Why are so many public schools closing?

This NPR Planet Money Indicator podcast discusses the nationwide trend of declining public school enrollment and subsequent school closures. The decline is attributed to lower birth rates and the housing market's challenges, including a lack of affordable housing and mortgage lock-in effects. These factors lead to decreased funding for schools based on per-pupil enrollment, forcing districts to make difficult decisions about closing under-enrolled schools. The podcast features interviews with a consultant advising school districts on closures, an education reporter, and a parent fighting to keep her daughter's school open, illustrating the multifaceted impact of these closures on communities and families. The role of private school vouchers and the broader policy landscape are also examined.