Public-school enrollment has dropped this academic year across Wisconsin, continuing “a decades-long trend” and threatening district budgets.
“According to a Wisconsin Policy Forum Report released in July, by percentages the state’s PreK through 12th grade student enrollment has decreased more than the nation’s as whole in the 21st century — though the gap between Wisconsin and national averages has narrowed since 2020,” Wisconsin Public Radio observed.
Sixty-eight of 72 counties have recorded enrollment declines in the latest figures from the state’s Department of Instruction, leading to a net loss of 14,087 students.
“I think the factors include lower birth rates and more choices for students,” said Mike Johnson, superintendent of the Eau Claire Area School District (ECASD).
The district, which had 10,533 students this year compared to 12,523 students in 2019, will get less funding since enrollment helps determine the amount of state support, according to the article.
“Every year I’ve been superintendent we’ve dropped enrollment,” Johnson said. “In Wisconsin, students equal revenue and we have to be very cognizant every year of our projections.”
