Enrollment numbers for Mount Vernon and Lisbon schools were both released for the year.
Mount Vernon’s number of students in classrooms grew this year, up to 1,456 from 1,448 last year.
Lisbon’s number of students in classrooms slightly decreased this year, down to 763 from 768 last year.
Mount Vernon
Superintendent Matt Leeman said the largest decreases in grades came in the kindergarten to first grade class, which saw nine fewer students, and ninth to 10th grade, which saw a decrease of five students.
“Every other grade maintained its total or had increases,” Leeman said.
Mount Vernon’s number of students in seats is up, and so is the certified enrollment for the district at 1384.04, up from 1369.22 from last school year. Open enrolled students increased to 392.6 from 370.4 last year.
“While we are up in total served, our resident enrollment continues to be a number we will keep an eye on,” Leeman said. “We have continued to trend downward in our resident enrollment at about an average of -10 students/year for the past several years. We will continue to project out financially based on this potential continued decrease. “
Leeman said his hope for the future off the district is to have the resident student population increase back towards a net of 0 or increase upwards slowly.
“We don’t gain bonding capacity for open enrolled students, which is why this is something to continue to be aware of,” Leeman said. “Ultimately, I’m thankful for our open enrollment population, as that does help with our programming and offerings for the District. It’s just a number that can fluctuate up and down each year and it makes it difficult for long-term planning.”
Leeman also said he is pleased that City leadership continue to have conversations about increases in residential opportunities for families moving to Mount Vernon, as well as investigating daycare options.
“The potential addition to the LBC with a focus on daycare is a positive for both our town and district,” Leeman said. “Mount Vernon CSD continues to be a great place to educate children and our enrollment trends reflect that in my opinion. “
Lisbon
Lisbon’s enrollment counts have both had slight downticks this school year, but superintendent Autumn Pino said that enrollment trends have remained pretty consistent.
“We are seeing an increase in inquiries related to open enrollment for our early elementary classes,” Pino said.
The decrease in certified enrollment for Lisbon is 701.10, which is a decrease of 2.95 students from last year.
“Our open enrollment continues to increase, which offsets the number of students leaving our district,” Pino said. “One data point to note, however, is that we are seeing positive open enrollment trends. Enrollment is something we intend to keep our eye on over the course of the year and into next and promoting the great things happening in our system will continue to be a focus, but in a more strategic way.”
Open enrollment continues to increase by roughly 8 to 10 students per year.
Pino said there are no real specific concerns for the enrollment numbers at this point.
“Enrollment patterns have seen steady increases over the years, however, we always want to ensure that we are a desired choice for all students in our area,” Pino said. “We will continue to increase our presence related to the positive things happening and to showcase that we are opportunity rich in a small community.”
Pino said the district’s increased offerings in career and technical education programming, which now includes industrial technology (including welding) and agriculture programs will continue to be an attractive place for students and families.