Natalie addresses candidate questions from Union Baptist Church of Durham.
Natalie at the New Era for DPS Rally, February 5, 2026.
Secure Futures
Students can only thrive when adults in their schools have necessary support. As the second largest employer in Durham, DPS must prioritize employees’ compensation and working conditions to encourage them to stay and help grow the district.
Our teachers deserve living wages, paid training, advancement opportunities, and the resources staff need so every classroom can thrive.
I will fight to provide all staff with clear written contracts, a minimum wage of $25/hour, predictable schedules and hours, longevity pay, paid training, and advancement opportunities.
We need school board members who will build upon the incredible work that it took to win the current Meet & Confer policy and deliver on what our skilled workers know to be solutions for our schools.
Clarity in Every Cent
Inadequate funding contributes to the district’s most urgent problems with staff retention, the transportation crisis, failing infrastructure, and classroom resources. I will work with the County Commissioners to identify alternate funding sources for DPS, such as supporting the calls for Duke to contribute to PILOTs, while advocating for full funding from the state. We must also increase budget transparency and accountability to rebuild trust from recent financial mismanagement. We need clear information that all stakeholders can access so they can give input on how dollars are spent. Let’s take advantage of DPS expertise and give staff agency in determining priorities. This is the foundation for enhancing the quality of DPS education to halt enrollment drops.
To rebuild trust from recent financial mismanagement, I’ll make sure that all stakeholders have clear information and are part of the process for determining how best to spend our dollars.
Protect Our Students
When parents send their children to school, they need to know that they will be in an environment that is safe, both physically and emotionally. DPS needs to be clear that it will not collaborate with ICE. It is very concerning that the district has been unable to meet basic demands, like providing “Know Your Rights” cards, providing “Proof of Enrollment” letters for all students, or clarifying procedures for all schools to follow if ICE attempts to enter campus.
Safety also requires global implementation of Restorative Practices to address behavior issues and build cooperation between students and staff. Staff need adequate training and support in creating a positive and healthy classroom environment. We must have adequate custodial supplies and staffing, and repairs to aging infrastructure.