Eatonville district reports enrollment drop of roughly 40 students; revenues partly offset shortfall

Krista, a district staff member, told the Eatonville School District board that enrollment has fallen, resulting in a net loss of about 40 students between December and March. "Our enrollment has really dropped since December. We've are at a net loss now of about 40, students between December and March," Krista said during the board's report and presentations segment.

The drop in enrollment is tied to students transferring to other districts, homeschooling or moving out of state, Krista said. She told the board the district’s revenue picture is modestly improved despite the enrollment decline: transportation revenue is ahead, contributing roughly $260,000 more than budget projections, and food services revenue is about $100,000 ahead.

Krista also called attention to capital-project revenues and impact fees. She said the district has collected $28,000 so far for the new six-year capital levy and that impact-fee receipts this school year are $13,635, a substantial decline from four-year historical averages (examples she gave include $254,000 in 2021 and amounts above $100,000 in subsequent years).

On expenditures, Krista said special-education spending is closely aligned with budget expectations for the time of year but that classified wages — driven largely by substitute pay — are projecting an overrun; she cited substitute pay as the single largest variance at about $100,000 over budget.

Krista urged continued monitoring because enrollment directly affects funding and projected budget outcomes. "If we continue at that pace... we will be at a budget difference of shy of 16 students," she said, noting current counts are a few students below budget but that trends could push the district further under.

The board did not take specific action at that moment; the enrollment and financial figures were presented as part of the regular reports.