[ back ]
Another dip in school enrollment expected
(by Sue Hoffman - August 21, 2008)
Another dip in school enrollment expected
By SUE HOFFMAN
Enrollment is expected to be slightly down from a year ago when Solon schools open their doors for students Aug. 26.
School officials predicted a decline of 50 to 70 or more students on opening day. Data this Tuesday showed enrollment at 5,260, down 77 students from the start of school last year.
"A lot can happen in four or five days, but it appears that that's the way it will come out," School Superintendent Joseph V. Regano told the board of education Monday.
He said the pattern is far different from the annual enrollment increases during Solon's high growth years of the 1990s.
"I remember 220 new homes each year. I think there were four this year," he said. At the same time, Mr. Regano and board members said, existing homes are being bought with new students being enrolled.
Last year was the first time in at least 25 years that a decrease in enrollment occurred from the previous year, school officials said. Since 2000, annual growth has moderated. This year, with the exception of Orchard Middle School, which is up by 48 students, each of the school buildings is experiencing little change or a slight decrease.
Solon's student population also continues to become more ethnically diverse. According to district records, current enrollment is: 3,741 white, 71 percent; 722 black, 14 percent; 46 Hispanic; 0.9 percent; 592 Asian, 11 percent; two Native American; and 157 multi-racial students, 3 percent.
Since enrollment has moderated, the district will have 2.5 fewer teachers this year, Mr. Regano said. The district has hired 23 people to replace those who have retired, moved on to other jobs or are on leave of absence.
While enrollment is decreasing, lunch prices are going up 20 cents to $2.50 for kindergarten through sixth grade and $2.75 for grades seven to 12. Milk costs 50 cents. The new cost reflects price increases, which are "90 percent caused by fuel costs," Mr. Regano said, noting spikes in the costs to deliver and grow food.
The new school year will also bring some changes in curriculum. Chinese 2 is now being offered at the high school. The language is also offered at the middle school, as the district transitions from German to Chinese. Spanish and French will continue to be offered, as well as American Sign Language at the high school. Those currently enrolled in German will have the opportunity to continue through all levels, including Advanced Placement, school officials said. Total enrollment in German for grades seven through 12 has declined over the last three years, according to district records.
Mr. Regano said the district will require five years to see how well Chinese fares as a language of choice of students.
Regarding facilities, the district had no major building projects this year, school officials said. However, most school parking lots were repaired this summer, with cracks filled and seal-coating on the asphalt. Other projects have included new windows and renewed masonry at the back of the high school and a portion of the roof replaced at the 16-year-old dual school.
Among administrative changes, Solon veteran teacher Mariann Moeschberger is the new principal of Arthur Road Elementary School, replacing Diane Terrell, who retired. New assistant principals are Antoine Campbell at Solon High School and Felecia Bell at Orchard Middle School. Michael Sullivan is now guidance counselor at Orchard School after several years at Parkside Elementary School, and longtime teacher Patricia Petrie is the new counselor at Parkside School.
Coming up this year, the stadium will receive a new scoreboard sometime in September, as well as a new north fence, school officials said. The Solon Athletic Boosters gave $100,000 toward the projects.
State report cards will be out next week. Last year, the district's performance index was second highest in the state, and school officials said they expect the district's high ratings to continue.
"We're looking forward to another great year," school board member Julie Glavin said.
[ back ]
