“Viewpoints” is a place on Chapelboro where local people are encouraged to share their unique perspectives on issues affecting our community. All thoughts, ideas, opinions and expressions in this series are those of the author, and do not reflect the work, reporting or approval of 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro.com. If you’d like to contribute a column on an issue you’re concerned about, interesting happenings around town, reflections on local life — or anything else — send a submission to [email protected].
Ephesus Is a Special Place
A perspective from Victoria Creamer
As a 28-year veteran of public education in North Carolina, and a current principal in a neighboring district, I was deeply saddened to learn that Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) must close two elementary schools. For me, this news is personal. I served as assistant principal and then principal of Ephesus Elementary School for nearly 11 years, and I am also the parent of two of its graduates. The possibility that Ephesus could be among the schools to close is especially difficult to accept.
Ephesus is a special place. Its outward appearance never fully captures what exists within: a dedicated staff, strong leadership, and families deeply invested in their children’s success. Of course, the same could be said of other school communities facing closure. That truth makes this decision all the more painful, and all the more complex for the board.
The grief expressed at public meetings is real and justified. The dismantling of any school community is a loss. But no single school’s importance outweighs another’s. If closures are necessary, they must be determined by the reality driving them: finances. Difficult as it may be, the board must ground its decision in clear, objective financial data.
For families who may be affected, the uncertainty is profound. While local decisions unfold, I urge continued advocacy at the state level. What is happening in CHCCS reflects a broader trend across North Carolina: the gradual erosion of public school funding alongside policies that divert public dollars to less accountable systems.
Organizations like Public Schools First NC, Public School Forum of North Carolina, and North Carolina Association of Educators have documented that North Carolina consistently ranks near the bottom nationally in per-pupil spending—thousands below the national average. At the same time, programs such as the Opportunity Scholarship Program expand the use of public funds for private education, often without equivalent accountability or access for all students. The narrative that this creates is that NC public schools are for those who do not have other choices.
So what can citizens do?
Stay informed. Seek out nonpartisan, research-based information about public education funding and policy.
Advocate. Speak with voters across your community and beyond about the importance of strong public schools and the legislature’s role in funding them.
Share your story. If your children are thriving in public schools, say so. Public perception matters.
Engage elected officials. It is unacceptable that nine months into the fiscal year, the state budget remains unresolved, leaving districts, educators, and students in limbo.
Until North Carolinians collectively demand better, the strain on public education will persist. While the immediate focus may be on schools like Ephesus, Seawell, and Glenwood, this moment calls for something larger: a renewed, unified commitment to the future of public education for every child in our state.
“Viewpoints” on Chapelboro is a recurring series of community-submitted opinion columns. All thoughts, ideas, opinions and expressions in this series are those of the author, and do not reflect the work or reporting of 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro.com.
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