Safety, and Emergency Epinephrine
- First reading of Policy 3210 - Parental Inspection of an Objection to Instructional Materials
Policy Committee Meeting
The Durham Public Schools Policy Committee will meet to discuss multiple proposed policy changes, including codes of student conduct, cell phone use, and emergency naloxone administration. The committee will also consider a grievance procedure for employees and rules for seclusion and restraint. Procedural items include approval of the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting.
- Discussion of Tier 2 policies including revisions to Code of Student Conduct for Elementary Schools
- Discussion of student cell phone and personal device policy
- Discussion of emergency use of Naloxone in schools
- Discussion of relationship with law enforcement policy
- Discussion of parental inspection of instructional materials (Tier 1)
Board of Education Work Session
The Durham Public Schools Board of Education will hold a work session to consider a consent agenda of routine items and a proclamation. Key actions include first-reading approval of multiple Tier 1 policies on topics like parental involvement, internet safety, religious exemptions, and domicile requirements. The board will also vote on communications guidelines between the superintendent and board, vendor approvals for the 2025-26 school year, and contract renewals.
- First reading of Tier 1 policies: parental involvement, internet safety, religious-based exemptions, domicile/residence requirements, emergency epinephrine, public records, administering medicines, recruitment, personnel files
- Approval of Guidelines for Communications Between DPS Superintendent and Board of Education
- NCSBA County Commission Nomination and Delegate selection
- Contract with North Carolina Detective Agency for 2025-2026 school year
- Background Investigation Bureau (bChex) contract renewal for 2025-2026
Policy Committee Meeting
The Durham Public Schools Policy Committee will discuss proposed updates to multiple Tier 1 policies, including student cell phone use, domicile requirements, parental involvement, and instructional materials. The committee will also discuss further tiering of potential policies. This is a discussion and information session; no final votes are scheduled.
- Student use of cell phones and other personal devices (Policy 4318)
- Domicile or residence requirements for enrollment (Policy 4120)
- Parental inspection of and objection to instructional materials (Policy 3210)
- Parental involvement in schools (Policy 1310)
- Religious-based exemptions from curriculum (Policy 3510)
Board of Education Special Meeting
This special meeting of the Durham Public Schools Board of Education consists primarily of a closed session to consult with the attorney under attorney-client privilege (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-318.11(a)(3)). The board will convene in closed session, discuss legal matters, then return to open session before adjourning. No substantive public decisions or votes on policies, contracts, or other business are on the agenda.
- Convene into closed session
- Consult with attorney to preserve attorney-client privilege (G.S. 143-318.11(a)(3))
- Motion to return to open session
Board of Education Monthly Meeting
The Board of Education will discuss and act on a classified salary study, consider an Enterprise Resource Planning system change, and approve a memorandum of agreement with NCCU for Josephine Dobbs Clement Early College High School. They will also receive a policy committee update, a finance update, and vote on personnel reports and a resolution honoring Mr. Elton Martin O'Neal. The meeting includes a closed session for confidential student and personnel matters.
- Classified Salary Study Survey Results presented for discussion
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) change contract approval
- Memorandum of Agreement with NCCU for Josephine Dobbs Clement Early College High School
- Recommendation to solicit proposals for potential use of 4505 S. Alston Avenue
- Approval of Personnel Reports dated September 25, 2025
Policy Committee Meeting
The Durham Public Schools Policy Committee will meet to discuss prioritization of school board policies and the role of Tharrington Smith attorneys. The meeting includes approval of the agenda and minutes from August 19, 2025, as procedural items.
- Discussion of policy prioritization using a rubric
- Discussion of Tharrington Smith attorney participation and function
- Discussion of public participation procedures
- Approval of meeting minutes from August 19, 2025
Board of Education Work Session
The Durham Public Schools Board of Education will consider consent items including an NCDOT easement, contingency replenishments for Durham School of the Arts and Glenn Elementary School, a budget amendment, and purchasing six Toyota Camrys for driver education. Under administration, the board will act on a bank recommendation and receive a finance update. Academic services will present 2024-2025 ESSA accountability results. A closed session is scheduled for personnel, attorney consultation on pending litigation, and confidential student information.
