Jasper Schools: Kindergarten and Holy Trinity enrollment drops for 2016-17 school year
Greater Jasper School Corporation is concerned about the lower number of students registering for kindergarten.
In the Greater Jasper School Board meeting Monday night, Superintendent Dr. Tracy Lorey reported the kindergarten school roundup held in February had 110 enroll in Fifth Street and 77 in Ireland. She said they had expected 220 to enroll.
By comparison, the 2016 graduating class is about 280 students.
“Those numbers are a little bit less than what we had last year. We do anticipate at Fifth Street to see some increases in student enrollment for the next school year. A lot of times that happens through the summer between now and the beginning of the school year,” Lorey said. “However, I did want to let the board know that, in our current projections for enrollment for next year, there does appear to be an enrollment projection of less than what we would have started this school year with.”
Lorey also reported lower numbers of students will be transitioning from Holy Trinity into the 9th grade this fall.
“So, those shifts in enrollment will have an effect on the dollars we get from the state in our general fund,” Lorey said. “Just so you know that we will be closely monitoring those enrollment figures and estimates over the next few months as we are beginning to make decisions about classes, programs and staffing.”
Greater Jasper School Corporation is no different from any other school district in that it is susceptible to the ebb and flow of student population numbers; directly impacting the funding the school receives through the state.
Also discussed:
Dr. Lorey announced the district will hold summer school from June 6th through July 1st. Two programs will be held that affect a students’ credit hours. The high school will offer a physical education program to incoming freshmen and any other students who haven’t yet taken it as a requirement for graduation.
She also said that credit recovery courses will be offered to those who need it in the Alternative Ed area of the high school. For younger students who didn’t pass the iRead 3 test, the school will offer a summer reading remediation on Mondays through Thursdays from 8 to 11 am. They can retake the iRead 3 test at the end to meet the reading skill required to move on to the fourth grade.
Lorey reported that the school system will offer 10 summer enrichment programs that are non-credit. The enrichment programs will offer students with educational and fun opportunities. There will be a fee charged to cover costs of time, materials and supplies. The board approved the program.
The school board also approved two Boy Scout Eagle Scout projects this summer. First, Andrew Hedinger requested approval to renovate the north side concession stand. He said he plans on re-arranging the space to make it more efficient, while adding base and wall cabinets, new countertops and a new peninsula work space. He expects to be finished with the project in time for fall school session.
Next, Quentin Harmon wants to build and install shelters over the soccer benches on the high school soccer field. The purpose is to provide a shelter from inclement weather for the players during games and practice times.
The board approved both projects.
Finally, Scott Stenftenagel gave a building and maintenance update and reported that:
· The JHS auditorium air handler replacements were approved. The equipment is scheduled to be delivered the second week in May.
· The itemized cost for just the in-fill material (sand/rubber), separated from the artificial turf took place. He delivered the information to the board, but no discussion on the action took place, except to point out that the bids expire on April the 10th.
· The Fifth Street Elementary School roof project has had the bids requests sent out.
· The Jasper High School roof replacement quote came from Hedinger Roofing at $165,950.00. The projected bid was $171,000.00. The board approved the quote.
· The Ireland Elementary addition. Bids came in, and the board approved the bid from Seifert Construction of Ferdinand in the amount of $1,468,200 with all the alternates and is almost $300,000 below the projected amount.
