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DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — Durham educators are advocating for a 12% pay increase for classified employees.
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One by one, Durham Public Schools classified employees spoke to County Commissioners Thursday night at a town hall on why they desire a pay increase.
“It is extremely challenging,” said DPS Special Programs Shashawn Anderson. “I have co-workers who have to live with family members or live at home with parents.”
Anderson has been an educator in Durham Public Schools for 21 years.
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Members of the Durham Association of Educators and some Durham County Commissioners met in a town hall Thursday night. (Greg Funderburg / CBS 17) -
Members of the Durham Association of Educators and some Durham County Commissioners met in a town hall Thursday night. (Greg Funderburg / CBS 17) -
Members of the Durham Association of Educators and some Durham County Commissioners met in a town hall Thursday night. (Greg Funderburg / CBS 17)
“It is really challenging when you have to go home to someone else’s because you can’t afford your own,” said Anderson.
Durham Association of Educators says hundreds of classified DPS employees, including bus drivers, custodians, cafeteria workers, instructional assistants, and front office staff, continue to struggle.
“The county commissioners ask for an alternative budget to be presented by the county manager, one that includes increased funding for Durham public schools,” said Durham Association of Educators President Mika Twietmeyer.
Commissioner Stephen Valentine says it’s heartbreaking to hear what some employees face.
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“As a county commissioner, it’s painful to hear people working but not being able to pay their rent,” said Valentine.
And he plans to take what was said to share with his fellow commissioners.
“It may not happen this particular cycle, but we have to come up with a long-term plan for how we are going to solve these problems, not just county but all of our partners, federal partners, state partners,” said Valentine.
It’s an issue DAE leaders say will not go away, and they’re hoping for the 12% increase for classified employees.
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“This issue of raising classified pay to a living wage is not going away; it’s a main priority for workers across the board,” said Twietmeyer.
“We’re just trying to live every day, not even live beyond our means, we’re trying to put food on the table, keep a roof over our head,” said Anderson.
The Durham County Commission will have its budget hearing on Tues., May 26 at 7 p.m., and it’s open to the public.
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