Durham Public Schools community voices concerns over School for Creative Studies changes

Durham Public Schools (DPS) is facing significant challenges as community members voiced their concerns during the Board of Education meeting on May 22, 2025. The most pressing issue discussed was the potential closure of the high school at the School for Creative Studies (SCS), which has raised alarm among parents, teachers, and students alike.

Elizabeth Sims, a long-time educator at SCS, highlighted the school's impressive graduation rates, which have consistently exceeded 90% in recent years. She urged the board to reconsider the decision to dismantle the high school, emphasizing the need for continuity in education for students who thrive in a year-round school environment. Sims argued that maintaining the high school is crucial for the community, as it provides a supportive and effective learning atmosphere.

Lakisha Holiday, an English Language Arts teacher at SCS, expressed her distress over the potential loss of her position due to declining student enrollment. She pointed to transportation issues and the division of the school as contributing factors to this decline. Holiday called for board members to engage with the school community and understand the impact of their decisions, urging them to visit the school to witness firsthand the challenges faced by students and staff.

Students also shared their perspectives, with Kalia Dunham stressing the importance of having a consistent educational path from middle school to high school. Dunham, a cheerleader at SCS, expressed concern that the school's transition to a middle school would disrupt the community and the students' educational journeys.

In addition to the discussions about SCS, the meeting also addressed the inclusion of master's pay for school social workers in the upcoming budget. Bridal Frost, a social worker for DPS, thanked the board for this decision, which she described as a step toward recognizing the vital role social workers play in supporting students and fulfilling the district's core values.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for the DPS Board to consider the voices of the community as they navigate these critical decisions. The implications of the proposed changes at SCS could have lasting effects on students and families, making it essential for the board to engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders moving forward.