We can't control declining birth rates and school enrollments. Let's focus on what we can control.

In his recent letter to the editor in Lookout Eugene-Springfield, David Force cites several factors for declining enrollment in Springfield Public Schools: lower birth rates and more relocation to other districts. Both are true.

But I ask: Are declining school enrollments inevitable, or can we rethink public education to revitalize schools and help stop the decline?

I think we can. And we must. According to data from the Oregon Department of Education, Springfield Public Schools has lost 20% of its students since the 2017-18 school year, falling from around 11,000 students to fewer than 9,000 now. That’s more than 2,000 kids in less than 10 years — including a reported 471 this year alone?! How can this be possible? Is this normal?

The Community Alliance for Public Education, a local nonprofit organization I work with, is hosting a community forum for interested parents, teachers and all community members on Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 5:30-6:45 p.m., in the Springfield City Council Chambers at City Hall, 225 Fifth St. We will discuss this issue of declining public school enrollment, and brainstorm possible actions to combat this dangerous trend.

Now, to be clear, I agree with Force that the two factors he cites are very real. I consider them to be external — that is, outside the district’s control. They are caused by bigger-picture social and economic forces. All school districts are affected by these, and they can’t be fixed by our schools. These are national problems.

But I’d like to add a few more causes to be considered — internal factors — that are well within a district’s ability to examine:

Is school interesting and engaging to students? Do they excitedly tell their parents what they accomplished at school today?
Do parents feel that their kids are safe? Do they trust things are under control at school?
Are students developing strong and healthy relationships at school? Do they have friends, and do they love their teachers?

All school districts should examine these and other internal factors with parents and other community members to identify ways to make public education the gold standard for their children.

I urge Springfield — and the Bethel and Eugene 4J school districts, which are also losing students — to focus on the internal factors that may be affecting enrollment.

Please join us on Feb. 25.