[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6277526,"mediaKeyId","2653533-dcf8023a2a71c2dc3dfeb66881667bfa","parentId",2653533,"title","Board reviews salary administration policy draft; staff seek clearer rules on placement, steps and supplemental pay","audioSeconds",405,"startMs",6086000,"endMs",6491000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2653533-dcf8023a2a71c2dc3dfeb66881667bfa&start=6086&end=6491","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2653533-dcf8023a2a71c2dc3dfeb66881667bfa/thumbnail_6086000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6277526/North-Carolina/Board-reviews-salary-administration-policy-draft-staff-seek-clearer-rules-on-placement-steps-and-supplemental-pay","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6277526-a99554ad4776f16c52d8eb15808e918c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771099766&Signature=Ud~4iR189BAWXEF8VRH9CS-yfgemIGpGn9oJrgO9tvLIi5CmJR-aXQ250V10XqXcCnjTiDtTpaiAERPlLOFndzpL8yXuWmnf9sypVKgDMeu9hH4SMgzjqjAtRMMUVzD-XtCPkVa~WxxiCau3L8mTtiTf6XnxI5~bM5~mxb5prWOa4kLhYzwMSoryARth7ACjV1Vr7BzU0zEZvD9aVVeZFhLznXzUh7f3dPu1ALAOWHWtCjHTxRVak93CMp6Ko8bYcps~Y9fXJUj-wHg7YFb7CHjJHHQOJVajEUv0~DW1fXUWHSNL6hM8mm74JfPxIKoUOFHzg44BA3uBTi33oQ0sbg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-03-14T13:39:36Z","article","Durham Public Schools administration presented Policy 7502, a draft salary‑administration policy intended to provide consistent, transparent rules for base pay, step movement, supplements and extra duty pay.

HR staff told the board the policy is intended to ensure competitive compensation, fair placement and recognition of relevant experience and that the working group includes certified and classified staff. The administration said the policy clarifies approval procedures for extra‑duty pay, timing and documentation of athletic pay, and that compensation changes will be recorded in personnel files.

Board members and staff raised detailed questions about policy language and operational implications. Trustees and observers asked for:

- Clearer language distinguishing step movement from board‑approved percentage raises; several trustees said steps should not be assumed to carry automatic pay increases unless the board votes funding. Administration agreed the draft needs clearer wording.
- A simple, public explanation for how new hires and current employees are placed on published salary tables (min/max), and illustrative examples to aid recruitment. Trustees and HR said a user‑facing crosswalk or flowchart should accompany the policy.
- Guidance describing how employees move within min/max ranges, how experience (from other districts or private‑sector roles) is credited, and procedures for reclassification requests.
- A protocol for employees who leave and return to DPS (draft language referenced a one‑year rehire rule); trustees requested clarity on the reason and timeframe.
- Reconciliation of the ‘Crutchfield’ differentials (legacy supplemental lines on pay records) with the Erie/board‑approved schedules so employees can see where they fall; administration said resolving that is a complex multi‑year project but that staff will continue working on transparent explanations.
- Inclusion of arts and athletics supplements and parity concerns: trustees urged that arts supplemental pay be kept on parity as athletics supplements are addressed.

Administration said the draft is a second reading and that the working group is continuing to refine the policy with more staff input. HR and finance staff committed to provide examples, clearer definitions, and a public‑facing explanation for placement, and to continue working with employees who feel unclear about their placement or pay history.

Why it matters: Compensation policy affects recruitment, retention and staff morale. Predictability and transparency in how employees are placed on pay scales and how supplements are awarded were repeated concerns at the meeting.

What to watch next: Administration will refine the policy language, produce explanatory materials (examples/flowcharts), and continue outreach to impacted employees. The policy was not adopted at this meeting; trustees asked administration to return with clarified language and supporting materials before a final vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","#DPSCommunity | DPS Board of Education Monthly Work Session | 3/13/25","oneSentenceSummary","Administration presented a second reading of Policy 7502, a salary‑administration draft that HR says will clarify pay schedules, step movement and extra‑duty procedures; trustees asked for clearer, public‑facing explanations before adopting the policy.","taxTitle","Durham Public Schools, School Districts, North Carolina","taxId",14087,"location","North Carolina","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6277530,"Superintendent outlines post‑entry plan with 13 immediate priorities, board asks for timelines and equity audits",3075,4212000,7287000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2653533-dcf8023a2a71c2dc3dfeb66881667bfa&start=4212&end=7287","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2653533-dcf8023a2a71c2dc3dfeb66881667bfa/thumbnail_4212000.jpg","/articles/6277530/North-Carolina/Superintendent-outlines-postentry-plan-with-13-immediate-priorities-board-asks-for-timelines-and-equity-audits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6277530-4a4655aa75d2b522487fca94d9a2df7b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771099766&Signature=H2jqELdvZueoMNVKS8i9X9q7uZZCJTP1eMF8H-Dr3ki7H3NGEVZ5xAOn9hais3oCFkLmJK2lY8Lgp9~MdjfzEgKdCErVuOvVsKnlaldauYmDcl~ufek4VwIjDH5p7AOguHmGU7I9YZJgRON-PaVENcdA7frayqBGY50~pE0ysme0ZblRM~4RskaFt8P8hqBtXkUyvEF2fD6TkRIzLrtm2qbzX7AlEwWZq2bP4d4DzK9YnELvRqRAv3Adzuu2hTbZEGLrIVUaR5wTTUkVcL6mM18bU8Z2NX7vQjZuM6ViLJlltP2~b6x3dYCW1X1DCn44agnJdMRMeWtCLg5nHjK3jQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent Dr. Lewis presented the results of a post‑entry listening and learning process and outlined a multi‑year plan to address academic, operational and equity issues across Durham Public Schools.

