Why California School Districts are Losing Students

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Over 3,000 Los Angeles Unified School District employees received layoff notices on March 15, 2026. This was in response to reduced student enrollment and Average Daily Attendance (ADA) that funds schools. A sharp decline in students attending their neighborhood schools means less public dollars available to fund salaries for teachers, school leaders, and staff. Schools receive government funding based on their reported ADA. The number of students who left their neighborhood schools to attend charter schools could fill up over 47 elementary schools. But why did these students leave? Read the full story here.