Overview
- Preliminary figures show citywide K-12 and preschool enrollment fell 2.4% to roughly 884,400 students as of Oct. 31.
- Schools with fewer students than projected will keep their funding, while campuses with higher-than-expected enrollment will receive additional money.
- Officials said past midyear clawbacks would have totaled roughly $250 million, and last year’s hold-harmless decision allowed schools to retain $157 million, with $126 million added in June to protect starting budgets.
- Educators cite fewer newcomer arrivals after roughly 50,000 migrant students enrolled in prior years, with schools serving immigrants reporting sharp declines such as Liberty High down about 200 students and ELLIS Prep down about 30.
- Principals’ union leaders praised the move for stability, while some observers warn the approach may strain finances and leave difficult choices for the next administration.