The presentation said the superintendent visited 57 schools, held eight listening sessions with more than 500 registrants and received more than 2,400 online comments. From that input, administration identified 13 “immediate” priorities, including strengthening academic rigor, launching an AI task force, bolstering special-education services, improving transportation reliability, enhancing facility maintenance and expanding family and multilingual communication.

The superintendent described steps already started: reviewing central services responsiveness, beginning a facilities needs assessment, launching route optimization and transportation staffing initiatives, and proposing a public-facing finance dashboard and monthly superintendent updates. He also said the district would review its student code of conduct for subjective language and emphasize restorative practices and trauma‑informed training.

Board members and the student representative raised follow‑up requests. Student representative Kaelin (Kaitlyn/Kaelin spelled in transcript) Myers asked for attention to school infrastructure; several board members asked for a clearer timeline for implementation and for explicit equity assessments at school level. Board members asked the superintendent to show how the post‑entry plan aligns with the district strategic plan and to provide a public portal — a dashboard — where the community can track discipline, academic performance and equity indicators.

Board members also discussed staffing and compensation priorities identified in the plan, including differential pay for hard‑to‑fill positions, mentoring for beginning teachers, and exploring housing or childcare support for employees. Dr. Lewis said the district would pursue a mix of immediate “fruit on the ground” actions and longer term strategic changes that may take two to three years to show results.

Why it matters: The post‑entry plan lays out the superintendent’s priorities and operational steps that will guide district budgets and programs. Community members and board trustees asked for transparency and measurable timelines so residents can track progress.

What to watch next: Administration said materials — including the full booklet and a forthcoming strategic‑plan enhancement document — will be posted to BoardDocs and the superintendent’s page. The superintendent said the district will launch quarterly town halls and a first community safety forum (listed for April 22 in the presentation). Board members requested that administration return with timelines, an equity audit plan that includes extracurricular access (arts and athletics) and measurable summer‑program outcomes.","Superintendent Dr. Lewis presented a post‑entry plan built from school visits, listening sessions and surveys and outlined 13 immediate priorities ranging from academic rigor to transportation and special education.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6277533,"Students and community groups press Durham Public Schools for a climate action plan, urge use of federal electric-bus funds",424,1030000,1454000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2653533-dcf8023a2a71c2dc3dfeb66881667bfa&start=1030&end=1454","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2653533-dcf8023a2a71c2dc3dfeb66881667bfa/thumbnail_1030000.jpg","/articles/6277533/North-Carolina/Students-and-community-groups-press-Durham-Public-Schools-for-a-climate-action-plan-urge-use-of-federal-electric-bus-funds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6277533-672bf3d39082a7dd14eddf6e8872b029/orig.mp4?Expires=1771099766&Signature=AVXl9nGSQeNnbDObKnfT~xGCgUrX6IyFVmRE0XmfmQdAOslThpEvuYCnd5XA1R57mL4E3JWj~Dcq4LElWDoQGte5CO0xSFFqeiK9edPmIAo14tN0TWxNuTyTudJ97tgUN5gcCds0NU~rYes2icIdB32XybHrSqjznfhWxniHZ9yyR3TXarnOe7ZDK~z8juFliviBEj0nvz9KOUWnKFUY81ZfHYB8gReHerRmhvDVQ9UnZZSEKPM8Bu6FlzaXHHKdhvnz6CAj65hwhGQAL1gaCFa-bISixBB~kMqQ39rLWjQeFd4UjiEjCVE6vPY5slTOpW-s~xgyZfXhRYeRKDKJrA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public comment speakers at a Durham Public Schools Board of Education work session on a range of sustainability topics urged the district to adopt a formal climate action plan and move more quickly to electrify school buses and other operations.

Speakers from the Sustainable Schools Coalition, members of Citizens Climate Education and other local volunteers told the board that students have drafted a plan and that district energy staff previously requested funds and approvals to buy electric buses and charging infrastructure using federal incentives.

The advocates said financial barriers and internal communications problems have slowed progress. “We understand that the budget is tight, but…under the Clean Heavy Duty Vehicles program, schools and other organizations are reimbursed for replacing gas‑guzzling vehicles with electric ones and the infrastructure necessary to use them,” said Mathias Matthew, a Northern High School sophomore and member of the Sustainable Schools Coalition, during the public-comment period. Matthew said he believed a superintendent signature was the remaining administrative step on an application that energy managers had prepared.

