Carrboro school construction timeline prioritizes Estes Hills and FPG design funding

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education meeting on February 6, 2025, highlighted urgent plans for school construction and design funding, emphasizing the need for timely action to address growing student populations.

Key discussions centered on the proposed bond funding timeline, with officials advocating for immediate design funding for Carrboro and Estes Hills elementary schools. The board aims to expedite the construction of these schools to accommodate increasing enrollment, particularly as Carrboro currently serves around 500 students and Estes Hills has over 300. The proposed plan suggests building a prototype school for 600 students at both locations, which would provide additional capacity to meet future demands.

The urgency of the project was underscored by concerns over construction cost escalation, with officials stressing that delays could significantly impact budgets. “Time is of the essence,” one board member noted, highlighting the importance of early procurement and collaboration with vendors to ensure smooth project execution.

The board also discussed the need for a strategic approach to redistricting once the new schools are completed. This would aim to balance student populations across schools, minimizing disruption for families. The plan includes engaging a consultant to assess school capacities and recommend adjustments to better utilize resources.

As the board moves forward, the focus remains on securing funding and ensuring that the community is informed and involved in the process. The anticipated outcomes include not only new school facilities but also a more balanced distribution of students across the district, addressing both overcrowding and underutilization in existing schools.