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The board of Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools could close up to two elementary schools as the district grapples with declining enrollment and budget shortfalls.

Why it matters: CHCCS is considered one of North Carolina's best school districts. But its academic excellence doesn't shield it from some of the same headwinds facing public school districts nationwide. 

School officials say closing a few aging facilities can help the district right-size itself to suit its current student population.

The latest: CHCCS is considering a few schools for closure: Seawell, Glenwood, Ephesus, Estes Hills and Frank Porter Graham Bilingüe.

Any CHCCS elementary school closures would take effect in the 2027–2028 school year, according to district spokesperson Andy Jenks. 

What they're saying: "We're operating more schools than we currently need," Jenks told Axios. "As we look at the future, we think newer, fewer schools will make us more sustainable."

What's happening: The school district with a population of just over 11,000 has lost about 1,500 students over the last decade, and that trend is expected to continue. There are a few reasons for this, Jenks and other school officials have said:

High housing prices throughout the Chapel Hill area are making it hard for young families to move in.

Some families are opting to homeschool their children or send them to charter or private schools. 

By the numbers: County staff warned recently of a possible $21 million shortfall in next year's budget, the News & Observer reported.

Closing a school could save $1.7 million a year, plus $10 million to $15 million in maintenance costs, per the N&O, citing Al Ciarochi, deputy superintendent for operations.

The big picture: The district isn't alone in considering school closures to address declining enrollment.

In Philadelphia, public school officials have proposed closing 20 schools and modernizing about 160 buildings. In Atlanta, the Board of Education last year approved a controversial plan to close several elementary schools.

Enrollment is also declining in other districts in the Triangle, including Durham Public Schools and Wake County Public Schools, but neither has proposed closing schools.

Between the lines: Before any closures, CHCCS would undertake a comprehensive redistricting process to balance enrollment districtwide — potentially affecting students beyond those at a closing school.

"We won't just take those 300 students (from a closing school) and drop them at the next closest building," Jenks said.

Yes, but: Nearly all CHCCS schools are under capacity, Jenks said. But a few on the chopping block include ones that aren't — specifically Glenwood and FPG, two schools that house dual language programs. 

Glenwood parent Rachel Rossi said the school's Mandarin program "allows my children to learn Mandarin, not in isolation, but with real cultural context," the N&O reported.

The district has said those programs would be housed in other facilities if the board votes to close the schools.

What's next: A decision about closures could come as soon as the board's first meeting in June.

Why one of North Carolina's top school districts is eyeing closures

CHCCS is considered one of the best school districts in the state, but enrollment is declining.

Sign for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Lincoln Center at 750 S Merritt Mill Rd in front of a brick school building with a parking lot, leafless trees, and a clear blue sky.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools administrative offices in Chapel Hill. Photo: Katie Peralta Soloff/Axios

The board of Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools could close up to two elementary schools as the district grapples with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="declining enrollment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/16/leandro-school-funding-lawsuit-in-limbo-north-carolina-charter-public-private-education" data-vars-content-id="1dc1b59c-b8b9-4b64-9b46-107d3ab248c1" data-vars-headline="Why one of North Carolina&#x27;s top school districts is eyeing closures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/16/leandro-school-funding-lawsuit-in-limbo-north-carolina-charter-public-private-education" target="_self">declining enrollment</a> and budget shortfalls.Why it matters: CHCCS is considered <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="one" data-vars-click-url="https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/education/article195097919.html" data-vars-content-id="1dc1b59c-b8b9-4b64-9b46-107d3ab248c1" data-vars-headline="Why one of North Carolina&#x27;s top school districts is eyeing closures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/education/article195097919.html" target="_blank">one</a> of North Carolina&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="best" data-vars-click-url="https://www.niche.com/k12/d/chapel-hill-carrboro-city-schools-nc/rankings/" data-vars-content-id="1dc1b59c-b8b9-4b64-9b46-107d3ab248c1" data-vars-headline="Why one of North Carolina&#x27;s top school districts is eyeing closures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.niche.com/k12/d/chapel-hill-carrboro-city-schools-nc/rankings/" target="_blank">best</a> school districts. But its academic excellence doesn&#x27;t shield it from some of the same headwinds facing public school districts nationwide. <ul><li>School officials say closing a few aging facilities can help the district right-size itself to suit its current student population.</li></ul>

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Former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, and Michael Whatley, former chair of the Republican National Committee, handily won their primaries Tuesday, setting the stage for an intense and expensive showdown to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican. 

Why it matters: Cooper, whose folksy eastern North Carolina charm has resonated even with Trump voters, is viewed as Democrats' best hope to flip an open, GOP-held seat.

