Durham Public Schools board moves into closed session to consider confidential student information

At a specially called meeting on June 4, 2026, the Durham Public Schools Board of Education voted to convene into closed session to consider confidential student information.

Board member Miss Harris moved “that we convene into closed session to consider confidential student information protected under General Statute 115C-402 and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. §1232g,” a motion that was seconded by Board member Jessica Carter Otten.

The board conducted a voice vote because the meeting was held virtually. Board member Jessica Carter Otten identified herself and said, “I vote aye.” The board recorded affirmative votes from Natalie Bucker (“I vote aye”) and Bettina Umstead (identified as “Bettina Umstead” and recorded voting “aye”). Following the roll call, the presiding officer stated, “We’ll now move into closed session,” and the meeting entered a confidential session restricted from public view.

Later the board returned to open session. The presiding officer confirmed, “We’re back now back in open session,” and, with no further business, adjourned the specially called meeting.

The board cited state and federal law in moving to closed session: N.C. Gen. Stat. 115C-402, which governs confidentiality of student records, and the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. §1232g. The vote and motion were limited to the narrow purpose stated; the transcript records no additional public actions or outcomes following the closed session.