Public schools across our country are losing students. Between 2019 and 2023, 59% of small schools, 69% of medium sized schools and 69% of large schools experienced enrollment declines. Overall, the share of children ages 5-17 enrolled in public schools fell by nearly 4% from 2012 to 2022 according to Census Bureau data.
In some states, the decline is dramatic. California’s enrollment fell by 2.5% last year alone. Remember, this is while our nation’s population was increasing.
Multiple reasons are given for the decline. Demographic shifts and pandemic impacts are some reasons for the decline. One plausible reason for the decline in public school enrollment is the increase in alternative school choices. Many states provide funding for parents to enroll their children in alternatives to the public school system.
During this period of enrollment decline, the leftist Democrats have taken control of what is taught in public schools that are located in states and cities controlled by Democrats. Many parents are refusing to allow their children to be indoctrinated in the leftist cesspools.
As parents became aware during the pandemic of what was being taught in the public schools, they have made other plans for educating their children. In a free market, a product that is inferior, usually does not sell well.
Of course, with the government, the usual rules of economy do not apply. As public school enrollment has been declining, the funding levels have been increasing.
One absurd example of spending increases is the City of Chicago. Chicago had an increase of 1200 students in the 2023-2024 school year.
Surprisingly, the funding for Chicago public schools during the same school year increased by a half a BILLION dollars. (For our Democrat readers, Chicago received over $416,000 per additional student)
Is it not absurd that Democrat politicians are protesting against Elon Musk and the DOGE team while the Democrats are raping the taxpayers to pay off their friends in the teacher’s unions? Of course, the increased funding is not increasing the test scores.
When you hear Democrats complain about educational funding levels, remember they continue to pay more for education while delivering miserable results.
Bob Spencer
Publisher
Manatee Herald
publisher@manateeherald.com
