McPherson School District faces declining enrollment amid population changes and housing developments

The McPherson USD 418 Board of Education held a regular meeting on July 14, 2025, where significant concerns regarding student enrollment trends were discussed. The meeting highlighted a continuing decline in district enrollment, attributed to a decrease in live births and a net loss of students migrating into the area.

Board members noted that the district's enrollment had decreased over the past year and is projected to decline further. This trend is particularly evident as senior classes graduate and fewer kindergarteners enroll. The discussion emphasized that while some families are moving out of McPherson, there are not enough new families moving in to offset this loss.

A demographic analysis presented during the meeting revealed that the population of McPherson has changed over time, impacting school enrollment. Although the number of housing units in the area has increased, the yield rate—the number of students generated per housing unit—has decreased. For instance, the yield rate from single-family homes has dropped from 38 students per 100 homes in the 2015-2016 school year to approximately 33 students per 100 homes in recent years.

The board discussed the implications of these trends, noting that even with new housing developments, the district would need to see a significant increase in housing units to stabilize or grow student enrollment. The demographer's report indicated that the district would require double the current number of housing units to begin to see a meaningful increase in student numbers.

In conclusion, the board acknowledged the challenges posed by declining enrollment and the need for strategic planning to address these demographic shifts. The discussions underscored the importance of understanding local population trends and their direct impact on school funding and resources. The board plans to continue monitoring these trends and explore potential solutions to enhance student enrollment in the future.