Post by Bellwether

Enrollment in America's public schools is declining. 40 states are projected to see further losses by 2030–31, putting $11.5 billion in annual school revenue at risk and forcing districts into layoffs, program cuts, and closures. Meanwhile, the students who remain are increasingly those with the highest needs. The decline is driven primarily by falling birth rates. Slowing immigration and the expansion of school vouchers, education savings accounts, and homeschooling programs also play a role. In a new Bellwether and WestEd report, Carrie Hahnel and Jason Willis outline how state leaders can respond proactively to these potentially long-term changes. States that act quickly and intentionally can turn this challenge into an opportunity to create stronger, more resilient schools. #K12Education #PublicSchools #EnrollmentDecline #SchoolEnrollment #EducationPolicy #EdPolicy