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Durham PreK leaders warn flat county funding could force service reductions as costs rise
Summary
Durham PreK partners said the county recommended allocation falls short of an $8.56M ask and that without additional funds rising staff benefits and inflation could force reductions in program services or seats; they highlighted workforce investments and apprenticeship growth.
County extension and Durham PreK presenters described seven years of program growth, workforce investments and continuing demand — and warned that flat local dollars for fiscal 2026 will stretch program capacity.
Linda Chappelle of Early Years said Durham PreK has made measurable investments in teacher quality ("79 percent presently of our Durham PreK teachers have a degree in early education") and launched a large apprenticeship program with 40 apprentices and 22 mentors. Still, she said, inflation and rising benefit costs mean the funder-requested increase of about $1.1 million above the manager'9s recommendation is not fully covered; staff said the board-supported governance committee will prioritize instructional pay and retain coaching supports while identifying program-service reductions where necessary.
Presenters also emphasized wrap care challenges for working parents and noted the county currently uses local dollars to subsidize about 32 high-need children's wrap care and summer scholarships; they urged the board to consider options to avoid losing seats and to protect teacher pay scales tied to the Durham Public Schools schedule.
