Board tables $23,000 demographic study for 10-year enrollment forecast and boundary work

The Granite Falls School Board discussed a proposal to contract with Davis Demographics for a one-year engagement to produce a 10-year enrollment forecast, a community growth forecast and potential boundary options should the district choose to split elementary attendance areas.

Marshall (district staff) described the proposal to the board, noting the firm was previously known as Davis Demographics and has been acquired by a larger company but would use the same staff. Marshall said the work would help the district “determine how to split or not split our schools and when we might need another school” and that “There are no determinations whether we're going to change from a k 2 3 5 structure to a k 5 structure.” He also told the board that the work would not be paid from the general fund and that the estimated cost was “it's $23,000, I think, for the year.”

Marshall described likely deliverables as a 10-year demographic and enrollment forecast, a growth forecast for the community, and an equitable division of boundaries if the district chooses to split elementary schools. He estimated a first-pass timeline of roughly two to three months for core deliverables and said additional services — such as community forums or extra meetings — could be added later.

Board members discussed timing and clarity of deliverables. Board Member Lehi moved “to table approval of the demographic study till the next regular board meeting.” The motion was made from the floor; the transcript contains no recorded roll-call or roll-call tally following the motion and the board proceeded to the next agenda items. Staff indicated they would return to the board with a clarified timeline and a more detailed deliverables list prior to bringing the item back for action.