Stevenson Elementary reports large enrollment gain as superintendent warns of budget uncertainty

Stevenson Elementary principal Tanya Hickman told the Southfield Board of Education that the school increased family engagement by 30% this year and that enrollment rose to 532 students, up from 449 last year and 385 in an earlier baseline. The presentation emphasized Stevenson’s community-school model, expanded learning programs and integrated supports including a full-service health clinic and social navigator funded by the United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

Hickman said Stevenson served 317 scholars in its after-school program this year and listed new STEM and extracurricular offerings. She described strategies used to improve attendance and punctuality—letters to families, teacher and administrative phone outreach, and visible staff presence at drop-off—saying the work is “slow” but showing measurable improvement.

Superintendent Jennifer Green followed with a staffing and legislative update. She said the district is finalizing master schedules and staffing placements under a new collective bargaining agreement, with many decisions expected by June 30. Green warned that federal and state budget uncertainty could reduce funding streams (including Medicaid reimbursements for services), and said the district will seek to level staffing through attrition where possible while pursuing alternative grants and partnerships to sustain supports.

Trustees asked about capacity for five new classrooms at the Stevenson campus; Hickman said the school plans to add grade-level sections and is exploring options (including a lottery) should a sixth grade be considered at the site. Dr. Green noted summer programming and a waiting list for summer school, with over 900 scholars enrolled and no further capacity.

The board received the report and committed to monitoring staffing placements, grant opportunities and construction timelines as the district finalizes its budget and capital plans.