Enrollment is declining in many Iowa schools. Here’s how districts are responding

The Iowa Department of Education projects public schools' certified enrollment to decline by 3.5 percent between 2020-2030

Enrollment in many Iowa public schools -- most of which enroll fewer than 2,000 students -- is stagnant or declining, creating financial challenges

Closing schools to lessen financial strain and creating innovative programming to compete are two solutions

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Iowa schools — particularly those in districts with fewer than 1,000 students — are the “lifeblood” of their communities. But as districts across the state see continued decline in enrollment, school leaders are making changes to mitigate financial losses and attract and retain the students.

“We’re not a property rich