- NCDOT Easement
- Owner's Contingency Replenishment – Durham School of the Arts (New Build)
- Owner's Contingency Replenishment – Glenn Elementary School (Renovation)
- Purchase of six Toyota Camrys for driver education
- Closed session to consult attorney on CATE Services v. Durham Public Schools litigation
Board of Education Monthly Meeting
The Board of Education will vote on several consent items including the Federal Consolidated District Plan for Title I, II, and Part A funding, and a contract for the Rethink Ed social-emotional learning program for the 2025-2026 school year. The board will receive a back-to-school update from administration and will enter closed session to discuss confidential student information and personnel matters. Other agenda items include approval of donations and grants, insurance renewal information, and personnel reports.
- Vote on Federal Consolidated District Plan (Title I, II, IV, Part A) for 2025-2026
- Vote on ReThink Ed SEL Contract for 2025-2026
- Back to School Update from administration (40 minutes)
- Closed session for confidential student information and personnel matters
- Approval of donations and grants for July and August 2025
Board of Education Work Session
This work session includes consent items for several contracts (waste management, HVAC maintenance, consulting for exceptional children, cell phones, network support, audit), plus action items on the 2026-2027 budget calendar, classified salary study timeline, N.C. mini-budget updates, and a contract amendment for the 2022 Bond & Building Program. The board will also receive updates on the Glenn School project and back-to-school preparations, and discuss the 2023-2024 audit. A closed session is scheduled for personnel and legal matters.
- Contract for Districtwide Waste Management (consent)
- Contracts for Districtwide HVAC Preventative Maintenance (consent)
- Contract with Framework Consulting for Exceptional Children’s Teachers (consent)
- Contract Amendment for 35 North Staffing Plan for 2022 Bond & Building Program
- Approval of 2026-2027 Budget Calendar
Board of Education Organizational Meeting (8:30 a.m.)
The Durham Public Schools Board of Education holds an organizational meeting to elect a chair and vice chair, approve the 2025-2026 meeting schedule, and consider an out-of-county tuition rate as a consent item.
- Election of Board of Education Chair and Vice Chair
- Approval of 2025-2026 Board of Education Meeting Schedule
- Out of County Tuition Rate for 2025-2026 (consent item)
Board of Education Monthly Meeting
The Durham Public Schools Board of Education will consider a motion to approve a School Resource Officer (SRO) Memorandum of Understanding for the 2025-2026 school year, along with a broader safety update. The consent agenda includes approval of contracts for lawn care, school nutrition bids, a budget amendment, an interim budget resolution, and several policy changes. The board will also discuss a resolution opposing SB277, which would eliminate DEI initiatives in public education, and consider pay amendments for school social workers and nurses.
- Vote on SRO MOU for 2025-2026
- Resolution against SB277 eliminating DEI in public education
- Approval of 2024-2025 Budget Amendment #2 and 2025-2026 Interim Budget Resolution
- Pay amendments for school social workers and nurses for 2024-2025 SY
- Plan for piloting non-state licensed afterschool programs in eight elementary schools
Board of Education Work Session
The Board will hold a work session with consent items including contract amendments and easements. They will discuss a technology update and a proposed technology fee, approve the 2025-2028 Academically or Intellectually Gifted Plan, and consider a three-year legal services contract with Poyner Spruill. The meeting also includes a closed session for personnel, attorney consultation, and student information.
- Contract for legal services with Poyner Spruill (three-year)
- Technology fee approval as part of Technology Update
- Approval of 2025-2028 Academically or Intellectually Gifted Plan
- Deed of Easement for sidewalk construction at Holt Elementary School
- Draft changes to policies 3520, 4326, and 7800 (first reading)
Board of Education Monthly Meeting
The Board will discuss and vote on modifications to Policy 7215, which governs meet-and-confer procedures with employee groups. The consent agenda includes approvals for multiple contracts, purchases, and an interlocal energy agreement. Public comment is open for 30 minutes.
- Interlocal Agreement with Durham County and City for Duke Energy Green Source Advantage Program
- STOP Grant contract for services
- CTE Health Science Career Labs purchase
- Multiple Curriculum & Instruction large contracts for 2025-26 (Instructure, Curriculum Associates, Discovery Ed, K-5 Literacy, Museum of Life & Science)
- Purchase of 3 Toyota Camrys for Driver Education Department
Joint BOCC/BOE Quarterly Meeting
This is a quarterly joint meeting of the Durham County Board of Commissioners and Durham Public Schools Board of Education. The agenda includes discussion of DPS's budget request and the county's proposed budget, a preview of facility condition assessment and capital improvement plan, and an assessment of the existing MOU between the two bodies. Procedural items and public comments are also scheduled. No votes or decisions are listed; all substantive items are discussion or information only.
