Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Enrollment Slide in Pittsburgh’s Expensive, Poorly Performing Public Schools Continues
Pittsburgh Public Schools’ enrollment continues its free fall. In 1998 enrollment stood at 39,600 but by 2006 was down to 29,445—a 25 percent drop. Official enrollment in 2007 slid a further 1,100 students to stand at 28,265. Losses are projected to continue unabated at least through the end of the decade.
Amazingly, one school board member, instead of seeing this as alarming, didn’t seem fazed. He said “the same way you did not lose them overnight, you’re not going to get them back overnight.” The point the member has obviously missed is that the losses keep coming. Indeed, there is no sign the hemorrhaging will end any time soon. Folks are not coming back despite the new programs and the cosmetic revamping of the district—the equivalent of putting new paint on a crumbling house.
One major reason for the decline is the poor academic achievement in the district—only 52 percent of the students scored proficient in reading while only 55 scored proficient in math. The district’s best high school did not meet federal achievement benchmarks for the past academic year. Parents wanting success for their children are choosing alternatives by either moving out of the City or choosing private or charter schools.
Despite the decline in enrollment, costs will not decrease as general fund outlays this academic year stands at $18,680 per student. Without question the high cost of the district and the accompanying high taxes are driving residents out of the City and deterring new ones from moving in.
Turning the fortunes of the district around will take a major overhaul. But given the lack of will to engage in meaningful reform owing to political correctness, institutional resistance and labor pressure, we can only watch as the district continues to deteriorate.
Amazingly, one school board member, instead of seeing this as alarming, didn’t seem fazed. He said “the same way you did not lose them overnight, you’re not going to get them back overnight.” The point the member has obviously missed is that the losses keep coming. Indeed, there is no sign the hemorrhaging will end any time soon. Folks are not coming back despite the new programs and the cosmetic revamping of the district—the equivalent of putting new paint on a crumbling house.
One major reason for the decline is the poor academic achievement in the district—only 52 percent of the students scored proficient in reading while only 55 scored proficient in math. The district’s best high school did not meet federal achievement benchmarks for the past academic year. Parents wanting success for their children are choosing alternatives by either moving out of the City or choosing private or charter schools.
Despite the decline in enrollment, costs will not decrease as general fund outlays this academic year stands at $18,680 per student. Without question the high cost of the district and the accompanying high taxes are driving residents out of the City and deterring new ones from moving in.
Turning the fortunes of the district around will take a major overhaul. But given the lack of will to engage in meaningful reform owing to political correctness, institutional resistance and labor pressure, we can only watch as the district continues to deteriorate.
