US public school enrollment shrinks, with middle school closures ahead: Are low income neighbourhoods paying the price?
US public schools are grappling with declining enrollment due to lower birth rates, a rise in homeschooling, and shrinking budgets. Districts are considering closures and mergers, particularly targeting middle schools. These actions face resistance from parents and teachers, who fear negative impacts on students. While closures save money, they disproportionately affect Black and low-income communities, raising equity concerns.
US public schools are grappling with declining enrollment due to lower birth rates, a rise in homeschooling, and shrinking budgets. Districts are considering closures and mergers, particularly targeting middle schools. These actions face resistance from parents and teachers, who fear negative impacts on students. While closures save money, they disproportionately affect Black and low-income communities, raising equity concerns.
