Fort Zumwalt Student Enrollment Stays Consistent

District officials say  student enrollment numbers for the 2010 – 2011 school year are leveling out. As new housing construction slows down, the district is not experiencing an increase in new students.

According to , when compared to the last school year, enrollment numbers are steady. He said with an estimated 50 to 60 less students, numbers have flattened out due to the lack of new homes being built in the area and a maturing district.

However, professional and support staff positions are changing throughout the district through attrition. “We are looking at every opportunity to cut jobs through attrition,” said DuBray. “If a more expensive paid employee leaves, we are looking to hire a less expensive one. We are not experiencing layoffs, but state funding is down.”

DuBray added that around 40 jobs will be cut due to attrition this year, but stressed that no classes or programs are planned to be removed at this time.The district also added an all day kindergarten program last year.

“Twenty-three staff positions have been added because of the program,” said Deputy Superintendent Dr. Patty Corum. “Most kids are taking advantage of this option. Half day kindergarten only has a class of 14 students this year, and so far only nine kids are interested in half day for next year.”

The district plans to keep the all day kindergarten program and received additional state funding to allow this option for students. Corum said the student to teacher ratio in a classroom fluctuates on a yearly basis.

“The elementary classes are staying consistent in size. For example, in kindergarten classes we will generally see 22 to 23 kids per teacher," she said. "At some point we may need three fifth grade classes instead of four."