First week enrollment numbers encouraging

Area school administrators are never certain what to expect, but first day enrollment at area schools generally showed stability in the student age population.

Park Rapids superintendent Glenn Chiodo said he was pleased with the opening day numbers showing 23 more students entered school this fall than were enrolled when classes finished last spring.

Although the numbers are unofficial, Chiodo said, "We're not starting out behind. That's a positive sign."

At 1,585 students in kindergarten through Grade 12, there were 23 more students in school Tuesday than there were when classes let out last spring.

"We know the numbers will change, but we have some consistency. That's a bonus and when we look to the future at budgeting and staffing, it makes it easier for everybody," Chiodo said.

"I also think the enrollment is connected to the fact that a cloud has been lifted from this district. All the turmoil and upheaval (about budget cuts) had to have made parents wonder what was going on. And last year was a real turning point.

"It speaks volumes about what passing the levy referendum meant to the school system and this community," Chiodo said.

The count the first day of classes in Park Rapids was down 37 students from the opening day numbers last fall, but that is often the case.

Student numbers by grade (with last year's enrollment in parentheses) were kindergarten - 115 (122), Grade 1 - 123 (111), Grade 2 - 118 (119), Grade 3 - 120 (108), Grade 4 - 105 (101), Grade 5 - 111 (118), Grade 6 - 117 (132), Grade 7 - 138 (127), Grade 8 - 135 (115), Grade 9 - 111 (126), Grade 10 - 123 (134), Grade 11 - 121 (166) and Grade 12 - 148 (143).

Nevis

Opening week enrollment at Nevis School showed five more students in kindergarten through Grade 6 than when classes finished last spring and one less student in Grades 7-12.

Superintendent Steve Rassier said the numbers will always change, but when enrollment is so critical to funding, it means a lot.

Students entering classes this fall numbered 540 compared to 536 last spring and 528 the same week a year ago.

Primary grade enrollees this week were 276, secondary 264.

Student numbers by grade (with last year's enrollment in parentheses) were kindergarten - 40 (33), Grade 1 - 31 (39), Grade 2 - 42 (30), Grade 3 - 38 (40), Grade 4 - 43 (31), Grade 5 - 30 (44) and Grade 6 - 50 (48).

Secondary numbers are Grade 7 - 49 (40), Grade 8 - 43 (42), Grade 9 - 50 (51), Grade 10 - 41 (42), Grade 11 - 42 (46) and Grade 12 - 39 (42).

Menahga

Enrollment at Menahga School decreased slightly this year, according to the count Tuesday, the first day of classes. Last year the total number of students was 746; this year there were 735.

Last year 409 students made up the elementary school; this year there were 399 students. The elementary school reported the following numbers (with last year's enrollment in parentheses): kindergarten - 70 (64), Grade 1 - 67 (48), Grade 2 - 47 (66), Grade 3 - 59 (59), Grade 4 - 53 (55), Grade 5 - 49 (58), Grade 6 - 54 (59).

Last year 337 students were reported in high school at Menahga. This year there were 336 students. The high school reported: Grade 7 - 55 (50), Grade 8 - 47 (54), Grade 9 - 57 (69), Grade 10 - 63 (62), Grade 11 - 62 (58) and Grade 12 - 52 (44).

Laporte

Laporte reported a total of 260 students this year compared with 279 in 2006 and 296 in 2005.