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DES MOINES, IOWA (AP) -- Iowa officials say public schools have reported overall jump in enrollment for the 2012-13 school year.

Officials say the rise of 0.6 percent was the first significant increase since 1996. Overall enrollment has dropped in the five previous school years.

Department of Education officials say the increase is due in part to an upsurge in birth rates from 2003 to 2008.

The department's Jay Pennington says the increase "is refreshing news for Iowa after years of declining enrollment. However, the reality is that this increase most likely is temporary."

Pennington says the long-term trend shows declining enrollment in rural parts of Iowa.

Click here to view the enrollment numbers from the Iowa Department of Education. 

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