Orange County seeking $300M for schools. Here’s what Chapel Hill-Carrboro could do.
Update: The story was updated Aug. 16, 2024, to reflect the school board’s decision.
Chapel Hill-Carrboro students and teachers at three elementary schools could move into new buildings over the next 10 years if voters approve a $300 million countywide bond in November.
The money will also pay for renovations to other city schools and for new schools and upgrades in the Orange County Schools district.
The Chapel Hill-Carrboro school board considered several options over the summer for spending its part of the money. The plan approved unanimously Thursday attempted to address public concerns about how the changes could affect tight-knit school communities, walkability and student learning.
The most vocal opposition to the district’s initial plan came from neighbors around McDougle, Estes Hills and Phillips elementary and middle schools. There was also opposition to a plan that would consolidate all students in the district’s dual language programs at one school, which would have required some students to travel across the district.
The final plan did not include McDougle Middle and Elementary schools or a consolidated dual-language program.
However, as three of the district’s oldest schools with significant needs, Estes Hills, Frank Porter Graham and Carrboro elementary schools would be replaced. The district plans major renovations to Culbreth and Phillips middle schools.
The bond also would upgrade classrooms and technology that are 30 to 70 years old. A new site for Frank Porter Graham, which is landlocked by Smith Level Road, N.C. 54, steep slopes and nearby apartments, has not yet been determined.
Board members did not discuss their decision before voting Thursday, but board Chair George Griffin said at a June 20 meeting that “people are rightfully concerned” about how the plan will unfold and affect students and teachers.
“We’ve needed a capital needs plan. We have one. We’ve needed county commissioners who see it as one of their important missions, and that is to find a way to help both school districts do some new school building or replace parts of buildings and renovate,” he said. “We just haven’t had this focus, so it’s a critical, important time.”
About the $300 million bond referendum
▪ Orange County voters will be asked on the Nov. 5 ballot: Should the county spend $300 million to build new schools and repair others. The debt, with interest, could be $480,360,000.
▪ Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools share: $174.7 million
▪ Orange County Schools share: $125.3 million
▪ Property taxes: The property tax rate could increase by 3.41 cents per $100 in July 2025 to pay the bill, adding $136.40 to the property tax bill for a home valued at $400,000.
▪ Additional tax rate increases are possible through at least 2035, county officials have said.
Wasn’t there already a schools bond?
Orange County voters approved a $120 million bond for schools in 2016:
▪ Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools: Spent over $72 million renovating Chapel Hill High School.
▪ Orange County Schools: Spent $48 million adding a Cedar Ridge High School wing and upgrading other schools, including roofs, security and mechanical systems.
▪ 2023 study: County and schools officials worked with Woolpert consultants to analyze both districts and found over $1 billion in school repair, renovation and construction needs.
What is the city schools plan?
▪ Replace Carrboro Elementary, using the existing Frank Porter Graham as a temporary school. Close that Frank Porter Graham school when Carrboro students move into the new school.
▪ Build a new Frank Porter Graham Bilingue Elementary dual-language campus at an undetermined location.
▪ Build a new Estes Hills Elementary School next to the existing school. This would require finding a new site for Phillips Middle School’s athletic field and activities. Phillips Middle School could be replaced using a future bond.
▪ Major upgrades and repairs to Culbreth Middle and Phillips Middle schools.
How soon could the changes happen?
The plan being discussed now could be implemented between 2025 and 2035.
What about other school needs?
▪ The county designates money each year for school repair and maintenance needs. The 2024-25 budget, which took effect July 1, included $32.3 million for both districts.
▪ Voters could face another bond question for school needs in 10 years.
What is the Orange County Schools plan?
▪ A new, 600-student elementary school
▪ Partnership Academy kitchen and cafeteria
▪ Grady A. Brown Elementary and Orange High School renovations
▪ New greenhouses with hydroponic systems at Cedar Ridge and Orange high schools
▪ Roofs, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire alarm and intercom upgrades
▪ Career and technical education and exceptional children’s facility upgrades.
This story was originally published July 15, 2024 at 10:09 AM with the headline "Orange County seeking $300M for schools. Here’s what Chapel Hill-Carrboro could do.."
