Enrollment in New York State’s K-12 public schools is expected to drop for the second year in a row.
According to preliminary data released by the state Education Department, this will mark a 5% total decline in enrollment since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Southern Tier is likely to see the biggest drop in enrollment for the second consecutive year, with the most up-to-date state data showing in 4.7% decrease in student population in two years, according to Albany Times-Union.
Still, the state Education Department cautions against comparing 2022 preliminary data to 2021 finalized enrollment data. State officials say the cause of the decline in enrollment cannot be speculated on, but pandemic and non-pandemic-related factors may have played a role.
The North Country is the only region in New York to see its student population grow, particularly in Hamilton County, whose K-12 enrollment rose from 359 students to 368 student in two years.
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