Home prices rise; student numbers fall
 

ORLANDO, Fla. – Feb. 20, 2007 – Florida officials expected school enrollment to rise by more than 48,000 students last fall and were surprised when just 477 additional children entered the classrooms.

The 62 superintendents who responded to the poll conducted by state economists blamed declining enrollment rates on soaring home prices, property taxes, and insurance premiums. With enrollment down in 23 school districts in 2006, 33 counties lost over $200 million in state funding.

However, school officials view the drop in enrollment as beneficial. Volusia County deputy superintendent Tim Huth says more than 800 portable classrooms are in use countywide, and fewer students mean fewer portables are necessary.

Student enrollment could fall by more than 16,000 in Miami-Dade, 12,000 in Broward, and 6,000 in Palm Beach next year from 2005. Declines are also anticipated in Volusia, Seminole, and Brevard counties; while gains are expected in Orange and Osceola counties.

Source: Orlando Sentinel (FL) (02/16/07) Kennedy, John
 

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