School Closures Considered in Houston, Denver Amid Enrollment Declines

Several school districts in the U.S. are grappling with financial challenges and declining enrollment, prompting discussions about potential school closures. Houston Independent School District Superintendent Mike Miles highlighted a loss of about 30,000 students over six years while maintaining the same number of campuses, leading to considerations of school closures despite recent academic improvements. This prospect has faced criticism, with some community members attributing enrollment declines to policies implemented under Miles' leadership. Similarly, Denver Public Schools forecast a decline of 6,000 students by 2029, an 8% decrease, and while no immediate closures are planned, the district anticipates reopening the conversation about closures within the next five years to address the anticipated drop. Meanwhile, in Kenya, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has opposed a High Court ruling that declared school levies unlawful, warning that barring levies would cripple schools financially due to delays in government funding and rising costs, stressing the necessity of levies for operational sustainability. These situations underscore the financial strains schools face globally, with leaders balancing enrollment trends, funding challenges, and community concerns to maintain educational services.