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Superintendent reports modest enrollment gain; district reviews high bids for new athletic building
Summary
District enrollment rose by 17 students to 3,912, with 45 students in the virtual academy. Officials said the virtual program is not driving net declines and noted an estimated per-pupil revenue loss when a student leaves. The board discussed a single, higher-than-expected bid for a Scotts Hill baseball building and next steps.
During the director's update the superintendent-level speaker said the district’s virtual academy now has 45 students and that total enrollment increased by 17 students to 3,912 (up from 3,895 at the last report). The superintendent said the virtual academy appears to capture students who might otherwise homeschool and is not reducing overall enrollment.
When discussing finance, the speaker said the district estimates roughly $8,500 per pupil in revenue loss when a student leaves the district for homeschool or another option. The superintendent cautioned that some financial figures mentioned in the briefing were preliminary and that staff will continue to monitor the fiscal impact.
On facilities, the board heard that only one bid was submitted for the Scotts Hill baseball building and that it came in substantially higher than anticipated—one speaker estimated the difference as roughly $25,000–$28,000 above expectations. Board members discussed reviewing project specifications and exploring additional contractor outreach while noting ethical considerations about contacting potential bidders.
Staff also reported work on a Market-to-Lagoon survey, with deed and easement pulls underway and a follow-up update expected next week. Homeland Security-conducted security assessments at several schools are ongoing, and the district is coordinating with TDOT and the local sheriff on traffic signage near state highways by some campuses.
