Leal, Fermin
Contrary to OC trend, CUSD enrollment is up due to new housing developments
Apr 23, 2007
Fermin Leal, The Orange County
Register "... the declining
enrollment trend does not extend to every
district. Eight districts have seen an increase of
a total of 6,083 students in the same time period
as the 19 others decreased. Districts including
Tustin Unified, Capistrano Unified and Irvine
Unified recorded significant growth mostly because
of more new housing developments."
In just three years, the enrollment in 19 Orange County school districts has dropped by a combined 17,725 students. That’s enough to fill about 10 high schools, or 30 elementary schools. Districts typically cringe at enrollment declines because it means less funding from the state. They forgo about $4,000 to $6,000 a year for every student, meaning districts have to slash budgets and cut jobs. Leal is a reporter for The Orange County Register.
In just three years, the enrollment in 19 Orange County school districts has dropped by a combined 17,725 students. That’s enough to fill about 10 high schools, or 30 elementary schools. Districts typically cringe at enrollment declines because it means less funding from the state. They forgo about $4,000 to $6,000 a year for every student, meaning districts have to slash budgets and cut jobs. Leal is a reporter for The Orange County Register.