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Why does DPS have too many schools? Enrollment decline was years in the making — and district saw it coming

DPS faces possible $9 million budget shortfall after board rejected plan to close schools to address falling enrollment

Palmer Elementary student Emerson Sheehan, 9, right, helps her friend Carmyn Stewart, 8, down the slide while the two play on the playground after school outside of the school on November 9, 2022, in Denver. In the fall, Denver Public Schools included Palmer on the district's initial list of 10 schools being considered for closure. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)
Palmer Elementary student Emerson Sheehan, 9, right, helps her friend Carmyn Stewart, 8, down the slide while the two play on the playground after school outside of the school on November 9, 2022, in Denver. In the fall, Denver Public Schools included Palmer on the district’s initial list of 10 schools being considered for closure. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 03: Denver Post reporter Jessica Seaman. (Photo By Patrick Traylor/The Denver Post)
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DPS' rapid growth began to falter after adding 15,000 students between 2008-2014. District leaders were concerned falling birth rates and high housing prices could lead to declining enrollment growth.

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