DPS seeks $15.9M increase; county manager proposes $10.3M and 3.5¢ tax rate step

Durham Public Schools on Tuesday presented its 2025‑26 budget request to the Board of County Commissioners, emphasizing teacher and staff compensation, transportation and school infrastructure. The district asked for an increase in current expense funding (roughly $15.9 million in the materials presented) and continuity for capital outlay; Durham County Manager Hager proposed a $10.3 million increase and a separate $10 million one‑time capital allocation while recommending a 3.5‑cent property tax rate increase to help cover countywide priorities.

Superintendent Dr. Lewis said improving compensation and retention for teachers and staff is a top priority. “Teachers matter,” he told commissioners, framing salary increases and targeted supplements as investments in student outcomes. Chief Financial Officer Jeremy Teeter walked commissioners through the district’s fiscal history and the board‑approved budget request the school board transmitted to the county on April 24.

Key elements of DPS request and county…