AZ school district sees dramatic drop in students, points to AZ immigration law
Posted on Wednesday, July 28 @ 01:38:39 EDT
Topic: State Laws Immigration illegal legal
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 PHOENIX - The effect of Arizona's new immigration law may be making its way into classrooms.
Jeffrey Smith, superintendent of the Balsz Elementary School District, said more than 500 students in the district did not show up on the first day of school this week.
While he admits it’s not unusual for a large number of students to not make it on the first day, he said this year’s number was unusually high compared to previous years.
Subjects = Illegal immigration, SB 1070, Balsz Elementary School District, school enrollment decline, country illegally
July 27, 2010
Corey Rangel
abc15.com
Scripps TV Station Group
“It is an indication that it's more severe than it has been in the past and so the indication would be students are leaving the area as a result of the new immigration law,” said Smith.
After talking with several parents, Smith said many families have already moved over fears about Senate Bill 1070.
Smith said he is worried even more could leave.
“The way it was said to me was they have one foot out the door. They're ready to go. They may be waiting to see if the law goes into effect on Thursday and they're ready to move their families if the law goes into effect,” said Smith.
Smith also pointed out that the money schools receive is tied to the number of students.
“Fewer students’ means less funding. Both state funding and federal funding is attached to the number of students we have in school,” said Smith. “If we have fewer students then we'll have less money for programs and for teachers.”
While some students may be pulled out of class, Smith said others could benefit.
“On the positive side, if you have smaller class sizes then students have a better environment to learn,” said Smith.
Francisco Avilis has children who were excited for the start of the new school year. However, he’s planning to move back to Mexico with his family because his concerns about SB1070 now outweigh the risks of staying in the country illegally.
“I can't leave my family here,” said Avilis. “My kids were born here and now I have to go back to Mexico.”
A sentiment many other families may also be considering.
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