Schools student loss discussed

At its study session Feb. 13, the La Conner School Board heard and accepted Amanda Bourgeois’ resignation from their body. The board continued its examination of declining student enrollment numbers, accepted two major cash donations and met with and sought feedback from middle school and high school students.

Board President Susie Deyo presented a spread sheet showing 56 students from outside the district have enrolled. Forty-seven students have left for other districts or remote learning programs.

Despite the net gain, K-12 enrollment has fallen from around 600 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic to 525-530 students. Public schools receive state funding based on enrollment. The decline has put a significant pinch on its budget.

The 2022-2023 K-12 enrollment was estimated at 530. The February full-time student enrollment is 526.2, said Superintendent Will Nelson.

“Being down five students from the projected level means about a $50,000 to $60,000 decrease in funding,” Board Member John Agen noted.

Deyo has proposed an eight-point strategic plan to address enrollment. She is recommending that the district:

Create a pamphlet to promote La Conner Schools for the purpose of attracting and retaining students.

Better understand the attraction and selling points of the district’s schools.

Select and approach families in the district whose students are attending school elsewhere to develop ideas for retaining them.

Select and approach families outside the district who bring their students to La Conner to develop ideas for assuring their continued attendance here.

Determine the number of students in the district who attend private schools.

Approach home-school families to identify reasons for those students to attend La Conner.

Promote the attractiveness of the $15 million middle school building.

Study parent accessibility issues such as childcare and preschool program needs.

The board also expressed its gratitude for a $1,000 donation from Christianson’s Nursery for the senior class trip and a $1,000 contribution from Robin Johnson in support of the Little Braves Preschool.

Board members met for 30 minutes each with middle school and high school student groups to obtain input on their interests and concerns.

Deyo and Nelson said it is a district goal for the board and school administrators to meet with secondary level students three times during the school year.