Newton Not Alone; Majority of Iowa Schools See Enrollment Decline

January 15, 2010

Newton Community School District is facing a declining enrollment but the district is not alone.

According to figures released by the Iowa Department of Education, nearly two-thirds of Iowa’s 361 schools reported a decrease in certified enrollment.

Across the state, the public school enrollment decline equaled 2,792 students or approximately 0.59 percent compared to last year. This is the 13th consecutive year of declining enrollment for Iowa’s public schools.

“Enrollment decline is a statewide challenge,” said NCSD Superintendent Steve McDermott.

Newton reported a decline of 65 students for the 2009-2010 school year. The figure is based on the number of students and weighting of students. The loss of students for all schools, including Newton, means a loss of state funding. NCSD will lose approximately $400,000 in state aid for the 2010-2011 fiscal year which begins July 1.

The loss of state aid due to declining enrollment over the last five years has already led to budget shortfalls and cuts in programming and staffing in Newton. The district is once again looking at programming and staffing cuts due to Gov. Chet Culver’s 10 percent across the board cuts and the loss of nearly half a million dollars due to the declining enrollment.

McDermott is well aware of the challenges the district and public schools in Iowa face due to the budget cons traints caused by the loss of students. The superintendent said members of NCSD Board of Education and administrators are working to face the challenges.

“All we can do locally is to do our best to provide the best services possible and work with local business and industry to create jobs. Folks need employment to live in your community,” he said.