Do we have too many schools?
Well, yes...but there's more to it than that.
➡ The Real Issue: Declining Enrollment and Birth Rates
Our nation's growth surged post-WWII and created the Baby Boomers. Suburbia became the focus of the economy with homes being built rapidly and schools springing up to meet the demand of so many new children.
79 years later?
This growth has stalled.
Why the Decline? 🤷‍♂️
Millennials and Gen Z are having fewer children or opting out of parenthood entirely. Like many, I've chosen not to have kids either.
Housing Costs: The affordable housing that came after the Second World War is a thing of the past. Today, the standard of living is making the American dream of buying a house and starting a family incredibly difficult. Most families now require dual incomes just to get by.
As a result, many focus on careers or education over starting families.
The biggest issue is that with Fewer Students = Less Funding because public school funding is mostly tied to enrollment. Declining numbers mean less money, leading to school closures and staff layoffs.
Plus, many teachers have quit due to our unsustainable salaries, further straining the system.
Looking Ahead: The Department of Education forecasts a loss of another 2 million students by 2030, which will lead to current educators facing increased demands with less funding and larger class sizes - compounded by rising student behavioral issues.
The Solution: It's not simply about having more kids.
We need to make tough decisions about closing empty schools and fix education and living costs.
When people can't afford rent, how can they afford children?
🛑 Public education is in crisis, and our economy isn't booming - it's busting.
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