JACKSON SCHOOL DISTRICT: ENROLLMENT PASSES PROJECTION

JACKSON -- In 1986, a team of researchers from the University of Missouri's College of Education conducted a study of the Jackson School District to determine projected enrollment trends through 2000.

The Cohart-Survival Technique Study projected a student enrollment of 3,388 by the 1992-93 school year. As it turns out, the projection was on the low side; actual enrollment this fall exceeded the projected figure by more than 200 students.

"As of Sept. 30, our enrollment totaled 3,592 students, 204 more than projected in the University of Missouri study six years ago," said Superintendent Wayne Maupin.

"The report indicated our enrollment figures would show a gradual growth between 1986 and 1991; then they projected a significant upward trend in growth through the end of the decade. Our actual enrollment figures the past several years are following pretty darn accurately what was projected."

Before the 1986 study, Maupin said the district usually gained between 50 and 75 students each year.

Maupin said this year's enrollment of 3,592 students compares with 3,476 students enrolled at this time last year; 3,419 students in 1990-91; and 3,303 students in the 1989-90 school year.

The enrollment figures show the greatest increase in growth in the district continues in the kindergarten and elementary grades. This year 1,864 students are enrolled in the kindergarten and elementary grades, while 872 students are in junior high. There are 853 students in the senior high school.

Maupin welcomed the growth, calling it a healthy sign for the district and surrounding communities. Although the increase is creating challenges to come up with classroom space and staff to handle the increased enrollment, Maupin said, "It's a challenge we welcome and one we look forward to."

Of major concern to the administration and the school board are class size and overcrowding conditions at R.O. Hawkins Junior High School and West Lane Elementary School. Last month the board agreed to begin planning for the construction of a middle school to relieve overcrowding at the junior-high and elementary schools. The next step in the planning process is the naming of an architect to prepare a preliminary design of the new school.

Despite a board policy to try to keep class sizes as low as possible, Maupin said class sizes have started to creep upwards again.

"Our average class size now is in the middle to upper 20s," he said. "We have a couple of fourth-grade classes that are now up to 30 students. Our kindergarten classes average between 20 and 23 students, and as high as 26 students in three of our kindergarten classes."

This year the district has 300 children enrolled in 12 sections of kindergarten - six morning classes and six afternoon classes.

School Board President Jack Knowlan Jr. said the continued upward trend in enrollment means the board must soon make a decision on how many is too many.

"We're all aware of the increased enrollment and the increase in class sizes," he said. "The numbers have started to inch up over the past two years. At one time our kindergarten class size was in the low 20s; now it's in the mid-20s. We need to be aware of this fact; that as we continue to grow, we're going to have to make some choices as to when our class size is too big."