Detroit Public Schools' fall enrollment stands at 95,852 and counting--markedly higher than preliminary figures showed, according to district officials. With about 2,000 part-time students to be added to the rolls before the school system issues its final report next month to the Wayne Regional Educational Service Agency, officials say they expect to reach--or even exceed the budgeted amount.
To read The Detroit News article, click here.
FROM SEPTEMBER 2008: Detroit Public Schools posted its lowest enrollment since World War I, constituting a massive and unexpected decline, according to early figures circulated by the district administration. The preliminary tally showed enrollment dropped to about 88,000 this fall--far below the 104,501 students counted last fall. It could constitute the largest one-year enrollment drop in the district's history. The district projected 98,356 students as part of its $1.1 billion budget; if the initial enrollment numbers hold, the drop could cost the district about $52.6 million in state aid. District administrators are calling into question the accuracy of the numbers, and principals and staff have been put on notice that they have to do whatever they can to count each student.
To read The Detroit News article, click here.
UPDATE: While denying reports that enrollment is down to 88,000 students, Detroit Public Schools officials acknowledge that it has dropped below the 100,000 mark needed to maintain first-class district status. As a result, two community colleges and suburban districts will be able to open charter schools within the city and the number of DPS board members could change and their powers diminish. The district's ability to borrow money, contract for services, issue bonds, collect property taxes and direct its school police department also is now in question. Board president Carla Scott says the 88,000 figure did not include part-time students such as some high school, alternative education, kindergarten and preschool students. The true number is expected to be between 94,000 and 96,000 students, Scott says.
To read The Detroit Free Press article, click here.
