Durham school workers push for higher pay before board’s budget decision

Durham school employees are set to rally Thursday afternoon, calling for higher pay and improved working conditions ahead of a key school board vote on next year’s budget.

The Durham Association of Educators (DAE) plans to gather outside the school board building around 4:45 p.m. Thursday, just before the board’s final discussion and vote on its proposed 2026-27 budget request to the county.

Last month, Superintendent Anthony Lewis presented a spending plan that includes nearly $16 million in increased funding, a 5% raise for school support staff, and an additional $100 per month for transportation safety assistants.’

But, DAE leaders argue the proposal still falls short for classified workers — including teacher assistants, bus drivers, custodians, and cafeteria staff — many of whom they say continue to struggle to earn a living wage. They also raised concerns about the absence of additional compensation for extra duty work.

The educators’ group is urging the board to raise classified staff pay to at least $22 per hour, with a long-term commitment to reach $25 per hour.

The board is expected to vote on its budget request during Thursday night’s meeting.

ABC11 is The News & Observer’s newsgathering partner.