Students and youth activists addressed the Durham Public Schools Board during general public comment, urging the district to adopt a Green New Deal for Schools and a sustainability or climate-action plan that would drive renewable-energy investments, energy-efficiency upgrades and curriculum commitments.

Public comment highlights: Student speakers and Sunrise Movement organizers presented signatures gathered at public demonstrations and student petitions. "We appreciate good intentions, but what we need is an action, a climate action plan," a student speaker said, asking for a named plan with a timeline, budget estimate and cost-benefit analysis so the district could apply for grants and include accurate provisions in future bond packages.

Organizers described outreach and demonstrated local support: Abigail Schnee, identifying as an organizer with the National Sunrise Movement, reported gathering 260 signatures in four hours at a downtown demonstration and said a total of 1,443 signatures were collected for the campaign. Another speaker cited federal policy rollbacks and urged local action: "In times like these, it is imperative that local action is taken," the speaker said, and asked the board to respond to students with a clear next step.

District response and next steps: Administration said staff have met with students and sustainability advocates and are discussing sustainability goals and the design specifications for new construction (the new DSA project was cited as an example of sustainability measures being incorporated). Administration also identified a staff point person and described ongoing discussions with student groups and the operations team about sustainability standards and possible inclusion in the CIP conversation.

Why it matters: Students framed the Green New Deal ask as both an educational initiative and a financial strategy to reduce long-term energy costs and pressure suppliers to adopt greener practices. They emphasized that major district contracts and bond decisions can influence supplier behavior and create sustained local demand for renewable energy solutions.

The board did not take action on a formal climate resolution during the meeting; student organizers asked the board for a response and for staff to outline immediate next steps to move toward a district-level climate action plan.