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DPS hearing on OT/PT vacancies and pay: therapists describe evictions and heavy caseloads; board flags classified-pay as budget priority
Summary
Occupational and physical therapists and advocates told the Durham school board that salary schedules and delayed or low pay have driven experienced clinicians out of the district, leaving some schools without OT coverage and forcing many therapists to take second jobs; the district's budget engagement shows classified pay and therapist compensation as top priorities.
Multiple occupational and physical therapists told the board about unprecedented vacancies and personal financial hardship linked to pay and salary schedules, and budget staff said community engagement confirmed classified pay and retention as top budget priorities.
Erica White, who said she began work in DPS this summer, described delayed pay and unsuccessful negotiations that left her unable to cover bills: "Then December 5, I was evicted from my apartment," she told the board, listing county salary comparisons that showed higher pay in…
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