Back-to-school Guide for Durham Public Schools, including buses, new communication systems

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- It's time for students on a traditional calendar to head back to the classroom.

Durham Public Schools serves over 31,000 students across 57 schools in the county. Last year, the district got a new superintendent, Dr. Anthony Lewis, after Pascal Mubenga resigned during the ongoing pay dispute.

Lewis told Eyewitness News that one of his goals is to create an environment where educators thrive -- same for Durham students and parents.

"We have your back; we have your kids' best interest in mind," he said.

Here's everything you need to know ahead of the first day of school:

Transportation

The school board voted to activate the 'Family Responsibility Zones' at 21 elementary schools back in January. This will replace the district's rotational bus service that was in place, providing bus service four days a week on a rotating basis, amid the bus driver shortage.

Hundreds of families that live near their student's elementary school - up to one mile - will be responsible for getting them to school every day.

Families can get information about school buses in real time by downloading the Edulog Parent Portal App to track the location and arrival times.

New Systems

DPS is transitioning to a new student information system, NCSIS powered by Infinite Campus, replacing PowerSchool. Students and families can view grades, attendance and other important school information.

The district is also launching a two-way messaging tool called Rooms to make communicating with families easier. It is part of the same platform that runs the district website and app. All communication from schools will exist in one place: The DPS district app.

Cellphone Use

Starting this year, a new North Carolina law requires that all students must keep their cellphones and other communication devices turned off and put away during class. Devices can be used outside of class time.

School Lunch

The district will offer free breakfast and lunch to all students every day for the 2025-26 school year.

Tech Fees

This year, there will be a required annual technology fee of $15 in grades K through 5 and $30 in grades 6 through 12.