We need to be planning for the projected decline of the student population.
The most recent 10-year projection of the enrollment patterns in the city school system shows a dramatic departure from past projections. In 10 years, the student population is expected to decrease by almost 800 students from the total of almost 3,000 in the 1999-2000 school year. This 25% decline will be reflected in the financial picture of the district. What are the assumptions used by DeJong and Associates, Inc. to construct these projections and are they credible? How will the school district respond if we take these projections at face value? We will need an open dialogue between the schools and the community to be able to determine the right path. Do we redistrict and close some schools? Do we adopt a K-8 strategy in our elementary schools? Do we simply decrease class size? What is the best option and what will it cost?
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