Declining Enrollment—Operational Strategies

Statewide enrollment continues to decline, posing significant challenges for local educational agencies (LEAs). In 2024-25, enrollment fell again, the eighth consecutive year of decline—with roughly 5.8 million students enrolled statewide—approximately 420,000 fewer students than a decade ago.  Statewide enrollment peaked in 2004, yet even then, more than one-third of districts were experiencing enrollment losses. In 2019, over half of districts were experiencing declines, and by 2022-23, that share rose sharply to 73%. Looking ahead, projections suggest this trend will continue, as the majority of districts are expected to see further enrollment losses in the next five years.

The continued loss of students and the uncertainty surrounding future enrollment trajectories require district leaders to engage in strategic, long-term planning. Without proactive action, LEAs risk overstaffing, underutilized facilities, and misaligned resource allocation. School leaders must manage today’s fiscal and operational pressures while preparing to meet tomorrow’s challenges through comprehensive planning, technical expertise, and clear communication strategies.

This webinar series—presented in partnership with the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team—identifies the many ways that declining enrollment impacts LEA operations and provides strategies for addressing these challenges, along with resources for making management decisions. Addressing declining enrollment requires a multiphase approach and this webinar will focus on the fiscal and operational aspects of declining enrollment, including facilities considerations, with the aim of providing useful examples, resources, and tips for local planning and communication. A deep dive into the staffing implications of declining enrollment will be covered in the Planning for Reductions in Force webinar.

Who Should Attend?

This webinar is intended for superintendents and all members of an LEA’s cabinet, as well as support staff directly involved with fiscal responsibility, employee management, instructional design, and facilities.

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