Durham Educators Demand Higher Pay

0:00In Durham, it's March 12th, and here's what is going on. Members of the Durham Association of Educators rallied outside the school system's main building before Thursday's board meeting. Their demanding better pay for staff, saying salaried workers put an unpaid overtime while hourly employees earn below a living wage. This leads to burnout and high turnover, which hurts students in the classroom. The group wants extra duty pay right away, $22 per hour for classified staff, and a long-term plan to hit $25 per hour. The board is reviewing its budget proposal now, with a vote set for late March. DAE leaders feel encouraged by a planned raise to $19.22 to match county levels, but insist workers deserve more to thrive. Funding ultimately comes from Durham County, where officials warn of tough times ahead. Slower job growth statewide, cuts in state aid, and falling school enrollment are squeezing resources. County leaders described it as an inflection point, with job losses and heavy reliance on public employers.

1:03Elected officials agree difficult choices loom for the next budget. The board meets again on March 26th. The Daily News Now is presented by our sponsor, LinkedIn the description. Relax deeper. Reset faster. Come for and you can hear, S-O-L-I, solely pillow.com.