Carolyn Eubanks, an instructional assistant who has worked with the district for 10 years, said her pay does not reflect her dedication to the job.
"Money is just not flowing," Eubanks said.
Despite her passion for working with students, she said financial concerns weigh heavily on her, especially when thinking about the future.
"It's a good job to be able to work with children," she said. But the way things are going right now, we don't get this raise and stuff. It won't be in the books for me."
Eubanks was among hundreds of classified workers, including instructional assistants, custodians, and bus drivers, advocating for a 12% raise that was included in the Durham Public Schools budget proposal. However, the county budget does not currently fund the increase.
At the rally, workers expressed frustration and uncertainty about their financial stability.
"It's extremely disappointing that they don't value us as employees and value what we do, really," said Sofia Dawkins, a school bus driver.
Dawkins said her current wages make it difficult to get by.
"I don't know how anybody is supposed to live on the money that we earn. I'm a single woman, and it's honestly, it's really it's difficult," she said.
The proposed pay increase would raise hourly wages for classified workers to $19.22, up from the district's minimum wage of $17. Workers say the additional funding would help them support their families and remain in their jobs.
"Everything that I had hoped for seems like it was going down the drain," Eubanks said.
Some employees have already made significant sacrifices. Linda Clark, a longtime custodian, said she relocated because of the cost of living in Durham and now faces a long commute.
"I actually drive 35 minutes every day. A total of 70 minutes from Durham to Oxford every day. I hope that Durham County Commission will consider putting us in their budget," Clark said.
County commissioners have said property tax and sales tax revenues are down, complicating decisions about budget allocations. Still, workers remain hopeful that there is time for change. The next budget work session is scheduled for Thursday morning, and the final budget must be approved by June 8.
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