The number of applications for teaching positions in Newtown’s public schools was 5.7 percent lower in 1993  than in 1985 and 5.9 percent lower in 1994 than in 1985. despite a steadily growing student population and an increasing number of teacher resignations, however, Newtown does not face a shortage in the late 1990’s.

Which of the following, if true, would contribute most to an explanation of the apparent discrepancy above?

A.Many of Newtown’s public school students do not graduate from high school
B.New housing developments planned for Newtown are (shared) for occupancy in 1987 and are expected to increase the number of elementary school students in Newtown’s public
C.The Newtown school board does not contemplate increasing the ratio of students to teachers in the 1990s