Matthew Cropper presents decade-long enrollment forecast for North Kingstown schools

The North Kingstown School Committee convened on May 20, 2025, to discuss critical updates affecting the district, including a comprehensive demographic study that forecasts student enrollment over the next decade. Presented by Matthew Cropper of Cropper GIS Consulting, the study aims to provide insights into population trends that will influence school enrollment, highlighting the importance of understanding the broader demographic landscape.

Cropper emphasized that the study's methodology involved analyzing the entire population within the school district, focusing on age structures and migration patterns. The findings indicate that while the overall population is expected to remain stable, there are significant shifts in age demographics that could impact school enrollment. Notably, the forecast suggests a gradual increase in elementary and middle school enrollments, while high school numbers may fluctuate due to smaller cohort sizes moving through the system.

The study also addressed external factors such as housing market trends and economic conditions, which could affect migration patterns and, consequently, student enrollment. Cropper noted that the current interest rates and housing turnover rates are critical variables that could either bolster or hinder enrollment projections.

In addition to the demographic study, the meeting included public comments regarding the district's policies on transgender and gender-diverse youth in sports. Teachers from Pawtucket urged the committee to maintain protective policies for these students, especially in light of recent changes by the Rhode Island Interscholastic League that removed explicit protections. They argued that such policies are vital for the mental health and well-being of transgender youth, particularly in a climate where anti-trans legislation is on the rise.

The discussions at the meeting underscore the importance of data-driven decision-making in education and the need for inclusive policies that support all students. As the district prepares to implement the findings from the demographic study, stakeholders are encouraged to consider the broader implications of these trends on community growth and student well-being. The committee's next steps will be crucial in shaping the educational landscape for North Kingstown in the years to come.