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Board reviews 2026–27 enrollment projections and proposes 19 Open Choice seats
Summary
District staff presented projections showing a modest enrollment change for 2026–27 and recommended declaring 19 Open Choice seats (from 134 to 153) to potentially increase revenue and diversify the student body; kindergarten and special-program staffing impacts were discussed.
District staff presented projected enrollment figures for the 2026–27 school year and walked the board through the assumptions and data sources, including NESDAC analytics and a preschool census. The presentation projected roughly 10 fewer students compared with the current year and an estimated total enrollment of about 3,816 if projections hold.
The staff recommended declaring 19 additional Open Choice seats, which would increase the town’s allotment from 134 to 153. The board discussed financial incentives tied to Open Choice participation and the potential operational impact. One board member noted that reaching higher Open Choice participation thresholds could yield additional per-student funding; staff said the district receives approximately $2,000 per Open Choice student and that special-education costs for those students are reimbursed at 100%.
Questions from board members focused on class-size 'bubble' effects at particular schools (Anna Reynolds was noted as having the district's largest class sizes), the ten-year look-back staffing data and how projected retirements and leaves factor into recruitment plans. Staff said principals have begun planning and that a more detailed 10-year staffing look-back would be shared with the board members who requested it.
A follow-up packet and the underlying ten-year staffing and enrollment tables will be distributed to board members.
