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 What to know about what’s happening with “Classified Staff” at DPS

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First, thank you to our Forest View community for your help in the wake of a very challenging series of events. Families showed up to support in classrooms, families rearranged tough schedules to get children to and from school. Thank you. 

Background and context on what has happened recently:

Read some of the news coverage of what is going on here–

  1. This WRAL report explains salary issues in the district.
  2. This WRAL report discusses the bus driver walkout as a result.

Terms to Know–

  1. Classified Staff: These are DPS employees like our bus drivers, Instructional Assistants (IAs), Physical Therapists/Occupational (essential to our EC students’ success), janitorial staff, maintenance, etc. You can think of these folks as the backbone to how our schools operate. These are the people affected by this week’s announcement.
  2. Certified Teacher: These are our classroom teachers, Assistant Principals, Principals, etc. These people are not effected by the payscale announcement, but their classrooms won’t operate the same without them.

What happens next?

Right now, we do not know when this issue will be resolved. Neither do our classified staff. At this stage, you should expect that bussing may continue to be a problem.

Looking to help support Forest View staff, and more broadly, all DPS staff? Here are three ways:

  • WRITE to the Board of Education and to your County Commissioners. Show your support to Classified Staff and share your experience with the district.
    • The email address for the Board of Education is: boe@dpsnc.net
      • When you email, also cc: Bettina_Umstead@dpsnc.net; EmilyS_Chavez@dpsnc.net; Natalie_Beyer@dpsnc.net; Jessica_CardaAuten@dpsnc.net; Jovonia_Lewis@dpsnc.net; Millicent_Rogers@dpsnc.net; Alexandra_Valladares@dpsnc.net; jessica_cardaauten@dpsnc.net; Nicole.Smith@dpsnc.net; Pascal_Mubenga@dpsnc.net; Luvenia_Foster@dpsnc.net
    • Please feel free to copy/paste this draft of an email, which the Durham Association of Educators has shared as a template you can use. You can edit it as you see fit, of course! 

  • *UPDATED LOCATION* ATTEND the rally and Board of Education public meeting at the Minnie Forte-Brown Staff Development Center (2107 Hillandale Road, Room M-1, Durham, NC 27705) on Thursday, January 25th, 5:30-6:30PM. Arrive early to ensure parking. Wear your school t-shirts or red to show support!
    • What to Expect at the BOE Meeting: These are open to the public. After entering the building you’ll have an opportunity to sign up for a chance to speak – there will be a clipboard for you to add your name to if you choose to speak. Speakers are called in order of the sign up. You can also choose to “cede” your time to someone else. You’ll likely be given 1 minute to share your thoughts with the BOE and Dr. Mubenga. They will not respond directly to you during this time. Given the expected numbers, we’d suggest wearing comfy shoes and it will likely be standing-room only.

When we work together-

We can make our community better for everyone! Email the FV PTA with questions, comments, or more ideas.