Durham school employees ask for a pay increase at school board meeting Thursday night

The board is preparing to adopt a new budget, and many are asking that they factor in a pay increase.

"We are underpaid, and we deserve to have more money," said Debra King, instructional assistant at Durham Public Schools (Durham School of Arts).

Based on a salary study from the board of education, it would cost about $10.8 million to supply pay raises for classified staff members (instructional assistants, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, etc.)

Like many others, King voiced her concern about her current salary before Durham's Board of Education and advocated for better pay for all.

"It is not sufficient compared to the cost of living that's happening right now," said King.

Back in January, the board of education presented a salary study with recommendations on how to raise salaries.

"What we are asking for is that we fully fund that salary study, whatever that looks like as a starting point," said Jenny Jones Coldren, a former teacher.

School board member Natalie Beyer is noting actions in other school districts.

"Whether we can do -- master's pay, we are going to work on parental leave like we've talked about," said Natalie Beyer, school board member.

Earlier this week, the Wake County Board of Education approved funding pay raises for educators with master's degrees and additional bonuses for school bus drivers.

Debra King says Durham Public Schools must be willing to invest in its employees who benefit students in the long run.

"We really need to be paid. Teachers are underpaid and they really need to be paid what they're worth," said King.

A public hearing on the superintendent's budget is next month and the board plans to vote on this proposed budget in April.