Districts across North Carolina – even those in affluent areas such as Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools – are facing increased pressure to cut costs amid falling student numbers.
“Due to a combination of lower birth rates, higher housing costs, and more families sending their children to private and charter schools, enrollment is on the decline,” writes Carli Brosseau for The Assembly.
“State funding to the district, awarded primarily on a per-pupil basis, is falling as a result. Enrollment is down 350 students this school year alone, which will translate to about $2.6 million less in state funding next year.”
Unless the district implements school closures soon, it will need to downsize existing staff positions, according to the article.
“Meanwhile, the cost of maintaining multiple half-century-old buildings is mounting. Without quickly moving to close two elementary schools, somewhere between 50 and 80 employees will have to be laid off, Superintendent Rodney Trice had told the board.”
