Miami-Dade schools report nearly 19,000-student enrollment drop on first day, district says count is not final

Miami-Dade County Public Schools are addressing reports of a significant enrollment decline on the first day of classes.

A report from WLRN indicates a drop of nearly 19,000 students compared to enrollment figures from last spring.

The school district pushed back against the data, telling CBS News Miami that the first-day figures are only a "snapshot" and do not represent an accurate, final tally. District officials stated that a more precise count will take place in October, and that official tally will determine state funding.

The reports have raised concerns among parents regarding potential school closures or consolidations. The district has already closed or consolidated nine schools this year due to declining enrollment.

"I'm afraid that in the following school year, the next 27-28 school year, there are going to be a lot more schools they will be looking at to possibly close or consolidate," said Lissette Fernandez, co-founder of the advocacy group Moms for Libros, who has two children in the district.

The concerns reflect broader trends in the region. Broward County Public Schools recently announced a proposal to close 10 schools following an 11,000-student enrollment drop this school year.

"As you know, we have underenrolled and small schools. We're spending more money on operating those schools than actually educating the child," Broward Superintendent Howard Hepburn said Friday.

Factors cited for the declines include private school vouchers, the cost of living and immigration enforcement that may be driving some families away from South Florida.

Fernandez said she hopes community engagement can reverse the trend. "If we can get more families enrolling in public schools and understanding that public schools are there for everyone, we can hopefully save these schools," she said.