California’s school districts are bracing for inevitable closures as student enrollments continue to decline, with projections suggesting that high schools will soon be impacted after primarily elementary and middle schools. A recently released study from Bellwether Education Partners urges districts to view these closures not just as losses but as opportunities to redesign high schools for improved student engagement.
Declining Enrollment Trends
California has seen a drop in student enrollment from a peak of 6.3 million in 2005 to approximately 5.8 million in 2023-24, with further declines expected. By 2032, enrollment could decrease to 5.2 million students, influenced by declining birth rates and fewer immigrants entering the school system.
Research indicates that high school students feel increasingly disconnected, with one-quarter chronically absent and only half reporting caring relationships with adults at school. The report emphasizes that while redesigning schools may require additional funding, it can be achieved through innovative strategies.
Strategies for Redesign
The report advocates for several strategies to enhance high school experiences:
- Flexible Scheduling: Moving away from traditional seven-period days.
- Expanded Dual Enrollment: Increasing opportunities for students to take college courses while still in high school.
- Shared Facilities: Creating hubs for multiple high schools to share resources and courses.
- Community Partnerships: Collaborating with local businesses and nonprofit organizations to offset costs and enrich educational offerings.
Examples of innovative models already being implemented include:
- San Francisco Unified: Developing a health and life sciences learning hub in partnership with the University of California San Francisco.
- Inglewood Unified: Transforming its main library into an educational center to support local high schools.
Community Resistance and Emotional Attachments
While closures are likely, they are expected to encounter significant community resistance, particularly concerning high schools, which often hold strong emotional ties for alumni and local residents. Efforts to consolidate middle schools instead of high schools may be a strategy for districts to retain high school facilities longer.
Former superintendent Ron Carruth points out that districts must confront the realities of enrollment decline and consider how to provide meaningful educational opportunities within smaller student populations, especially in rural areas.
Legislative Support and Innovation
To facilitate this transformation, the study calls for legislative changes to allow greater flexibility in school operations, such as easing regulations around surplus property sales and revising funding structures to better support high school needs.
The recent passage of Senate Bill 1244 allows districts to form partnerships with community colleges beyond their immediate area for dual enrollment courses, providing more options for students, especially in urban settings.
Conclusion
Despite challenges posed by declining enrollment and potential funding shortfalls, the Bellwether report highlights a growing demand for a reimagined approach to high school education. Advocates emphasize the need for innovative and flexible educational models that can better meet students’ diverse needs and foster a more engaging learning environment.
Parent advocate Roxann Nazario underscores the urgency of this evolution, arguing for a system that allows for greater flexibility to accommodate varied student interests and strengths, ensuring that all students can thrive rather than merely get by.
