In a recent meeting of the Durham Public Schools (DPS) Board of Education, significant discussions centered around the ongoing negotiations between the school district and the teachers' union. Over the past two weeks, union representatives have engaged with all seven school board members to address nine urgent demands and proposals that they believe are critical for the upcoming spring.

The union expressed a desire to conduct these discussions directly with district administration, emphasizing that administrators hold essential information necessary for effective negotiations. They highlighted that they have been working towards finalizing a "meet and confer" policy for nearly two years, which remains unresolved. This policy is crucial for establishing a formal process for dialogue between the union and the district.

Union representatives made it clear that they are eager to meet with Dr. Lewis, the district superintendent, to finalize the policy and ensure it aligns with the needs of their members. They extended an invitation to Dr. Lewis and the DPS administration to attend a public meeting scheduled for May, signaling a commitment to transparency and collaboration in addressing the concerns of educators.

This ongoing dialogue reflects the union's dedication to advocating for its members while also seeking to enhance the educational environment for students in the district. As the May meeting approaches, community members will be watching closely to see how these discussions unfold and what implications they may have for the future of education in Durham.