- More than a year after the COVID-19 lockdowns, several major metropolitan school districts across the country are reporting record-level spending per student while enrollment dwindles. New York City, Chicago, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles have increased per student budget expenses in the last five years while academic outcomes have fallen considerably.
- Despite the common increases in per student funding in these districts, reading and math proficiencies remain low, and enrollments continue their declines. Solutions suggested for the decline in enrollment and performance have been varied.