Five years after the pandemic, 101 North Carolina public school districts still have fewer students than before. Falling enrollment appears here to stay, but school choice isn’t the only reason why.

T. Keung Hui has covered K-12 education for the News & Observer since 1999, helping parents, students, school employees and the community understand the vital role education plays in North Carolina.

Superintendent Mike Swan got his contract renewed for another year Monday night and was recognized for being selected to lead District 7 of the North Carolina School Superintendents Association.