District reports net increase of about 72 new students processed in August; full third‑Friday count due next month

Assistant Superintendent of Operations Jared Rossing told the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District board on Sept. 29 that the district processed a net 72 new student enrollments in August and that an official third‑Friday count will be available at the next board meeting.

Rossing said the district’s internal report compares last year’s second‑Friday resident counts with projected resident enrollment and the district’s current enrollment as of the third Friday. Between the last board meeting and the current report, Rossing said the district saw a net increase of 43 students at the 4K level (a combination of resident and open‑enrollment placements, with Elm Lawn and Sauk Trail elementary schools noted as areas of movement). At the secondary level, the district reported a net increase of 29 students across grades 5–12, producing the district total of roughly 72 new students processed in August.

Rossing described the operational work required to onboard those students — paperwork, placing students on rosters and updating class lists — and said principals and registration staff have managed a quick turnaround from late‑August changes. “Our buildings are always wide open and welcoming to our new families,” he said.

Rossing told the board the district’s official enrollment that will be used for revenue‑limit calculations will be the third‑Friday headcount on Sept. 19; he will present that official number at the next meeting.

What was asked: A board member noted Elm Lawn’s changes can signal neighborhood turnover; Rossing said the Elm Lawn increase was a mix of open‑enrollment placements and unexpected move‑ins.

What’s next: Administration will provide the official third‑Friday enrollment and associated revenue calculations at the next board meeting.