Buncombe County reports student enrollment shifts amid rising private school transfers

The Buncombe County Schools Board of Education held a special budget work session on April 25, 2025, where significant discussions centered on student enrollment trends and the impact of private school vouchers on public education funding.

One of the key takeaways from the meeting was the decline in student enrollment within the district, which saw a loss of 14 students compared to the previous year. This trend reflects broader patterns observed across North Carolina, where public schools have faced challenges due to the rise of charter schools and the increasing popularity of homeschooling, particularly during and after the pandemic. The data presented indicated that while some families opted for homeschooling during the pandemic, these numbers have not fully returned to pre-pandemic levels.

A major concern raised during the session was the financial implications of the Opportunity Scholarship program, which provides state funding for students attending private schools. The board discussed how this program diverts public education dollars to private institutions, potentially impacting the financial resources available for public schools. It was noted that a significant portion of scholarship recipients come from higher-income families, raising questions about the equity of the program and its long-term effects on public school funding.

The board also highlighted the need for ongoing analysis of these trends, as the enrollment shifts and the growing number of students transferring to private schools could have lasting effects on the district's budget and educational offerings. The meeting concluded with a call for further examination of the data and its implications for future planning and resource allocation within Buncombe County Schools.

As the district navigates these challenges, the discussions from this budget work session underscore the importance of understanding how external factors, such as private school vouchers and changing enrollment patterns, directly affect the quality of education provided to students in the community. The board's commitment to addressing these issues will be crucial in ensuring that public education remains a viable option for all families in Buncombe County.