Kenneth Barnes

The meeting commenced with introductions, including the Superintendent Student Advisory Representative, Lasagna Artetta. A moment of silence was observed in recognition of Black History Month. The agenda was amended to include a Policy Committee update for information before the CTE Month proclamation. Key discussions involved public comments concerning the poor condition of school facilities, specifically mold and peeling laminate in classrooms, and low temperatures in certain areas, alongside concerns about accountability and timely reporting related to an incident at Eno Valley Elementary School. The Board unanimously approved the consent agenda, received the Policy Committee update, and approved the proclamation declaring February 2026 as Career and Technical Education Month. The session concluded with an informational update on the Summer Programs 2026 plan, emphasizing academic excellence, support for the whole child, community partnerships, and operational efficiency, anticipating an impact on over a thousand students.

The meeting began with opening remarks and a moment of silence that honored individuals who have been lost, especially members of the community affected by immigration enforcement actions, and acknowledged the increased fear in communities following the presidential election. The agenda proceeded with a segment dedicated to celebrations, recognizing students, teachers, and employees of the month for December and January. Student of the Month recognitions included Benjamin Allen from Durham School of Technology and Jules Tropman from Hillside High School. Teacher of the Month awards for December (Rory McElroy) and January (Noah Winberry), and Employee of the Month awards for December (Jim Keaton) and January (Tamanique Plats) were presented, focusing on themes of inclusivity and perseverance, respectively. Several community partners provided gifts and donations to the recognized students.

This Technology Plan for Durham Public Schools outlines the use of information technology and telecommunications infrastructure to achieve educational goals and improve library services. It focuses on five strategic priorities: establishing a Statewide Shared Services Model, achieving Universal Access to Personal Teaching and Learning Devices, enabling Statewide Access to Digital Teaching and Learning Resources (including digital textbooks), implementing a Statewide Model of Technology-Enabled Professional Development, and developing 21st Century Leadership for all schools and districts. The plan aims to ensure equitable access and quality delivery of technology while addressing funding limitations and fostering technology integration in classrooms.

The Durham Public Schools Technology Plan outlines a strategic direction for 2014-2016 focused on transforming technology usage and integrating it effectively into classrooms. Key priorities include establishing a Statewide Shared Services Model, ensuring Universal Access to Personal Teaching and Learning Devices, providing Statewide Access to Digital Teaching and Learning Resources (including Digital Textbooks), implementing a Statewide Model of Technology-Enabled Professional Development, and fostering 21st Century Leadership for All Schools and Districts. The plan aims to achieve equitable access to technology, enhance teaching and learning, increase student engagement, and prepare students and staff for 21st-century skills.

This joint quarterly meeting between the Board of County Commissioners and the Board of Education addressed community concerns stemming from the presence and detentions by border agents, with assurances provided regarding residents' rights and school protocols for safety. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the Durham Public Schools (DPS) Capital Improvement Planning (CIP) process. Key discussion points included the need to address aging facilities, which have an average age of 60 years, and the expressed need for $965 million to bring facilities to a functional state, excluding educational adequacy upgrades. The CIP process aims for a proactive maintenance strategy, considering factors like facility condition index, cost to repair versus replace, enrollment data, and site conditions. Specific goals for the CIP involve creating next-generation learning opportunities, rightsizing legacy schools (especially those under 450 students), addressing overcrowded facilities, and planning for future growth. The task force guiding the CIP development prioritizes investments with a 20-year lifespan.