Cohosy School District reports smooth start to school year but enrollment down ahead of October snapshot

The Cohosy School District Board of Education was told Wednesday that the 2025–26 school year opened smoothly but that enrollment is lower than at the same point last year. Superintendent O'Shea gave the report at the board’s Sept. 10 meeting at Perhose Middle School Library, which began at 6:03 p.m. The superintendent said staffing development days and building preparations contributed to a positive start, and she credited school staff and the facilities team for what she called “a very smooth opening.” President Gillard opened staff development with remarks the superintendent quoted: “The people in this room are the reason for any success that we experience as a school district.” The enrollment figures O'Shea presented are preliminary; the district will use the state’s official snapshot day — referred to in the meeting as Bed’s Day, the first Wednesday in October — to report final counts. O'Shea said the district was down overall compared with last school year’s Bed’s Day count of 1,978 but that families continue to move into the district and that counts may change. O'Shea and board members clarified that specific program counts differ from building enrollment totals. She noted that English Learner (E/L) students were down by 16 districtwide, Harmony Hill was down by eight students and the middle school by eight, with the high school showing the same count as last year. The superintendent said these figures do not include students who are “commanding out” and that students who have tested out of programs continue to receive required services. Board members asked for a fuller breakdown at the October report so the board can see how many student moves occurred and which changes reflect testing out versus family moves. The superintendent said Assistant Superintendent Jacqueline (last name not specified in the meeting) will present a more detailed analysis for the Bed’s Day report. Facilities and extracurricular spaces drew praise. O'Shea and board members applauded the facilities crew for building readiness; the newly opened CHS indoor track began limited community access with five registrations reported by Matt Lundberg. The track is currently available in the mornings because of after-school practices and events; district staff said they will monitor demand and consider access controls such as sign-in procedures. The board discussed signage and policies for guests and animals on grounds after staff raised concerns about dogs at events. Members said the district has separate policies addressing service animals and school grounds and agreed to review those policies and produce consolidated guidance for athletic facilities and other high-traffic areas. Looking ahead, the board set future meeting dates for Sept. 24 and Oct. 8 at Perhose Middle School Library. The board adjourned at 6:40 p.m.