Durham Public Schools (DPS) disclosed that its facilities require a total of $965 million for repairs, upgrades and replacements. The district, which serves nearly 29,000 students across 57 schools, says $540 million of that amount is needed immediately to address critical conditions.
Age and condition of the building stock
The average school building in the district is 65 years old. According to DPS’s draft Capital Improvement Plan, about 36 percent of the district’s buildings are in poor or critical condition. Senior Executive Director of Building Services Devan Mitchell identified chronic problems such as failing HVAC systems, outdated fire‑alarm and fire‑safety components, and water intrusion in aging structures.
Rightsizing and consolidation study under review
At the board meeting on Nov. 5, members discussed a potential contract for a Rightsizing and Consolidation study. Mitchell explained that the district anticipates a decline of roughly 7,000‑8,000 students over the next ten years, which would leave about half a million square feet of school space unused. Board Member Millicent Rogers said the study’s goal is to determine whether every student has access to the facilities they need and to identify any changes, investments or improvements required to make that possible.
The board plans to revisit the contract proposal at its next meeting on Thursday, emphasizing the timing of the study as a key factor in upcoming funding decisions.
Bond discussion and regional context
Durham County and the school district are currently negotiating a 2028 bond that would fund new construction, modernization and repair work. The bond discussion aligns with broader statewide concerns: North Carolina schools collectively report $18 billion in facility needs over the next five years, even as enrollment in many districts remains flat or declines.
In neighboring Wake County, voters recently approved a $680 million bond focused on renovations and equipment upgrades for the 2027‑28 and 2028‑29 school years, illustrating a regional push to address aging school infrastructure.
Next steps for Durham
After the rightsizing study is completed, DPS will have a clearer picture of how to allocate the urgent $540 million and the remaining $425 million needed for longer‑term projects. The district will also continue to work with county officials on the 2028 bond, which could provide a significant portion of the funding required to keep Durham’s schools safe and functional for decades to come.
Residents can watch the Nov. 5 board meeting recording online and review the upcoming Nov. 19 agenda, which will include further discussion of the rightsizing study and bond financing options.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
