Board approves classified pay study timeline and interim supplements while staff models broader compensation plan

The Durham Public Schools board on Thursday approved two related compensation actions: a timeline for an internal classified salary study and a set of interim local supplements while district staff continue to model a broader compensation plan. Board members voted to approve a classified compensation study timeline developed by central staff. The study will include an employee survey beginning Aug. 18, job-description reviews, market-comparison analysis and proposed pay schedules; staff intend to present preliminary findings Sept. 25 and proposed pay schedules Oct. 9, asking the board to include any recommended expansions in the superintendent's budget request on Oct. 31. Separately, the board approved administrative recommendations tied to the state'level "mini-budget." Because the state did not adopt an across-the-board classified raise, the board authorized the district to implement local adjustments funded from district resources: a $500-per-year increase in certified salary supplements (about $50 per month) and the same $500 increase for nurses on the certified supplement schedule, plus a new $200-per-month supplement for bus drivers who drive regular routes. The board also approved folding pay for dually employed bus drivers into a single monthly check to simplify withholdings and reduce tax complications. Superintendent Dr. Lewis and Chief Finance Officer Jeremy Teeter said the board's actions are designed to deliver timely relief and to preserve flexibility. Teeter told the board staff are modeling the district's budget assuming different state outcomes; with some state costs (retirement and health insurance) coming in lower or higher than earlier forecast, the district believes it has some local room to act now on supplements while it completes the classified compensation review. Board members emphasized the need for clear goals for the classified study (address compression, improve living wages and competitiveness, ease payroll complexity) and asked for strong outreach to ensure participation by staff who do not have district laptops or routine email access. Administration said surveys will be mobile-friendly, departments will help workers without devices complete responses, and staff will return to the board Sept. 11 with additional analysis and options for classified pay. After discussion, the board recorded votes approving both the classified study timeline and the mini-budget salary actions.