Highlights about Education

The Durham Public Schools Board of Education hears stark testimony on mold, freezing classrooms, and unanswered questions about a reported child-restraint incident before turning to summer learning plans, one-to-one student devices, and whether a $4.6 million annual tech refresh is sustainable. Board members and staff also wrestle with shrinking enrollment, rising costs, charter growth, and how to boost classified pay while keeping schools repaired and students equipped to learn.

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education hears concerns about removing efforts to recruit educators of color, then confronts mounting budget risks from county funding changes and a possible shift to per-pupil allocations. The board reviews sobering enrollment projections, weighs closing one versus two elementary schools, and debates which campuses should stay under consideration.

The Springfield District 186 Board of Education discusses a proposed countywide mental health board and sales tax, outlines plans for at least $10 million in budget cuts and related staffing changes, and approves a new superintendent contract while recognizing student achievements in sports and the arts.

The Durham Public Schools Board of Education celebrates outstanding students, staff, and teachers before turning to weighty topics including law enforcement policies, student safety concerns, and public comment on immigration enforcement and special education. Board members then grapple with budget pressures—from charter school growth to before- and after-school care—sparring over steep tuition increases, sliding-scale options, and how to involve families before final decisions are made.