Whatley, whom President Trump endorsed, easily fended off Don Brown, a former Navy JAG officer whom embattled former Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson endorsed.   

Between the lines: Cooper, who points to Medicaid expansion as one of his pivotal achievements as governor of North Carolina, has homed in on affordability as a central part of his campaign messaging. 

Whatley has attacked Cooper over his Hurricane Helene response and painted him as soft on crime and immigration. 

The intrigue: Cooper, a moderate who spent 16 years as North Carolina's attorney general before becoming a two-time governor, has never lost an election. 

What they're saying: "There's no doubt — we've got our work cut out for us. But North Carolinians have always given me hope and that's what's going to get us across the finish line," Cooper said on X Tuesday night.

"This November, North Carolina voters will have a choice: Safer Communities, Secure Borders, More Jobs and Lower Costs or Roy Cooper's failed record," Whatley posted.

Zoom out: Republicans currently hold a 53-45 majority in the Senate. Democrats see North Carolina, along with Maine, Alaska and Ohio, as potential pathways to gain the majority, PBS News reported.

Editor's note: We've updated this story with additional details as they become available. 

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Cooper, Whatley set up N.C. Senate showdown

Cooper is viewed as Democrats' best hope to flip an open, GOP-held seat.

Former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, left, and Michael Whatley, former chair of the Republican National Committee, right.

Former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, left, and Michael Whatley, former chair of the Republican National Committee. Photos: Ryan Kelly/AFP via Getty Images, Aaron Schwartz/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Former North Carolina Gov. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Roy Cooper" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/29/cooper-makes-it-official" data-vars-content-id="29461951-fa43-4500-b032-fc6834bfd86d" data-vars-headline="Cooper, Whatley set up N.C. Senate showdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/29/cooper-makes-it-official" target="_self">Roy Cooper</a>, a Democrat, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michael Whatley" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/08/01/whatley-officially-joins-senate-race" data-vars-content-id="29461951-fa43-4500-b032-fc6834bfd86d" data-vars-headline="Cooper, Whatley set up N.C. Senate showdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/08/01/whatley-officially-joins-senate-race" target="_self">Michael Whatley</a>, former chair of the Republican National Committee, handily won their primaries Tuesday, setting the stage for an intense and expensive showdown to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican. Why it matters: Cooper, whose folksy eastern North Carolina charm has resonated even <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="with Trump voters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/11/06/nc-election-results-trump-josh-stein-split-ticket" data-vars-content-id="29461951-fa43-4500-b032-fc6834bfd86d" data-vars-headline="Cooper, Whatley set up N.C. Senate showdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/11/06/nc-election-results-trump-josh-stein-split-ticket" target="_self">with Trump voters</a>, is viewed as Democrats&#x27; best hope to flip an open, GOP-held seat.<ul><li>Whatley, whom President Trump endorsed, easily fended off Don Brown, a former Navy JAG officer whom embattled former Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="endorsed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.theassemblync.com/news/politics/whatley-republican-senate-north-carolina/" data-vars-content-id="29461951-fa43-4500-b032-fc6834bfd86d" data-vars-headline="Cooper, Whatley set up N.C. Senate showdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.theassemblync.com/news/politics/whatley-republican-senate-north-carolina/" target="_blank">endorsed</a>. </li></ul>

2024 will be an election year like no other, as President Biden seeks re-election amid economic uncertainty, two wars and questions about his age. His likely foe, former President Trump, faces felony charges and vows revenge on his political enemies. Meanwhile, Americans generally are dissatisfied with those choices and are divided over immigration, race, education and more.

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The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools board voted Thursday to narrow its list of possible elementary school closures to three: Seawell, Glenwood and Ephesus. 

The 4-3 motion means Estes Hills and Frank Porter Graham Bilingüe won't be considered for closure.

Why it matters: Facing declining enrollment and possible budget cuts, Chapel Hill-Carrboro leaders are seeking to "right-size" the district to match its smaller student population. 

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.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro narrows list of possible school closures

The 4-3 motion takes Estes Hills and Frank Porter Graham Bilingüe off the chopping block.

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools board voted Thursday to narrow its list of possible <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="elementary school closures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/13/chapel-hill-carrboro-city-schools-closure-north-carolina" data-vars-content-id="2d3fa901-e6ab-47ac-b0b5-336274ea3a92" data-vars-headline="Chapel Hill-Carrboro narrows list of possible school closures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/13/chapel-hill-carrboro-city-schools-closure-north-carolina" target="_self">elementary school closures</a> to three: Seawell, Glenwood and Ephesus. <ul><li>The 4-3 motion means Estes Hills and Frank Porter Graham Bilingüe won&#x27;t be considered for closure.</li></ul>Why it matters: Facing declining enrollment and possible budget cuts, Chapel Hill-Carrboro leaders are seeking to &quot;right-size&quot; the district to match its smaller student population.

