Vermillion SD 13‑1 flags enrollment dip ahead of state count date, warns of funding impact
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Summary
Superintendent reported the district’s enrollment at about 1,315 students—down roughly 30 from last year and about 75 from two years ago—before the Sept. 26 state count date, and warned that lower enrollment could reduce state aid by roughly $7,500 per student annually.
The Vermillion School District 13‑1 reported a decline in enrollment as the district approaches South Dakota’s official count date on Sept. 26, officials told the school board on Sept. 8. Superintendent Dr. Elvey said the district’s current enrollment is approximately 1,315 students, down about 30 students from last year and roughly 75 students from two years ago.
Why it matters: state aid is calculated using the official count. Dr. Elvey told the board the district estimates about $7,500 in state funding per student; at that rate a loss of 75 students would represent a significant, ongoing reduction in revenue that could affect staffing and programs.
What the superintendent told the board: Dr. Elvey said the district took its official attendance count on the last Friday in September calendar window and will report final numbers after that date. He said "our number is at approximately 1,315," and that the decline follows six years of earlier growth. The board was warned that missing students on count day would translate into lower state aid in following years.
District response and fiscal options: the superintendent said the district is monitoring options to avoid immediate cuts, including using capital-outlay flexibility, reviewing federal funding uses and discussing priorities with staff and the finance committee. He said some positions created with ESSER funds have been valuable and district leaders want to avoid abrupt eliminations.
Board next steps: Dr. Elvey said the board will receive a full report at the October meeting after final count-day numbers are available. The finance committee will continue to examine scenarios if enrollment does not recover.
Procedural detail: the board discussed the count process (state review of Infinite Campus data) and the district emphasized outreach to families to improve attendance. Dr. Elvey outlined the district’s attendance interventions—automated calls for unexcused absences, letters at five, seven and nine absences and possible home visits or mandatory meetings before the district engages the state’s attorney at the eleventh absence.
What’s next: the district will present final count figures in October and the board will consider budget and staffing adjustments if the downward trend continues.