Durham educators demand higher threshold for meet and confer policy changes

The Durham Public Schools (DPS) Board of Education faced intense scrutiny during its monthly work session on April 10, 2025, as educators voiced strong opposition to a proposed meet and confer policy. Micah Twitmeyer, president of the Durham Association of Educators (DAE), highlighted the frustration among union members regarding the board's agenda, which included a policy draft they had not previously seen.

Twitmeyer emphasized that the DAE does not support the current version of the policy, claiming it misrepresents the collaborative process that had taken place over the past months. He pointed out a critical inaccuracy in the board's presentation, stating, "At the conclusion of our December 10 meeting, we were in agreement on all sections of the policy except for two words." This discrepancy has fueled calls for more transparency and public discussions about the policy moving forward.

The proposed policy includes a controversial 6% threshold for combined meetings of employee representative organizations (EROs), which Twitmeyer argued would undermine the union's strength and create divisions among workers. He proposed raising the threshold to 30%, a move he believes would better represent the collective interests of DPS staff and prevent smaller groups from disrupting larger organizations.

Angel Parkstone, a cafeteria manager and DAE member, echoed these sentiments, stating that the current proposal does not reflect the desires of transportation and cafeteria workers. "We want to be part of a strong, organized, and diplomatically decided process," she asserted, urging the board to listen to the majority of workers who support the DAE.

The meeting also highlighted the urgency of addressing staffing crises within the district, with Kelly Mumford, an educator, calling for the board to prioritize the needs of staff and students. "We are the ones on the buses, in the classrooms, in the cafeterias, working with students each and every day," she said, stressing the importance of their input in shaping policies that affect education quality.

As the board prepares for upcoming meetings on April 14 and April 21, educators are hopeful for a collaborative approach that truly reflects their priorities. The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact the future of labor relations within Durham Public Schools, as educators continue to advocate for a policy that strengthens their collective voice.