Region 14's Declining School Enrollment Could Lead To Changes

WOODBURY/BETHLEHEM, CT — Region 14 certainly isn't alone in having its student enrollment decrease significantly. The Board of Education has lost 528 students from 2006 through 2016 and a further reduction in enrollment is expected, officials said.

This has led officials to study possible reconfiguration of the regional school district. An ad hoc committee has been formed to examine the issue. Public meetings are scheduled for residents to offer input on beginning next week.

Here is a recap of the discussion from the recent January Board of Selectmen meeting:

Mr. Jim Agostine introduced himself as a 30 year resident of Woodbury, with two children who went through the school district, and a lifelong educator. He is assisting the Board of Education with their current study of space needs and demographics. He noted that, between 2006-2016, the district lost 528 students and is expected to lose another 100 by 2026.

The BoE has chosen to develop an ad hoc committee to look at efficiencies. He read the committee's mission statement, and he noted the group has been meeting since October. He named Ms. Morgan as an ex-officio member, along with committee members Dave Lampart and Pam Zmek from the BoE, Jim Crocker, Nancy Grasing (alt), Vin Bove, and Stan Love. They will be gathering data, planning, and analyzing data. They have put out an RFP for a facilities and demographics study, and will then take a hard look at possible solutions, anticipating up to 25 scenarios to consider.

Administrators are looking at educational specifications, and the group is still in the data gathering phase. It will take 3-5 months for the firm to put together the data for the committee to review.

Mrs. Perkinson asked when the last demographic study was done, and Mr. Agostine referenced the most recent Prowda study a few years ago.

Ms. Morgan stressed the importance of having everyone involved, not just parents, and that this is a community effort aimed at determining what is best for everyone.

The group meets on the first Tuesday of the month, with upcoming meetings on 2/6/18 at Nonnewaug H.S., and on 3/6/18 at Bethlehem Elementary. Meetings are at 7:00 pm.

Mr. Butterly recalled that the regionalization plan calls for an elementary school in each town. Mr. Agostine
acknowledged that the plan may need to be changed. Mr. Hale asked Mr. Agostine if he could comment on the reason for the decline in enrollment, and he noted the downturn in the economy in 2008 which resulted in out migration.

Mr. Hale commented on the large number of Woodbury students who go outside of town for school, and asked if this is being taken into account in planning. Mr. Agostine acknowledged this is a tricky area, and implies Special Education, parochial and private school. The economy, he said also affects the choice of private school.

Mr. Hale also wondered whether the Agriscience enrollment numbers are affected, and was told those are holding steady. He asked how long until the next snapshot will be taken, and was told it is generally done every 10 years, with updates annually.

There was additional discussion about flexible spaces within the school buildings and how the uses for them may change in the future.