DETROIT (AP) - Declines in school enrollment across the Detroit area
are driving school districts into debt and forcing administrators to
make additional cuts.
Data reviewed by the Detroit Free Press shows that during the five years spanning fall 2008 to fall 2012
enrollment declined 17% in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne county school
districts. Highland Park enrollment declined 69%, while Detroit dropped
29%. Romulus and Inkster declined 26%.
Overall, 20 Detroit-area districts had double-digit enrollment losses.
Among the 10 districts that had the biggest percentage declines, nine are operating with a deficit.
Demographer Kurt Metzger says enrollment declines
are likely to continue because the number of live births in Michigan was
down nearly 16% from 2000 to 2010.
State aid is tied to student enrollment.
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