The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools board voted Thursday to narrow its list of possible elementary school closures to three: Seawell, Glenwood and Ephesus.
- The 4-3 motion means Estes Hills and Frank Porter Graham Bilingüe won’t be considered for closure.
Why it matters: Facing declining enrollment and possible budget cuts, Chapel Hill-Carrboro leaders are seeking to “right-size” the district to match its smaller student population.
State of play: Estes Hills and FPG, along with Carrboro Elementary, are slated to be rebuilt as part of a 2024 voter-approved $175 million bond package.
- Considering Estes Hills and FPG as potential closures would introduce uncertainty and a rethinking of the bond vote, board members noted.
- Next, the board will study the possibility of closing the other three, plus gather input via public hearings and community meetings.
The big picture: Like school districts nationwide, Chapel Hill-Carroro is facing a slew of challenges that weigh on enrollment, including declining birthrates, high housing costs and a preference among some families for charter and private schools.
By the numbers: The district expects 277 fewer students next year, resulting in a possible $2.43 million state budget cut, the News & Observer reported, citing district CFO Jonathan Scott.
- Superintendent Rodney Trice identified 25 positions to cut next year, per the N&O.
What’s next: The board’s vote on which schools will close is expected on June 4. There’d be a system-wide redistricting before closures take effect in the 2027-2028 academic year…