Durham Public Schools Grapple with Walkouts and Pay Cuts

Durham parents are bracing for another week of uncertainty as a pay dispute between Durham Public Schools (DPS) employees and the district continues, leading to widespread walkouts and understaffed schools. The dispute, caused by accidental overpayments and new work experience criteria, has left parents searching for answers and dealing with unforeseen problems, such as a lack of custodians at Jordan High School. DPS employee Valerie McNeil, who is currently living out of her car due to financial woes, expressed little optimism ahead of a special board meeting to discuss the issue, which will be closed to the public and media.