Although fewer students are attending USD 257 schools, board members were relieved the news wasnt as bad as they feared.
USD 257 and USD 258 in Humboldt reported decreases in student enrollments. Moran schools, meanwhile, reported an uptick.
USD 257 lost 18 students compared to last year, Superintendent Stacey Fager reported. The board initially feared more significant losses.
Overall, its not as dire as we thought, Fager said. Were looking at doing some things to attract students.
Its actually one of the better reports youve given us in the last few years, board president Dan Willis added.
The losses mostly came from families that moved outside the school district, but some students transferred to other schools in the county, Fager said.
The district has significantly increased the number of preschool students, thanks mostly to a grant that includes private preschools by providing transportation, teachers, training and academic programs. The goal is to prepare all incoming kindergarten students using the same curriculum.
The district has 64 preschool students this year, compared to 37 last year.
The largest class this year is in seventh grade, with 102 students. The smallest is in second and fourth grade, each with 71.
Enrollment counts were conducted across the state Sept. 20. The numbers are considered unofficial until certified by the state. Enrollment numbers are used to determine how much money the state will provide to the school district, using a per-pupil based formula.
MARMATON Valley reported an increase of 14 students, with 267 students this year compared to 253 last year.
Humboldt reported a slight decrease, with about five fewer students this year. Enrollment was 586 this year.
