Many schools short of students

BOGOR (JP): About one fifth of 302 state elementary schools in Bogor are facing a shortage of students, head of Bogor Education and Culture Office Ayo Tjumara said yesterday.

"The shortage of students has been caused by parents who prefer to enroll children at favorite schools," he said, after attending a plenary session at the Bogor City Council.

State schools which are classified as favorites by parents include Polisi State Elementary School (SDN Polisi) I, IV and V, SDN Panaragan I-III and SDN Bangka III, he said.

The schools which are short of students include SDN Martadinata I-VII and SDN Perwira I and II, Tjumara said.

He explained that in a bid to help attract more students, the schools are still open to registration. Because of overwhelming interest, registration at favorite schools took place for only two days after registration started on June 22, he said

"Moreover, both headmasters and teachers of schools which lack students are holding campaigns at nearby neighborhoods to invite new pupils," he said. (24/hhr)