Five restaurants across North and South Carolina received a Michelin Star as part of the Michelin Guide's inaugural evaluation of the South.

Why it matters: A nod from the esteemed Michelin Guide is a testament to the evolution of the Carolinas' culinary identity — from established BBQ joints to newer, buzzy spots focused on Latin American fare.

Driving the news: Michelin's inaugural American South list, announced Monday night in a ceremony in Greenville, S.C., features 10 restaurants with one Star and one with two Stars.

Emeril's in New Orleans landed two Stars.

The selection spans 228 restaurants across 44 cuisine types, plus 50 Bib Gourmands and four special awards.

Michelin Stars: The most prestigious restaurants secure star ratings. One star means a visit is worth a stop; two stars mean it's worth a detour and three stars mean it's worth a special journey. Each of these restaurants received one star: 

Green Stars: Luminosa in Asheville and Counter- in Charlotte each got a Green Star for sustainability.

Hand holding a wine glass with a light yellow iced drink garnished with a dried citrus slice and a paper straw, inside a bright, modern cafe with colorful wall art and wooden furniture.

Mala Pata's Nixta Tonic. Photo: Lucille Sherman/Axios

Bib Gourmand: These North and South Carolina selections indicate value, or great food at reasonable prices. Michelin's current standard for a "reasonable" U.S. price is around $40-$50 for a starter, entree and dessert.

What they're saying: Sam Jones, owner of Sam Jones BBQ, told Axios he was "pleasantly surprised" by the Michelin recognition, and that he's never considered himself to be in the same category as a chef-driven restaurant.

"It's nice — especially coming from the lineage of so many people in my family doing this work — to be recognized by such a prestigious organization," Jones said.

Additional "recommended" restaurants in the Carolinas were also named. These don't rise to Bib or star status. Michelin says these are "simply a good meal." They included: Addissae Ethiopean Restaurant (Asheville), All Day Darling (Asheville), Brewery Bhavana (Raleigh), Brodeto (Raleigh), Chubby Fish (Charleston), Crawford and Son (Raleigh), Curate (Asheville), Customshop (Charlotte), Dampf Good BBQ (Cary), Di Vino Rosso (Columbia), Ever Andalo (Charlotte), Fig (Charleston), Golden Hour (Asheville), Good Hot Fish (Asheville), Haberdish (Charlotte), Hello Sailor (Cornelius), Herons (Cary), Husk (Charleston), Jianna (Greenville, S.C.), Jolie (Raleigh), Kindred (Davidson), Leo's House of Thirst (Asheville), Little Bull (Durham), Little Mama's (Charlotte), Lowland (Charleston), Motor Supply Company (Columbia), Nanas (Durham), Nikos (Durham), Omakase Experience by Primefish (Charlotte), Poole's (Raleigh), Prime Fish (Charlotte), Rada (Charlotte) and Restaurant Constance (Charlotte), Supperland (Charlotte). 

Michelin Guide's South edition puts Carolina restaurants on the map with new stars

With the inaugural American South edition of the Michelin Guide, five Carolina restaurants receive stars — boosting the region's food‑tourism appeal.

The Michelin Guide Ceremony at Mission Ballroom in Denver's RiNo Art District on Sept. 12. Photo: Esteban L. Hernandez/Axios

Five restaurants across North and South Carolina received a Michelin Star as part of the Michelin Guide&#x27;s inaugural evaluation of the South.Why it matters: A nod from the esteemed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michelin Guide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/06/09/michelin-guide-south-region-winners-ceremony" data-vars-content-id="2e38d88a-3e80-4fb2-8c8d-082cccb3ce9c" data-vars-headline="Michelin Guide&#x27;s South edition puts Carolina restaurants on the map with new stars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/06/09/michelin-guide-south-region-winners-ceremony" target="_self">Michelin Guide</a> is a testament to the evolution of the Carolinas&#x27; culinary identity — from established BBQ joints to newer, buzzy spots focused on Latin American fare.

Food and Drink

Rob Belk, 35, grew up in Charlotte, selling ladies' shoes at the SouthPark mall Belk, his family's eponymous department store — a grind that instilled in him an entrepreneurial bug. Earlier this year, he purchased Sales Factory, a Greensboro marketing and insights agency that's been around since 1984.

