Navigating Change Strategies to Strengthen California High Schools Amid Declining Enrollment

This report from Bellwether provides guidance on how districts in California (and elsewhere) can respond to declining enrollment in ways that strengthen high schools, addressing issues of student engagement, motivation, and attendance while simultaneously mitigating budgetary constraints. The authors recommend that districts lease or sell closed or underutilized facilities and district property to support learning and address community needs. For example, districts can sell or lease unused buildings or facility space to other agencies or organizations that provide services to students, teachers, families, and the community. Revenue generated through leasing or selling underutilized facility space or property can be directed toward strengthening programs and services across the district, including for high school students. In this way, under-utilized district infrastructure can provide fiscal benefit to schools as well as value to the community.

Authors: Paul Beach, Carrie Hahnel, Tanvi Kodali