Keep Ephesus Elementary Open
Sarah Ross
Dear Members of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education,
I am writing to urge you to keep Ephesus Elementary School open.
After reviewing the district's consolidation study, I believe the data support preserving Ephesus as a vital part of our school system and community.
As a lifelong educator, parent to two current Ephesus students and a partner to an Ephesus teacher, I personally know the value of Ephesus as a school community. When I walk into Ephesus, I see a school where students know they belong. Teachers know families by name, children can walk to school with their neighbors, and the school serves as a gathering place for the community. Those connections cannot simply be transferred to another building
Unlike the other schools under consideration, Ephesus is projected to experience significant enrollment growth over the next decade. The report shows that Ephesus is expected to be one of the district's most highly utilized elementary schools in the future. Closing a school that is projected to be near full capacity does not seem to align with the district's long-term enrollment needs.
Ephesus is also more than just a building. It is a neighborhood school that serves a diverse student population, including many students who live within walking distance. For many families, Ephesus provides an important sense of belonging and connection to their community. Closing the school would disrupt those relationships and require students to travel farther from the neighborhoods they call home.
The report also highlights Ephesus's role as a Title I school. As the Board considers options, I hope equity remains at the center of the decision-making process. Students who already face barriers should not bear a disproportionate share of the disruption caused by consolidation.
I recognize the difficult financial and operational challenges facing our district. However, if consolidation becomes necessary, I encourage the Board to consider whether it makes sense to close a school that is growing, heavily utilized, walkable for many students, and deeply connected to its surrounding community.
Thank you for your service to our students and families and for carefully considering the long-term impact of this decision.
Sincerely,
Sarah Ross