Other speakers echoed the request for a districtwide plan that links facilities, curriculum and transportation. “What we need is action, a climate action plan,” said Rachel Owens, a science teacher at Northern High School and member of the Energy Advisory Council. Students and community members described curricula that would teach energy conservation and highlighted examples, including a cited case in Batesville, Arkansas, where advocates said solar installations reduced operating costs.

Superintendent Dr. Lewis acknowledged the public comment and told the board that the district “did apply for that grant, and we were granted 32 buses.” He said the district would continue conversations about electrification and other energy priorities.

Board members asked follow-up questions and thanked the speakers. Several board members later referenced sustainability among other priorities in their discussion of the superintendent’s post-entry plan; none voted on a climate-action resolution at the meeting.

Why it matters: Public advocates say school fleets and buildings are major local sources of emissions and that districts can capture federal incentives now available for school vehicle electrification. School boards decide whether to pursue and sign applications and to set district energy policy.

What to watch next: Speakers asked the board to adopt a formal climate action plan and to remove barriers that prevent energy managers from communicating directly with school leadership. The board and administration indicated willingness to continue conversations; speakers requested a clear timeline and visible action steps.

","Students, teachers and climate advocates urged the Durham Public Schools board to adopt a districtwide climate action plan and pushed the district to pursue electric school buses and related federal funding. Board and superintendent said the district applied for and was awarded electric buses and supports continuing discussions.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6277521,"Votes at a glance: Durham Public Schools work session — approval actions and outcomes",912,724000,1636000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2653533-dcf8023a2a71c2dc3dfeb66881667bfa&start=724&end=1636","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2653533-dcf8023a2a71c2dc3dfeb66881667bfa/thumbnail_724000.jpg","/articles/6277521/North-Carolina/Votes-at-a-glance-Durham-Public-Schools-work-session-approval-actions-and-outcomes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6277521-9cb9424a243c0154395f9fe92f2a8673/orig.mp4?Expires=1771099766&Signature=ke7OssdUnYJNHKCLHxxRt09aY91ES9G-Z8yUbmcbBxt1BuRLHb5RvLHlTgB6D8~QpCEs9Qfdj2SfrVUrVuV4yG5~B4xTlnFHZDm0HsTqbIjuMLsd4~rvHTctlVSs9WV0P0BlXR30RCVRh2ERYIRSKDX-jTFXaSs7~xQ-tB2pn68X4vGZfZHaVZVZ-UBqvNDA8ikq5cCGnlSH6pGpKBP~-RQN6rl5kWecMGQzTT72J7KqKJrhJleehpJCvTqxKJqHZmP09ZXCJxlkqTGSWHl8TmmPv68UY0zP-Y8NQhQgCCuouDWWPcmE2doCm4Iy4x9Lz02S~6mBvGahI7B8gXfSIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Durham Public Schools Board of Education recorded the following formal approvals during the work session.

- Approval of the meeting agenda (as amended): Motion to approve the agenda as amended was moved by Miss Olmstead and seconded by Miss Chavez; the board approved the agenda unanimously. The amendment pulled the summer programs item from the consent agenda for separate discussion.

- Approval of meeting minutes for Feb. 6, 2025: Motion to approve the minutes was moved by Miss Carter Auden and seconded by Miss Byers; approved unanimously.

- Approval of the consent agenda: The consent agenda included overnight field trips, a contract with Framework Consulting for exceptional‑children teachers, a retesting contract (Take 2) and the Durham Public Schools 2025 legislative agenda. Motion to approve was moved by Miss Byers and seconded by Chair Rogers; the consent agenda passed unanimously.

- Proclamation: Proclamation naming March 2025 as Arts in Our Schools Month. Motion to adopt the proclamation was moved by Mister Tabb and seconded by Miss Sarah Goff; the proclamation passed unanimously.

- Motion to go into closed session: A motion to go into closed session was moved and seconded during the meeting; the board voted to enter closed session (vote noted as unanimous). No substantive action from closed session was reported in the public transcript.

Why it matters: These approvals advance routine governance items — minutes, contracts, and the board’s legislative and event posture — and the consent‑agenda approvals authorized the items listed by administration.

What the record shows: All recorded votes in open session at this meeting were unanimous; where a mover or seconder was not clearly audible in the transcript, the motion text is recorded and the outcome is reported as stated by the clerk or chair.","The board took several routine approvals during the March work session: agenda approval (as amended), minutes from Feb. 6, 2025, consent agenda items and a proclamation naming March 2025 Arts in Our Schools Month. All recorded approvals were unanimous.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board reviews salary administration policy draft; staff seek clearer rules on placement, steps and supplemental pay

Superintendent outlines post‑entry plan with 13 immediate priorities, board asks for timelines and equity audits

Students and community groups press Durham Public Schools for a climate action plan, urge use of federal electric-bus funds

Votes at a glance: Durham Public Schools work session — approval actions and outcomes