Enrollment Trends

Contrary to OC trend, CUSD enrollment is up due to new housing developments

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.

District says deficit spending and flattening enrollment caused budget crisis

Eric Hall, Laguna Niguel News “Capistrano is facing significant budget challenges because of two converging forces: three of four years of deficit spending, and flattening enrollment ... It has caused us to pause and take a look at making budget reductions.”

Hall is CUSD's interim deputy superintendent of business and support services.