Why it matters: In North Carolina and beyond, young entrepreneurs are buying up small businesses from founders nearing retirement — part of a phenomenon dubbed the "silver tsunami" that's resulting in a massive transfer of wealth. 

Zoom in: For an aspiring business owner, it may make good sense to buy an established firm with the fundamentals already in place — a proven business model, labor, community reputation, client relationships, and so on.

It's like starting business ownership at third base, says Ben Engvall, a New York-based head of mergers and acquisitions at Palmer Advisors. 

He's handled about 20 deals that paired a younger buyer with a retirement-age seller, including the Sales Factory deal.

Between the lines: A young buyer, often with an MBA and business or tech savviness, sees a lot of opportunity to modernize the business practices of the older firm they're buying, Engvall says. Think pest management or industrial cleaning — industries with inelastic customer bases.

"The revenue model for some of these businesses that don't sound fun and sexy is really strong," he adds.

Case in point: In 2017, Jerome Trehy, 41, bought Roland Black Heating and Cooling, a 53-year-old company that provides residential and light commercial HVAC services in North and South Carolina. 

Trehy describes the company as "flat but healthy" in the few years it was previously owned by a father-son duo who'd bought it from the founder, Roland Black, who's in his 80s and with whom Trehy still meets. 

Trehy, a Durham native with an MBA from UNC, had worked at Red Ventures in Charlotte, but has a background in the trades. Right away, he began to modernize the HVAC company by, for instance, implementing a fresh customer relationship management system and digital invoicing. 

"Done right, that's low-hanging fruit to build more value," Trehy says. 

Since 2017, he says, the company's revenue has grown five times over, while going from six employees to 23, and it has added plumbing services and a minority partner. 

The big picture: Millennial and Gen Z buyers are scooping up retiring Boomers' businesses despite high interest rates, as the Guardian reported. Interest in such transactions is expected to accelerate further as rates fall.

By the numbers: Roughly half of small businesses in North Carolina have an owner age 55 or older.

About 85% of those don't have a succession plan in place, according to the North Carolina Employee Ownership Center, a Durham nonprofit. 

That means these owners who don't have a child or an heir apparent may look to sell if they want to see their companies continue on.

What they're saying: "It's a perfect marriage of one generation that owns so many businesses, ready to exit, with another generation that's been educated so thoroughly in how to operate a business," Engvall tells Axios.

Zoom in: A Duke Fuqua School of Business grad, Belk worked for years in California for Call of Duty before moving back to Greensboro a few years ago to be closer to family. 

After buying Sales Factory, which has offices in Raleigh and Greensboro, he still regularly consults with previous owner Ged King, 58, who's staying on for now as chief revenue officer and equity partner.

The bottom line: Though they're in different industries, both Belk and Trehy separately say they are prioritizing being good employers as they grow their companies. "We've watched employees feel financially stable enough to have a kid or buy a car," Trehy says.

Why young North Carolina entrepreneurs are buying up Boomer businesses

In North Carolina and beyond, young entrepreneurs are buying up small businesses from founders nearing retirement.

Two smiling men, one in a blue checkered shirt and beige pants, the other in a brown sweater and glasses, standing in an office next to a wall with "Sales Factory" logo and awards on a wooden cabinet.

Rob Belk, left, stands with Ged King. Photo: Courtesy of Sales Factory

Rob Belk, 35, grew up in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charlotte" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte" data-vars-content-id="7a6faaac-45d5-40be-af90-2649b31e3c01" data-vars-headline="Why young North Carolina entrepreneurs are buying up Boomer businesses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte" target="_self">Charlotte</a>, selling ladies&#x27; shoes at the SouthPark mall Belk, his family&#x27;s eponymous department store — a grind that instilled in him an entrepreneurial bug. Earlier this year, he purchased Sales Factory, a Greensboro marketing and insights agency that&#x27;s been around since 1984.Why it matters: In North Carolina and beyond, young entrepreneurs are buying up small businesses from founders nearing retirement — part of a phenomenon dubbed the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="silver tsunami" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/29/retirement-crisis-social-security-2026" data-vars-content-id="7a6faaac-45d5-40be-af90-2649b31e3c01" data-vars-headline="Why young North Carolina entrepreneurs are buying up Boomer businesses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/29/retirement-crisis-social-security-2026" target="_self">silver tsunami</a>&quot; that&#x27;s resulting in a massive transfer of wealth.

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Featured stories

Chapel Hill-Carrboro narrows list of possible school closures

Cooper, Whatley set up N.C. Senate showdown

Why young North Carolina entrepreneurs are buying up Boomer businesses

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