Schools' enrollment numbers dip
By From staff reports
Published in News on September 14, 2016 10:04 AM
Enrollment numbers at Wayne County Public Schools dipped by 1 percent over the previous year, officials announced Tuesday.
Monday was the 10th day of classes for schools on the traditional schedule. Districts across the state use the marker to determine needs in personnel and programs.
Three schools kicked off the school year earlier in August, with the remainder of the 32 schools' 10-day numbers being added to the mix this week.
The official head count total for 2016-2017 came in at 18,547, or 178 fewer students than last year, when it was at 18,725.
Some of the expected shifts occurred at schools in the Goldsboro High School feeder pattern, also known as the central attendance area.
The school board had approved a regrouping plan in June that went into effect with this school year.
The reconfiguration called for GHS to align its calendar with Wayne Community College, starting classes in August and allowing students more options to take college classes.
The plan also changed the make-up of three schools -- Dillard Middle dropped fifth grade and now has grades six through eight, North Drive is now a K-2 school and Carver Heights has grades 3-5.
School Street Elementary, renamed School Street Early Learning Center, no longer has students as it was converted to a site concentrating on school readiness for Pre-K.
Numbers are up at Carver Heights -- by 134, from 308 to 442 -- and North Drive, from 424 to 528. The removal of a grade level brought Dillard's enrollment down 156, from 488 to 332.
Across the board, most schools stayed consistent, with a few spikes in each direction.
Tommy's Road Elementary had the most marked increase, adding 73 to the roster, from 587 to 660.
Grantham Middle School went up by 42, from 386 to 428. Brogden Primary increased its rolls by 26, from 828 to 854.
Spring Creek middle and high schools also added students, 27 and 26, respectively. The middle school went from 603 to 630 and there are now 704 students at the high school, compared to 678 last year.
The biggest drop was seen at Rosewood Middle, down 69, from 382 to 313.
Eastern Wayne Middle has 38 fewer students this year, from 612 to 574. Meadow Lane Elementary was next, decreasing by 31, from 649 to 618.
Norwayne Middle was slightly behind, with a decline of 29 students, 876 compared to 905 last year.
With the official 10-day count now on the books, Dr. Michael Dunsmore, schools superintendent, said the district has some homework to do.
"Once the 10th day passes, we will take a close look at the enrollment, teacher allotments and the student services being provided at each school to determine if any adjustments need to be made," he said.
"Our transportation department will also begin reviewing bus stop requests and the route efficiency, as well as continue its efforts to hire bus drivers for those schools currently utilizing substitute drivers to fill vacancies."