Enrollment is expected to continue a downward trend at Medford Public School in 2024-25, according to the superintendent's update at the most recent School Board meeting.
The first item for discussion at the July 25 meeting was enrollment levels at Medford School. Chairperson Jackie Berg brought up the discussion to Superintendent Mark Ristau.
Ristau reported the enrollment levels are lower this year. Attendance is at 848 for the 2024-25 school year at this point in time. During the 2022-23 school year, enrollment was 912, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Board member John Anhorn asked if this was a new trend or if it's happened in the past. The superintendent cited the junior and senior year levels are lower than they have been in the past. He noted the class levels are usually between 60-70 students per class; the junior and senior classes in 2024-25 have around 50 students each, while the following classes have between 60-70 students each.
Berg asked why the levels were low. The superintendent explained that a small school district, like Medford, has these fluctuations, and the reasons for it can be varied. Because Medford has open enrollment, students can go to other districts where there are activities and offerings that Medford is not able to meet, such as gymnastics and dance.
The superintendent mentioned he will keep an eye on this, that the final enrollment numbers are not in yet, and he will report to the board accordingly.
Superintendent Ristau closed out this portion of his report noting that staffing is almost full, and there are a few interviews he has left to conduct. They are currently looking for a special education coordinator and two or three more special education paraprofessionals. Their current director of special education is a part-time position.
Under new business, the Board discussed budgeting for the long term facilities maintenance 10-year plan. Board member Jon Sutherland presented the materials of expenditures and revenues for upkeep of the facilities through the state program.
Sutherland stated that by the year 2030, the budget for the maintenance of the school would be bare bones, and the funds from the program would help in getting the roof repaired.
Berg asked a question as to how the figures were reached. The state uses a formula taking into consideration the age of the facility. The money would be used to maintain, upkeep, and repair the roof.
Berg asked another question related to if the state would change the funding over time. Sutherland responded that it would not change.
The board approved to go forward with the state program working on the repair of the roof.
After the last item on the agenda was decided, the board adjourned for the evening.
The next meeting of the Medford School Board will be on Aug. 19 at 7 p.m.
Most Popular
Comments / 0