DETROIT - Preliminary figures show that approximately 88,000 students were enrolled in Detroit Public Schools as of Wednesday, a drop of about 16,000 from last fall, according to The Detroit News. Though the final count could change slightly, any total lower than 100,000 will result in the district losing "first-class" status, which in turn could allow more charter public schools to begin operating within the district.
The district anticipated enrolling about 98,000 students; the lower number would mean a reduction of about $52.6 million in state aid, The News reported.
Already under financial scrutiny by the state, Detroit plans to make $522 million in budget cuts over the next two years to eliminate a deficit, according to The News.
SOURCE:
The Detroit News, "DPS sees record drop in student," Sept. 26, 2008
FURTHER READING:
Michigan Education Report, "Colleges: ‘Wait and see' on Detroit Charter Schools," April 7, 2008
The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is a nonprofit research and educational institute that advances the principles of free markets and limited government. Through our research and education programs, we challenge government overreach and advocate for a free-market approach to public policy that frees people to realize their potential and dreams.
Please consider contributing to our work to advance a freer and more prosperous state.