Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools have adopted the theme of "equity and excellence" to stress the importance of reaching out to minority students that often get left behind.
Kim Hoke, system spokeswoman, said the mission is to increase achievement and educational opportunities for these students. Hoke said the school board is trying to ensure that there are fewer barriers for minority students who want to attend field trips with a cost.
The school district faces another barrier in its need for qualified faculty. As students return to area schools this week, some positions remain open, Hoke said. She said that the system filled 145 vacancies over the summer but that 10 to 15 spots still remain to be filled.
She added that these open positions tend to deal with special needs students and English as a second language classes, and that bonuses are offered to attract teachers to these areas.
Hoke said that despite the challenges facing the district, the atmosphere surrounding the new school year is optimistic. "Every time we start a new year, it's usually a start for new opportunities," she said. "I think everybody's excited."
Chapel Hill-Carrboro School Board member Maryanne Rosenman said overcrowding, while not a new concern, is still a major issue in the school system.
Rosenman said the enrollment increase is highest for high schools and no funds exist to build additional facilities for this age group. "We're a little concerned about high school capacity," she said.
Security issues have also caused some officials and parents added concern.
In April an attempted student snatching at Frank Porter Graham Elementary School heightened security concerns in the community.
