LaVerne Mattocks-Perry

The Board of Education conducted a meeting to move into a closed session. The primary purpose of this session was to discuss confidential student information, specifically addressing matters protected under General Statute 115C-402 and the Family Educational and Privacy Rights Act. Following the closed session, the board reconvened in an open session and adjourned the meeting.

The Board meeting focused on a variety of student and staff celebrations, including recognitions for state champion scholar-athletes, the 2026 Governor's School selectees, the final monthly teachers and employees of the month for the school year, and the recipients of the district's inaugural Sparky Awards. Additionally, the meeting included a recognition of graduating parent ambassadors from the district's program and concluded with the presentation of the Purple Star designation for 37 district schools.

The board discussed agenda adjustments, including rescheduling the CIP and bond update. Extensive public comment was provided regarding the discontinuation of H1B visa sponsorship for international teachers at Burton Elementary, with speakers highlighting the positive impact these educators have on student success and the school's global curriculum. Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the district's compliance with McKinney-Vento transportation protections for students experiencing housing instability.

The Board discussed and reviewed several key operational and financial matters. Topics included the budget recommendation for the 2017-2018 fiscal year, the restoration of various school-level positions, and teacher retention initiatives. The Board approved several bids for capital projects, including lighting upgrades at Hillside High School, roof replacements, and contract renewals for child nutrition services. Additionally, the Board reviewed revisions to various technology and copyright policies and discussed the budget amendment for the 2016-2017 fiscal year.

This document provides an update on the 'Growing Together' initiative, which aims to reimagine student assignment practices for Durham Public Schools. The initiative focuses on three core components: aligning pre-K and EC special program classrooms for equitable access, evaluating magnet programs to ensure fairness and access across the district, and making school boundaries adjustments in response to community growth and overcrowding. The overarching goal is to increase equity, access, and diversity by implementing a regional access model, promoting school diversity, simplifying the application process, minimizing student bus times, and ensuring consistent quality programming and resources across all schools to address existing disparities.