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Gilat Melamed and Glynis Wiggins
7 hours ago
DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — Durham Public Schools officials say some employees were overpaid from October to December 2023.
The district said it notified employees that “changes to grade-based pay scales approved for October 2023 were implemented in error.” District officials said this resulted in overpayments for July through December 2023 that were processed on the October, November and December payrolls.
A district spokeswoman said 1,300 classified employees were overpaid. A spokesperson did not disclose the scope of the payment.
Micah Twietmeyer is the high school director for the Durham Educators Association Board of Directors. She said it was disappointing to see what happened.
“This is not a one-time check situation,” Twietmeyer said. “In recent months, individuals and families have been budgeting with their new paychecks.”
The district’s chief financial officer, Paul LeSueur, has also been suspended, a spokesperson said.
CBS 17 asked if the suspension was a direct result of the payment and if an investigation was underway, but a spokesperson said it was a personnel matter and could not elaborate on the reason for the suspension.
“You’re starting to wonder what’s going on in the finance department,” Twietmeyer said.
Tuietmayer said earlier this year there was also confusion over pay. He said employees expected more money because of bonuses, but ended up getting less because of taxes.
She wants better communication.
Turquoise Lejeune Parker, vice president of the Durham Educators Association, said she would also like to see changes in the department.
“I believe the senior administration at DPS will take some serious steps to make sure this department gets the support it really needs, because obviously there is support and there are some issues. ,” Parker said.
She said she was upset about what happened and that the mistake already affected the lowest-paid employees in the district.
“We’re talking about the difference between paying an already expensive bill and thinking about it now and sticking it together,” she said. “I mean, it’s hard for people to do that.”
Officials said they are working to quickly correct the situation and that affected employees will be placed in the “correct step of the 2023-2024 Board-approved pay schedule starting with the next paycheck.” Ta.
A spokesperson said salaries are still increasing compared to the previous year.
Durham Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Pascal Mubenga said: “We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.We would like to reassure our employees that this mistake was unintentional and unprecedented.” I hope that you will do so.” “We are committed to working with our employees during this transition period.”
CBS 17 asked a district spokesperson if employees would have to pay back the additional wages. A spokesperson said the school board and school board attorney will discuss reimbursement issues for the district.
CBS 17 has reached out to the school board chair for more information on next steps and is awaiting a response.
Twietmeyer hopes officials don’t have to pay for the district’s mistakes.
“Well, it’s clear that in an ideal world these individuals would not have to pay back the money that was paid to them in error,” she said.
The chief financial officer has also been suspended with pay at this time, according to district officials.
Officials said they are working to quickly correct the situation and that affected employees will be placed in the “correct step of the 2023-2024 Board-approved pay schedule starting with the next paycheck.” Ta.
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