OTTAWA — Ottawa school enrollment will show a slight drop for this year. Supt. Dean Katt said because of the economy, several families moved away before the Tuesday state reporting day. Sudden moves is one of the new economic trends facing schools and other agencies, he said. But he said the Ottawa school district budget will be able to accommodate the drop in enrollment, which could about 11. Most of the area district were largely stable or reported slight increases. West Franklin schools reported its total number of students at 646. Supt. Dotson Bradbury said that after years of sharp declines, the enrollment has stabilized. This year’s enrollment shows no unexpected drops and that’s a milestone, he said. A few years ago, the district faced controversy, especially over a plan to close and reconfigure schools in the district. Wellsville schools will see a slight increase of 2-3 students this year, said Supt. Tim Heiman. After years of strong increases in enrollment, Wellsville enrollment fell last year because of the economy. Central Heights has seen an unexpected gain in the total number of students .
Superintendent Jim White said he reported 601 students this year, a gain of about 20 students. Several families with students moved into vacant houses in the district, he said. He said that they appear to have moved from other areas with more expensive housing
Anderson County USD 365, Garnett, will see a slight drop in the total number of students enrolled this year. Supt. Don Blome said the district reported a head-count enrollment of 1094 students this year. The district enrollment has remained relatively stable in recent years, he said. Osawatomie is looking at a flat line or a slight dip in enrollment for this school year. Slightly more than 1,205 students were enrolled – down 2, Supt. Gary French told the Osawatomie Graphic.
Wednesday, Sept. 21, 4 p.m.
