CDA SCHOOLS: Why is enrollment down?

On Jan. 28, this newspaper published an article regarding the $6 million (even with an additional levy funded $5 million) shortfall the Coeur d’Alene School District is due to experience. Four of the six million is a lack of federal funding due to a decrease in student enrollment. While the wordy article went on to explain potential cost saving measures, one key point was never addressed. Student enrollment. It seems safe to say that we can no longer blame COVID. So why is student enrollment down and why isn’t the school district making it a priority to find and address the root cause? What has caused parents to seek alternatives to public education? Shortfalls will likely be a perennial concern until enrollment issues are addressed.

KAREN MILACEK

Post Falls