1. CHCCS Board Narrows School Replacement Renovation Preferences
2. CHCCS Board School Replacement Renovation Bond Funding Preferences.
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A significant school infrastructure bond referendum is set to appear on the ballot for Orange County voters this autumn. In preparation for this event, local school districts are engaged in discussions to determine the most effective development plans to present to voters and Orange County commissioners. These plans will outline the schools and buildings that stand to benefit from the funds allocated by the bond.
Facilities Plan Presentation by Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
The Board of Education of Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools recently received a second presentation of a facilities plan and provided further guidance on their preferred projects. Deputy Superintendent of Operations, Al Ciarochi, presented several ten-year options for consideration, building upon the initial presentation made on June 6.
The initial plan, as shared with county commissioners the previous month, focused on addressing the district’s most urgent school maintenance needs based on the Woolpert study conducted in 2023. However, Ciarochi clarified that this plan was an extreme example that did not fully incorporate the values of the board or the community, emphasizing a focus on placing students in newer facilities at minimal cost.
Exploring Development Options
With an estimated $300 million school development bond potentially passing in the fall, CHCCS could receive approximately $174 million, allowing for the replacement of three schools. However, deciding which schools to replace and how to accommodate the affected students during construction poses a significant challenge.
Four main options were presented to the board, with a focus on constructing two elementary schools and one middle school. These options prioritized schools with the lowest facility condition scores and educational adequacy, particularly addressing size requirements based on available space within the buildings.
Preferred Paths Forward
After thorough deliberation, the school board expressed a preference for two paths that involve building a new facility adjacent to Morris Grove Elementary School for current Frank Porter Graham Elementary students, replacing Carrboro Elementary School, and replacing Culbreth Middle School. The vacated FPG Elementary campus would serve as a temporary location for students from Carrboro Elementary and Culbreth Middle while their new facilities are being constructed.
The options differ in whether to consolidate all dual language programs at the new facility near Morris Grove Elementary or solely build a replacement for FPG Elementary. Each option comes with its set of considerations and implications for student reassignment within the district.
Community Engagement and Considerations
Board members highlighted the importance of maintaining walkability for families and minimizing disruptions to student movement. There was a consensus on prioritizing the replacement of Carrboro Elementary School and exploring options with minimal impact on student reassignments.
Additionally, discussions revolved around the role of Estes Hills Elementary in future school development plans. The school’s significance as a potential replacement candidate due to its location and facility conditions was acknowledged, with a commitment to ensuring the school’s future role in the district.
Next Steps
The CHCCS Board of Education will continue discussions on the facilities plan during their upcoming meeting on July 18. Detailed information on the remaining options will be provided, and additional paths may be explored. Those interested can view past presentations and slides for more insights into the development plans.
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1. CHCCS Board Narrows School Replacement Renovation Preferences Bond Funding
2. CHCCS Board Narrows School Replacement Renovation Preferences Bond Funding Exclude Numbers Word.
