At least 12 Durham public schools will be closed Wednesday as staff — furious about unresolved salary issues — call in sick to attend protests.
The Durham Association of Educators said staff from the following schools would be attending a rally and protest:
- Y.E. Smith Elementary
- The Whitted School
- Lyons Farm Elementary
- Forest View Elementary
- Lakewood Elementary
- Spring Valley Elementary
- Githens Middle
- Lucas Middle
- Riverside High
- Northern High
- Jordan High
- Hillside High
Symone Kiddoo, president of the Durham Association of Educators, said she expected enough staff would be absent that it would force the schools to close.
“DPS workers have been pushed to a breaking point over the last few weeks. We believe there is a way forward,” Kiddoo said in a statement on the organization’s Instagram page.
Durham Public Schools confirmed the school closings Tuesday night and said families had been notified.
“The Board of Education is absolutely committed to getting all matters with our employees resolved fairly and as soon as possible,” Board of Education Chair Bettina Umstead said in a statement. “In the meantime, we appeal to everyone in Durham Public Schools to remember our mission and our commitment to providing our students with the best possible education.”