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-Carrboro 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.

What they're saying: Decisions about elementary school closures will affect some communities more than others, board member Meredith Ballew said at Thursday's meeting.

• "We must examine those impacts carefully and ensure that students who face systemic barriers, such as our newcomer populations, are not disproportionately harmed," she said.