DURHAM – At a specially called meeting Tuesday night, the Durham Public Schools Board of Education approved the 2026–27 classified salary schedules.

“I am very grateful that our employees' well-earned raises will be included in their next paychecks. I can’t thank our DPS employees enough for the work they do every day to ensure that our scholars are learning, that their needs are met, and that our learning and work environments are comfortable and safe. We’ve had to wait 1,014 days for a budget (from the state). They (employees) deserve at some point to be paid on time. Quite frankly, they’re tired of waiting,” DPS Superintendent Anthony Lewis said.

DPS CLASSIFIED COMPENSATION

The approved schedules:

* Increase the district's minimum wage to $18.22 per hour, equivalent to a monthly salary of $3,158.13 for full-time employees.

* Implement a progressive salary increase model, providing larger percentage increases for employees in the early pay grades while ensuring salary growth and addressing compression across all classified positions.

The approved salary schedules are effective July 1, and will be reflected in employees' July 2026 paychecks.

STATE COMPENSATION

In addition to the Board-approved classified salary schedules, the recently enacted North Carolina state budget provides compensation increases for public school employees. State-funded salary increases are effective July 1, 2026, and will also be reflected in employees' July 2026 paychecks.

CERTIFIED STAFF

* An average 8% salary increase for teachers, with the percentage varying by years of experience.

* A new teacher salary schedule ranging from $4,800 to $5,900 per month, depending on experience.

* Teacher and assistant principal bonuses:

o $500 for eligible employees with 0–15 years of experience.

o $1,000 for eligible employees with 16 or more years of experience, payable in October 2026.

* A principal bonus schedule awarded based on statewide student growth (EVAAS) results.

* An additional state supplement for teachers is forthcoming. Administration will bring a plan to the board for approval once it has been determined how much DPS will receive.

CLASSIFIED STAFF

* A 3% state-funded salary increase for classified employees, effective July 1 and reflected in July 2026 paychecks.

* A one-time state-funded bonus, payable in October 2026:

o $1,750 for eligible employees earning $65,000 or less annually.

o $1,000 for eligible employees earning more than $65,000 annually.

o $1,750 bonus for eligible school nutrition and custodial personnel.

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