Numbers still rising after 10th-day mark
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on September 13, 2006 1:49 PM
Wayne County Public Schools' official 10-day enrollment count is in, with more than 100 students than the same time last year.
As of Monday, the school system reported 19,426 students in its 32 schools. Last year when the 10th day rolled around, there were 19,319 students attending school.
The 10th day is enrollment figures are the marker used by school systems to determine class size and teacher needs. A gradual increase is expected over that period, but the school year so far has been anything but typical.
When school resumed on Aug. 24, there were 17,915 students attending classes, well below tallies from years past. Within the first two weeks of school, there has already been an early dismissal day and canceled day of school due to the storm Ernesto.
But the number of students returning has continued to build.
On day two, the schools showed 18,672 enrolled, with 18,982 on the third day. The numbers climbed again on days four and five, with 19,108 and 19,126 respectively.
From the first day until the 10th, an additional 1,510 students have been added to the rosters.
The greatest amount of growth as been in kindergarten and third grades, said Robert Yancey, the school system's lead teacher for NCWise and accountability.
The schools showing the most influx of students are middle and high schools.
Charles B. Aycock High School had 1,172 students on the first day, with the current number at 1,262. Eastern Wayne High has risen from 1,196 to 1,294, while Southern Wayne High has gone from 1,044 students to 1,154. At Spring Creek High, numbers went from 904 to 992.
Brogden Middle School's population went from 466 to 555, with the numbers at Eastern Wayne Middle going from 587 to 630.
Meanwhile, numbers dropped at Goldsboro High School, from 858 last year to 693 at present.
Overall, the schools have reported a smooth transition into the new year, Superintendent Dr. Steven Taylor said.
Officials have not announced whether the latest enrollment numbers warrant the need for shifts or reassignments in any of the schools.