- Facility Condition Assessment/Capital Improvement Plan preview
- DPS Budget Request Discussion
- County Budget Discussion (FY 2025-26 Manager's Presentation)
- Assessment of DPS and County MOU (2017 MOU and 2021 markup)
- DPS PreK / Durham PreK update
Board of Education Work Session
The Durham Public Schools Board of Education will consider approval of pay changes for certified and classified staff who drive buses, discuss a master's pay update and a salary administration policy, and preview a facility condition assessment and capital improvement plan. The board will also hold the first reading of a community engagement policy and may approve consent items, including alternative schools' accountability systems and transportation vendor contracts. A closed session is scheduled for personnel and legal matters.
- Pay changes for certified and classified staff who drive buses (action item)
- Master's pay update discussion
- Facility condition assessment and capital improvement plan preview
- Board community engagement policy first reading
- Transportation contract with multiple vendors (consent item)
Board of Education Monthly Meeting
The Durham Public Schools Board will vote on the recommended 2025-2026 budget and a proposed reduction in classified staff. Consent items include furniture procurement for Glenn Elementary renovation, CTE computer purchases, and a Medicaid contract with Public Consulting Group. The board will also receive an update on School Resource Officers and consider a proclamation supporting infant feeding practices.
- Action on 2025-2026 Recommended Budget (45-minute discussion)
- Vote on Classified Reduction in Force Proposal
- Furniture procurement with Blankenship Associates for Glenn Elementary School renovation (Areas A, C, D, G)
- Approval of 35 North Construction Project Management Firm
- Public Consulting Group (PCG) Medicaid Contract
Board of Education Work Session
The Board of Education will discuss the Superintendent's Recommended Budget for 2025-2026 and consider approval of the 2024-2025 Budget Resolution. Other actions include approving an electrical easement with Duke Energy at Glenn Elementary School, a Magnet Schools Assistance Program grant evaluator, and a resolution honoring Dr. John Harding Lucas Sr. The meeting also includes public comment, a closed session for personnel and legal matters, and informational items on overnight field trips and a strategic plan update.
- Superintendent's Recommended Budget 2025-2026 (discussion)
- 2024-2025 Budget Resolution (action)
- Electrical Easement with Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC at Glenn Elementary School (consent)
- Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) Grant Evaluator (consent)
- Resolution Honoring Dr. John Harding Lucas, Sr. (action)
Board of Education Special Meeting - Budget Hearing
The Durham Public Schools Board of Education is holding a special meeting for a budget hearing. The board will also consider approving the meeting agenda. No specific budget figures or proposals are listed in the agenda.
- Budget hearing for public comment
- Motion to approve the meeting agenda (referenced as 'BOE Work Session Agenda for January 9, 2025')
Board of Education Monthly Meeting
The Board will discuss the Superintendent's recommended 2025-2026 budget, a resolution for Transgender Day of Visibility, and consent items including HVAC repairs over $90,000 using ARPA funds and a policy on classified personnel reduction. Public comment and a closed session for confidential matters are also scheduled.
- Superintendent's Recommended 2025-2026 Budget (discussion)
- Resolution for Transgender Day of Visibility in DPS (March 31, 2025) (action/discussion)
- Contract approvals for HVAC vendors districtwide repairs exceeding $90,000 (ARPA funds) (consent)
- Policy 7921, Classified Personnel Reduction (consent)
- Transportation updates on express stops for 2024-2025 (discussion)
Board of Education Special Meeting - Budget Hearing
At this special meeting, the Board of Education is conducting a budget hearing (discussion/information) followed by a closed session to consider confidential personnel, legal, and student matters. After returning to open session, the board will vote on a service contract and approve personnel reports.
- Budget hearing (discussion/information) with attached budget document
- Closed session for confidential personnel information (G.S. 143-318.11(a)(6) & 115C-319)
- Closed session to consult with attorney under attorney-client privilege
- Closed session for confidential student information (FERPA and G.S. 115C-402)
- Service contract action item in open session
Board of Education Special Meeting - Durham Delegates
The Board of Education holds a special meeting to review and discuss the Durham Public Schools Legislative Agenda for 2025. The agenda includes approval of the meeting's agenda and consideration of the draft legislative priorities.
