Board hears enrollment update; kindergarten wait lists and PSEO funding explained

District officials told the school board that enrollment is stable or slightly higher than last year but that several grade levels already have waiting lists — kindergarten most notably.

The staff member reporting enrollment said a definitive enrollment count will be available after the start of school and cautioned that first-week changes (students moving in or out) make early counts imprecise. She said many grade levels are at or below the district's target class-size averages except for second grade, where the district reduced one section and class sizes rose as families moved into the district.

The board heard that kindergarten has a particularly long waiting list; the district prioritized siblings of enrolled students and recently accommodated those families where space allowed. Middle school class sizes have largely balanced compared with last year, and high school schedules may see small adjustments as the principal adds sections and anticipates which students will elect PSEO classes offsite.

Staff explained the funding mechanics for PSEO and CIS. CIS (College in the Schools) is taught in-house by district staff who must complete additional training, and the district retains state funding for those students. For PSEO — where students enroll directly at colleges — funding follows the student and the district may pay tuition to partner colleges under specific agreements; the district's finance impact depends on the PSEO model and enrollment levels. The staff member said PSEO classes under the statewide transfer curriculum are pre-approved in Minnesota and often transfer easily to other colleges, which is a primary benefit for students.

No action was taken; staff said they will provide a more precise enrollment report at the next board meeting.