Better Together: Ensuring Quality District Schools in Times of Charter Growth and Declining Enrollment

CPRE’s report finds that most major school districts have not taken advantage of crucial opportunities to reduce costs as their enrollment has decreased. School districts must learn to make strategic financial cuts without removing crucial supports for struggling schools. The report recommends a series of actions to address financial challenges, including closing underutilized schools, selling unneeded property, cutting legacy costs by reforming pension agreements, and ending unfunded salary commitments. The report urges charter leaders to actively work with districts and states on solutions. This report is intended as a first step to help all sides overcome their entrenched viewpoints and unite to address the pressing financial problems that are threatening quality public education today.