The board of Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools could opt to 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 future schools will make us more sustainable."

What's happening: The school district, which has 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:

• Historically lower birth rates.
• 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.

Yes, but: Nearly all CHCCS schools are under capacity, Jenks said. But a few on the chopping block include those 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.

Keep reading

Winter storms have disrupted USPS mail delivery in several cities, causing days-long delays — and weeklong gaps in some neighborhoods — even after roads have cleared.

Why it matters: The disruptions have left residents waiting on medications, tax documents and checks — highlighting the challenges of restoring full service after major storms.

Zoom in: Local reports of delivery gaps have surfaced following back-to-back winter storms.

• In Durham's Eno Valley neighborhood, residents said mail hadn't been delivered for up to two weeks, with prescription medications and tax documents stuck in the system. Rep. Valerie Foushee (D-N.C.) is pursuing a formal inquiry.

State of play: The Postal Service has warned that severe winter weather and storm cleanup are impacting operations across large portions of the U.S., citing blocked or unsafe transportation routes.

• USPS spokesperson Cathy Purcell told Axios that the storm has been an abnormal prolonged snow and ice event, with conditions in some areas lasting longer than residents have seen in decades.
• Purcell said snowplows can bury mailboxes and prolonged ice can make them inaccessible, preventing carriers from delivering letter mail even when roads appear clear.

Share this story

🛒 Publix will soon open its new Durham grocery store at Latta Park, a 30-acre mixed-use community underway that'll have residences, shops, trails and public art. A supermarket spokesperson said an exact opening date is TBA.

Rev. William Barber is leading a 50-mile walk from Wilson to Raleigh that ends at the North Carolina State Capitol on Saturday. The "Love Forward Together" march aims to spotlight voting rights and social justice issues. (The Wilson Times)

🌮 Bubbakoo's Burritos is opening its first North Carolina location Monday in Durham's Renaissance Village, per a spokesperson. The fast-casual chain specializes in build-your-own bowls, burritos, tacos, salads and nachos.

🏀 UNC men's basketball star forward Caleb Wilson is out indefinitely with a fractured left hand. (Daily Tar Heel)

Here are a few things happening around the Triangle this Valentine's Day weekend:

🍪 Take the kids to the North Regional Library in Raleigh for a free Valentine's cookie decorating class today at 9:15am.

🐶 Get your downward dog on during puppy yoga at noon today in RTP.

🌳 Head to Downtown Cary Park for a free evening of live music, food trucks, and arts & crafts from 5 to 9 Saturday. Note that this is for folks 16 and older.

🕺 Grab tickets to "The Music Man Sr." at the Raleigh Little Theatre, happening through Wednesday.

🌆 Take Durham's civil rights walking tour on Saturday morning.

🏀 Tune into ESPN at 1pm Sunday for women's basketball. The No. 11 Duke Blue Devils host the No. 21 North Carolina Tar Heels.