Enrollment continues to drop at Plymouth Community Schools. Last month’s official count was 3,470.45, according to information presented to the school board Tuesday.
However, Superintendent Andy Hartley explained that school officials were still working to resolve any discrepancies, before a final number was submitted to the state. If that number stands, that’s a loss of more than 250 students from the 2014-2015 school year.
Hartley noted that the decline had been predicted by a demographics study done several years ago, citing low birthrates and out-migration. But he said that the decline from last year was a bit smaller than he’d expected.
The superintendent reminded board members that declining enrollment impacts the corporation’s budget, since General Fund – soon to be Education Fund – revenues correspond with the number of students. He added that the school district has lost $1.7 million in revenue over the past five years.
Hartley said school officials have made some changes in an effort to continue to be financially responsible, and stressed that they continue to work hard for the kids and the community.
