EDUCATION: ENROLLMENT COUNTS REFLECT CHANGES

Enrollment in Thomas W. Kelly schools has slowed in growth but continues an upward trend begun seven years ago, according to a headcount taken last week.

Meanwhile, Kelso C-7 ,Meadow Heights and Perryville schools reported enrollment declines of 8.75 percent, 1.3 percent and 1.6 percent, respectively.

The four school districts participated in a statewide headcount conducted by all Missouri public school districts on Sept. 27. The counts, called benchmark membership counts, are taken on the last Wednesdays in September and January and submitted to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Most area school districts provided enrollment data when contacted by the Southeast Missourian Sept. 27. Enrollment information was unavailable at Kelly, Meadow Heights, Kelso C-8 and Perryville schools.

The enrollment data is used by the state to calculate funding districts receive for state programs.

Kelly School District extended its gains in enrollment with a record 1,069 students this year, up about nine students from 1999. The district has seen enrollment gains in seven of the past eight years.

Kelly was one of just four area districts to experience enrollment growth over the past year. Scott City School District, with a 5.3 percent gain enrollment, topped all area schools, followed by Oak Ridge School District and Jackson School District, with gains of 1.9 and 1.6 percent, respectively.

Kelly schools Superintendent Don Abner credited the growth trend in his district to new construction and the development of several large trailer parks.

He said the new housing has been in demand from newcomers seeking a quality education in a rural atmosphere.

Abner said his district's enrollment growth appears to have leveled off, and only minimal growth is projected over the next two years. However, he said the opening of a new prison in Charleston could trigger another growth spurt soon.

Kelly school officials are seeking approval of a $4.9 million bond issue Nov. 7 that would cover construction costs for a 20-room addition. A four-sevenths supermajority is required for passage of the measure..

ENROLLMENT

Kelly schools

1999 TOTAL - 1.060

2000 TOTAL - 1,069

Percentage gain: .8 percent gain

Kelso C-7 School

1999 - 160

2000 - 146

Percentage decline: 8.75 percent

Meadow Heights School District

1999 TOTAL - 631

2000 TOTAL - 623

Percentage decline: 1.3 percent

Perryville

1999 TOTAL -2,334

2000 TOTAL - 2,296

Percentage change: 1.6 decline