Ralston School District reports enrollment drop and chronic absenteeism challenges

In the heart of Ralston, Nebraska, the Ralston Public Schools Board of Education convened on April 28, 2025, to address pressing issues surrounding student enrollment and attendance. As the meeting unfolded, the board revealed a nuanced picture of the district's current educational landscape.

The district's enrollment has seen a slight decline, with 3,436 students currently enrolled, down from 3,513 a year ago. However, this drop is not uniform across all grades. Notably, every grade level has experienced an increase in student numbers, except for kindergarten, fifth, eleventh, and twelfth grades. The board is actively investigating the reasons behind the decrease in senior numbers, which includes 33 midterm graduates and 23 withdrawals this year. These withdrawals do not necessarily indicate dropouts; rather, they reflect students who have left the district but remain eligible to re-enroll.

As the board discussed the implications of these figures, they highlighted the importance of understanding the dynamics of student movement within the district. The acceptance of 96 option enrollment requests for the upcoming school year, with only two denials due to capacity issues, indicates a continued interest in Ralston schools. However, the board acknowledged the challenges posed by a particularly large sixth-grade class, which could strain resources as these students transition to middle school.

Attendance data was another focal point of the meeting. The board reported mixed results in average daily attendance, with some schools experiencing challenges, particularly Bloomfield and Seymour. The district aims for a 95% attendance rate, and while some schools are close to achieving this goal, others are lagging behind. The middle school has shown notable improvement, with efforts from staff to emphasize the importance of regular attendance.

Chronic absenteeism remains a significant concern, especially at Ralston High School, where 484 students are classified as chronically absent. The board is committed to addressing this issue, recognizing that improving attendance is crucial for enhancing overall student achievement.

As the meeting concluded, the board expressed optimism about the progress being made in various areas, while also acknowledging the ongoing challenges. The commitment to fostering a supportive educational environment remains strong, with a focus on ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed. The discussions from this meeting reflect a broader commitment to continuous improvement within the Ralston Public Schools, as they navigate the complexities of student enrollment and attendance in a changing educational landscape.