Seen at the Sun-Sentinel:
Even though the state Legislature is taking steps to buffer the effects of skyrocketing property insurance and taxes sending South Floridians in droves to more affordable states, many families with school-age children are caught in the cross currents.
“There are 150 or 200 families leaving Palm Beach County a week,” said school district spokesman Nat Harrington. “This is sort of startling information in terms of the pace and the ongoing rate of decline.”[...]
The initial shock came when the district learned that enrollment declined by 3,221 students from October 2005 to October 2006, when local residents wrestled with the effects of hurricanes and spiraling housing prices. It was the first decrease since 1971.[...]
At Lantana Middle School, Toni Fawley, secretary to the principal, said that the student body is expected to decline by about 40 next year.
“From what we’re hearing, people just can’t afford to live here,” Fawley said.