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Ovid-Elsie Area Schools board hears projected enrollment decline and staffing impacts
Summary
An administrator told the Ovid-Elsie Area Schools board the district is projecting about 20 fewer students than last year, which could reduce certified staff by roughly 3.5 positions; the board heard the report but took no staffing action.
An administrator reported the district’s unofficial student count stood at 1,303 this year, down from 1,323 at the same point last year, and warned the total could fall further to about 1,290–1,293 if another 5–10 students do not reappear.
The administrator said the district is "most likely" to finish the year "with less than what we have at this time," and estimated the enrollment decline could mean a reduction of roughly 3.5 certified teaching positions if trends continue. "For elementary we're down one teacher; middle school is the same; high school down two certified teachers," the administrator said.
Why it matters: enrollment numbers are a primary driver of state funding and local staffing decisions. A drop of roughly 20 students relative to last year, if confirmed in the official count, would reduce revenue tied to per-pupil funding and is the principal reason administrators signaled potential reductions in certified staff.
Board members asked clarifying questions during the presentation; the administrator reiterated that the district’s budget for the current year remained balanced with a modest surplus but that the proposed 2024–25 budget, while close to balanced, requires close monitoring. The administrator said kindergarten enrollment is stronger (111 this year vs. 107 last year) while first grade and some other grades show declines.
The administrator also described operational and programmatic details tied to staffing projections: the alternative education program was noted as being short 0.5 FTE and still in active recruitment; the district is watching mid-year absences and enrollment changes and will refine staffing plans after the official enrollment count.
The board did not take formal staffing actions at the meeting; members were advised the administration will continue monitoring enrollment and report back with any recommended personnel or budget adjustments as needed.
