Durham Public Schools (DPS) officials reported a significant increase in student enrollment, reaching 311,165, with the largest growth seen in elementary schools. While this surge is viewed positively, it has led to challenges, particularly in high school capacity, where schools like Riverside and Jordan are experiencing overcrowding with over 2,000 students each.

During a recent board meeting, transportation issues were a major focus, highlighting a critical shortage of bus drivers. Currently, DPS has 131 drivers for nearly 22,000 students needing transportation, resulting in operational difficulties. The district has initiated a recruitment campaign and is working with the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles to train new drivers, but the shortage remains a pressing concern. Daily, 20 to 30 drivers call out, leading to the cancellation of approximately 10% of bus routes.

The board discussed the implications of this driver shortage on student attendance and academic performance, with concerns raised about students being marked tardy due to late buses. Administrators acknowledged the need for better communication with families regarding transportation issues and the importance of ensuring that students are not penalized for delays beyond their control.

In addition to transportation, the meeting addressed improvements in school nutrition, with the implementation of the Community Eligibility Provision allowing free meals for all students. However, a $15.4 million deficit in kitchen equipment was noted as a barrier to providing consistent meal quality across schools.

The board expressed urgency in addressing these challenges and requested recommendations from the administration on potential solutions, including exploring partnerships with local transportation services and community engagement to alleviate the bus driver crisis. The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing communication and collaboration to ensure equitable access to education for all students.