- Review of DPS Legislative Agenda 2025 draft (attached PDF)
- Motion to approve the BOE Work Session Agenda for January 9, 2025 (procedural)
Board of Education Work Session
The Durham Public Schools Board of Education will meet to approve consent items including overnight field trips, a contract with Framework Consulting, and the 2025 Legislative Agenda. The session includes a presentation on the Superintendent's Post-Entry Plan and a review of salary administration policy.
- Motion to approve contract with Framework Consulting for Exceptional Children Teachers
- Motion to approve DPS Legislative Agenda 2025
- Presentation on Superintendent's Post-Entry Plan
- Review of Salary Administration and Employee Compensation policy
- Motion to approve Personnel Reports dated March 13, 2025
Board of Education Special Meeting
The Durham Public Schools Board of Education will hold a special meeting to review the purpose, membership, and structure of a new policy committee. The agenda includes discussing committee roles, community input opportunities, and next steps for policy drafting.
- Review of Policy Committee purpose and membership
- Discussion on community input for proposed policies
- Timeline for policy drafting and review
- Scheduling of the next committee meeting
Board of Education Monthly Meeting
The Durham Public Schools Board of Education will meet to discuss the budget for 45 minutes, consider a Crown Week Proclamation, and review a draft legislative agenda. The board will also act on consent items including overnight field trips, an audit extension, and a network switch purchase, then convene in closed session for confidential student and personnel matters.
- Budget Information discussion (45 minutes)
- Crown Week Proclamation
- Draft Legislative Agenda Update (30 minutes)
- Purchase of Network Switches and Modules (consent)
- Audit Extension (consent)
Board of Education Special Meeting
This is a special meeting of the Durham Public Schools Board of Education. The board will review and approve the agenda, then hold a professional development workshop focused on board-superintendent communication norms and the superintendent evaluation rubric. No votes on policy or spending are scheduled.
- Professional development workshop on board-superintendent communication norms
- Review of superintendent fillable evaluation rubric
- Discussion of communication plan documents from multiple school districts
Board of Education Work Session
The Durham Public Schools Board of Education will discuss current-year budget challenges and receive updates on transportation and strategic plan priority 2. Consent items include a contract for emergency repairs at Holton Resource Center, an electrical easement with Duke Energy at Glenn Elementary, and revisions to 2025-2026 instructional and specialty calendars. The meeting also features a resolution honoring Dr. E. Lavonia Allison, a CTE proclamation, and a closed session for personnel, legal, and student matters.
- Contract with Comfort Mechanical Contractors for emergency repairs at Holton Resource Center (dollar amount not specified)
- Electrical easement with Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC at Glenn Elementary School
- Approval of 2025-2026 instructional and specialty calendar revisions
- Update on current year budget challenges
- Transportation services update
Board of Education Monthly Meeting
The Durham Public Schools Board of Education will hear a 30-minute presentation on current-year budget challenges, along with updates on transportation services recruitment and retention, strategic plan priority 3, and the DPS Foundation. The board will also convene a closed session for personnel, attorney consultation, and confidential student matters.
- Current Year Budget Challenges discussion (30 minutes)
- Transportation Services recruitment and retention update (30 minutes)
- Strategic Plan Priority 3 update (30 minutes)
- Informational update on ARPA interlocal agreement between DPS and Durham County
- DPS Foundation presentation (15 minutes)
Board of Education Work Session
The Durham Public Schools Board of Education will hold a work session on January 9, 2025, to discuss and act on several items. Key actions include approving the 2025-2026 Budget Calendar, multiple change orders for the Glenn Elementary School renovation, and contracts exceeding $90,000. The board will also discuss a policy on classified personnel reduction and a legislative agenda update. A combined meeting with city and county officials is proposed.
- 2025-2026 Budget Calendar approval
- Policy 7921 – Classified Personnel Reduction (discussion)
- Contract approvals for vendors exceeding $90,000
- Change orders for Glenn Elementary School renovation (Clancy & Theys, IT network, fiber lines)
- Combined City/County/Board of Education Meeting proposal