More private school families are expected to turn to San Diego public schools next year as a result of the economic recession. That's based on a student enrollment forecast released yesterday. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.
School demographers say private school enrollment in San Diego will continue to go down next school year.
That's good news for the San Diego Unified School District, because families who can no longer afford private school tuition are expected to enroll their kids in pubic schools. And more kids enrolled in public schools means more money for the district.
In all, school officials expect enrollment to go up by more than 600 students next year.
School board trustee Katherine Nakamura says the district needs to work hard to keep these new families.
“Families are hard-pressed while they are searching for good educational opportunities for their kids” Nakamura said. “If we do our job, we can be that opportunity. And in case anyone hasn't heard, what we offer is free.”
The forecast calls for a total of 133,000 students next school year, marking a third year of moderate growth.
But observers point out the growth comes at the same time when the district is expected to cut a myriad of programs and services.
Ana Tintocalis, KPBS News.
