Durham County adopts FY 2025–26 budget after public pleas to fully fund schools

The Durham County Board of Commissioners adopted the FY 2025–26 budget on June 9 after a public comment period in which educators and school staff urged full local funding for Durham Public Schools.

Speakers during public comment described staffing and service shortfalls they said would worsen if the Board did not provide the additional funding DPS requested. Sonia Talheimer, a teacher at Lakewood Elementary, told the board: "That means I receive a 10% increase in my pay each month." She said that master's pay—worth roughly $400 per month to her—has allowed teachers to reduce second jobs and better provide for their families. Micah Tweetmeyer, president of the Durham Association of Educators, said the district's request represents cuts the schools only can meet if fully funded locally and urged commissioners to approve the full ask.

During the public exchange, multiple speakers warned that reductions to master's pay and cuts to frontline positions would harm special education services, bus routes, and daily school operations. Christy Patterson, an EC special programs teacher and vice president of the Durham Association of Educators, framed the issue in federal terms: "Are we operating under IDEA? Free and appropriate education. Appropriate. Am I providing appropriate education when we don't have enough bus drivers to properly get my students to their services?" Patterson said DPS currently lacks sufficient EC positions and support staff.

The board moved and voted to adopt the budget by voice vote; the chair declared the budget adopted. Commissioners described the final package as difficult but necessary, noting the county preserved a manager‑recommended property tax increase of 3.5¢ above the neutral rate and added new local funding for DPS. Commissioner Michelle Burton summarized board priorities: increased support for DPS (including a $10 million one‑time capital allocation), investments in EMS (12 new positions and five ambulances), expansion of pre‑K, and funding for Project BUILD and Durham Tech. County Manager Claudia Hager said the budget process began with requests about $55 million above available revenues and thanked staff for closing the gap.

The board also noted continuing fiscal risks tied to federal and state funding uncertainty and encouraged advocacy to maintain services. The meeting record shows the board voted to adopt the budget and then proceeded to adopt related fee schedules and an opioid settlement ordinance before adjourning into a closed session for personnel/privileged matters.