The Brief
- Thousands fewer students are enrolled in Tampa Bay area schools just weeks into the school year.
- District leaders said population decline, homeschooling and vouchers are driving the trend.
- Shrinking enrollment means millions less in funding — and some schools face tough cuts.
TAMPA, Fla. – School hallways in the Tampa Bay area are emptier than expected this fall.
Pinellas County Schools have already lost about 4,000 students compared to last year, and Hillsborough reports a more than 7,000 student decline from last year.
Because Florida funds public schools at $9,130 per student, even small enrollment drops lead to big budget hits. Pinellas reports about $23 million less in funding this year.
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