The number of students in the Goodrich School District is down from the September 2010 count, while Brandon remains unchanged.
Following Wednesday’s statewide count day Goodrich now has 2,118 students, 22 less than the 2,140 in September 2010.
‘The concern for the next school year, is not only the loss of students but also the removal of the federal stimulus money,? said Goodrich Schools Superintendent John Fazer. ‘Right now that amount could top $900,000. We are also waiting for the state to determine what we can expect for the next school year. In addition, the costs of staff retirements also continue to be an issue.?
In December the district opted to close the schools of choice program to halt enrollment in the district for the second semester due to rising class sizes.
‘At that time our class sizes were full. The loss of 22 students does not mean that comes from one particular class, rather it is spread out over the population.?
Fazer said the economy has a lot to do with enrollment decline.
‘We do track where the students go when they leave our district. But the economy is starting to rebound and people will start moving back to the district.?
In Brandon, count day revealed 3,354 students, the exact same number as when students were counted in September.
‘Usually the count goes down at this time, so it’s a very positive outcome that it has stayed the same,? said Brandon Superintendent Lorrie McMahon. ‘I hope it means things are turning around. We have had a decline in the count every year since 2006.?