In a school district of 7,824 students, 13 missing bodies is barely noticeable. That’s why school officials say they’re pleased with February’s student head count.
According to Superintendent of Administrative Services Jillynn Keppler, a decrease of 13 students ? less than .2 percent of the student population ? is a ‘better? number than the last two years.
Numbers decreased by 18 last year and by 21 the year before. Over the last five years, the student population has hovered around 7,850, according to the central enrollment office.
The highest count came September 2006 with 7,885, and the lowest this February, with 7,824.
‘Our student population has remained stable,? she said, ‘which is encouraging for future enrollment and future funding.?
February’s student total is blended with the total from September 2009 to give the district it’s head count for the fall ? 25 percent coming from February and 75 percent from September, according to Keppler. The state bases per-student-funding (foundation allowance) on the blended count.
Currently the district receives around $8,200 per student, notwithstanding mid-year funding cuts coming from the state, which remain uncertain, according to school officials.
‘We have a very nice, solid 25 percent for next year,? said Keppler, noting revenue from foundation allowance will depend heavily on this September’s count.
‘A lot of that is going to depend on what kindergarten numbers look like,? she said.
According to Keppler, Oakland County births have decreased by 3,000 over the last eight or nine years.
‘We’re just seeing an overall decline of kids, which obviously impacts what our overall enrollment is going to be. And that’s going to trickle up to us.?