Lemon Grove reports near‑stabilization of enrollment; district eyes budget improvements

The Lemon Grove School District reported significant progress in stabilizing enrollment at its Oct. 21 meeting, narrowing a years‑long decline to just 12 students (0.4 percent) from the prior October census.

Superintendent Vincent said the districts census-day enrollment dropped from 3,053 last October to 3,041 this year, a net decline of 12 students (0.4 percent). The boards stated goal for 2025–26 is to hold enrollment at 3,100 students.

The superintendent credited district- and site-level recruitment and retention work including updated websites and promotional materials, targeted outreach, banners and streamlined enrollment processes for slowing the long-term decline. "I am so excited to report that we have nearly stopped our historic 2% decline," Vincent said. Principals and district staff were cited as leading aspects of the outreach.

Trustee Miller noted the financial implication: "It's about, a little less than $500,000 more annually," she said, referring to the revenue impact of higher enrollment/attendance. Trustees discussed using improved revenue to address unmet needs, including competitive compensation to retain leaders and staff.

The business office reported the adopted 2025–26 budget was prepared on conservative assumptions (93% ADA and a projected 2% enrollment decline); the smaller-than-expected enrollment decline will positively affect multi-year projections and district finances. Staff indicated they will return with options for how to allocate any recurring revenue increases, including compensation and other previously identified priorities.