Durham, N.C. — August 26, 2025 Wake up, DPS families: Durham Public Schools are rolling into a new year on the move. As students return—with year-round school calendars kicking off in July and traditional calendars starting this week—DPS is serving up a fresh menu of tech fees, classroom cellphone bans, and a digital overhaul in communication. These changes signal that DPS isn’t just opening schools—it’s opening possibilities.
The Return to Classrooms
Year-round students—like those at Hope Valley Elementary—jumped into school as early as July 22, welcoming smarter schedules that include mental “mini‑breaks” throughout the year. Principal Ingrid Whitaker praised the approach, saying those breaks “are essential… we step right back in where we are.” Significantly, after a rocky season with bus driver shortages, DPS confirmed bus service for year-round students is fully staffed this year.
For thousands more, August 25 marks the traditional back‑to‑school kickoff. Across Durham, Johnston and other districts, families are logging into classes, with many adjusting to the streamlined system for school alerts and schedules.
What’s New in 2025–26
Technology fees are now required all year: $15 for K–5, and $30 for grades 6–12, covering Chromebook maintenance and one accidental repair. Cellphones are officially grounded during class time, per new state law. Devices stay put away and silent—unless it’s non-instructional time. Meanwhile, schools must also teach social media literacy as part of curriculum updates. DPS is rolling out a new student information system (NCSIS powered by Infinite Campus), replacing PowerSchool for grades, attendance, and assignments. Accompanying that, a new two-way communication tool called Rooms will centralize school/family messaging through the DPS app.
Numbers, Reach, and Resources
With over 31,000 students across 57 schools, DPS stands as a significant education hub in the Triangle—balancing innovation with equity and support.
DPS’s “Growing Together” plan also expands middle and high school student assignment zones for 2025–26. Incoming 6th and 9th graders will be funneled into new boundary schools, while existing students remain at their current schools. The plan continues support for Dual Language Immersion (DLI), Montessori-aligned programs, and adds year-round school access for middle schools.
Why This Matters to Bull City Families
Tech Fees = Less Worry Families get peace of mind with one free Chromebook repair included—no surprise charges later. Classrooms, Refocused Cellphone bans are not just mandates—they’re intended to cultivate deeper engagement and fewer distractions. Communication That Works The Rooms tool and new portal streamline every bell, grade, and alert into one app. Expect fewer missed messages. Structural Equity Left behind? Not anymore. DPS is building pathways—literally—through assignment maps, DLI, Montessori, and year-round access.
At the Bull City Citizen, we’re tracking how Durham families adapt, how teachers navigate the digital shift, and how students thrive—or challenge—that new rhythm.
At a Glance
Topic
Insight
Students Served
31,000+ across 57 schools. (Sources)
Year-Round Start
July 22; year-round students return; bus staffing restored. (Sources)
Tech Fee
$15 (K–5) / $30 (6–12) covers device repairs. (Sources)
Cellphone Ban
Devices off during class; social media literacy now required. ([Sources](https://dpsnc.net and abc11 story))
New Systems
Infinite Campus & Rooms for grades and messaging. ([Sources](https://dpsnc.net and abc11 story))
Assignment Expansion
New boundary assignment for 6th and 9th graders, plus expanded programs. (Sources)
