Douglas County back to school with declining enrollment, SROs in tow

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. ( KDVR ) — Wednesday is the first day of school for Douglas County and Aurora Public Schools, but there will be some changes in the classrooms this year.

The Douglas County School District is the third-largest school district in Colorado. However, according to the Colorado Department of Education , fewer and fewer students are enrolling in the public school system. Last year was the second straight year that student enrollment in Colorado’s public schools declined.

Douglas County was on the list of districts that saw declining enrollment.

Public school enrollment declines in Colorado

Numbers across the state reached their lowest point in a decade. The last time Colorado’s public school enrollment was this low was in 2013.

The state’s October 2023 count of 881,464 students enrolled in public schools was 1,800 fewer than in October 2022, a 0.2% decrease.

Douglas County saw a drop of over 900 students.

Erin Kane, superintendent of the Douglas County School District, said they have done a study about growth and decline, and they’ll need to consolidate elementary schools in Highlands Ranch by fall 2026.

“We have areas like Highlands Ranch where people moved in 25, 30 years ago and they’re still there. So, because they’re still there, their kids mentor our system, and now they aren’t being replaced by young kids,” said Kane. “So, we have a lot of schools in Highlands Ranch that have very low enrollment. So, we’ll be looking at doing some consolidations of elementary schools in Highlands Ranch because really at the end of the day, this is about opportunities for our kids.”

Douglas County isn’t the only district impacted by the decrease; Jefferson County, Cherry Creek and Adams 12 schools have seen a decrease as well.

“We’re not turning over our houses the way that we did 20 years ago, or we don’t have any new builds in Highlands Ranch. So, we’re becoming more of a bedroom community, I think is what they call them, and so that declining enrollment piece is really crucial and important in west Highlands Ranch specifically,” said Michelle Franci, principal of Stone Mountain Elementary School.

Security officers to be placed in elementary schools

“Every elementary school has a school security officer now starting this school year, which safety is number one over anything else in our schools, in Douglas County and in all schools, but safety is number one. Now, we have a dedicated school security officer who is with us every single day welcoming the kiddos, giving them high fives, making connections with kids,” said Franci.

Franci said the effort is possible due to the 5A ballot initiative that passed previously.

One parent who spoke with FOX31 was thankful.

“A school resource officer is on campus with us, and I am so just like thrilled that they’re there. That’s not only a smiling face and a leader for the kids to see on campus, but also for parents that there’s someone there that can help us out, and they’re so friendly. So, it’s nice when you walk in the front door,” said mother of four Kristina Hale.

New measure could be on 2024 ballot

The Douglas County School District Board of Education will consider placing a $490 million bond on the November 2024 ballot.

The bond dollars would be used for:

• Implementing safety and security upgrades at every school
• Addressing the capital improvement backlog at schools, including urgent repairs to mechanical and electrical systems and more
• Constructing two new neighborhood schools and an addition to one existing neighborhood school to accommodate growth and reduce overcrowding
• Funding urgent needs to support special education, information technology, athletics and activities upgrades, and buses
• Enhancing the Douglas County School District’s career and technical education offerings for students

This measure will be discussed in a meeting on Aug. 27.

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