Durham educators, school leaders to discuss 2026 priorities

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Durham Public Schools leaders and employees will convene Thursday at headquarters for their third and final meet and confer session for 2025.

The meeting is expected to focus on plans and priorities for the upcoming year, including:

• Budget transparency
• Classified staff raises that account for years of service
• Protecting students from ICE and bullying
• Addressing the transportation crisis
• Providing new printed contracts with clear hours and expectations
• Implementing a new grievance policy
• Transitioning to biweekly pay
• Offering paid bereavement leave

The Durham Association of Educators (DAE) stated that these demands would significantly improve both employees' working conditions and student learning environments.

Earlier this year, the Durham Board of Education passed the state's first-ever "Meet and Confer" policy, enabling DPS employees to contribute to school board decisions.

The Meet and Confer team school administrators, and members of the Durham Association of Educators (DAE). This marks their third meeting of the year.