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Academy reports rising enrollment, more students attending in person
Summary
At the Philomath SD 17J board meeting, Ian, a presenter for the district academy, said total academy enrollment rose to about 157 students year‑to‑date and in‑person attendance increased; trustees pressed staff on space constraints and funding implications for future capital projects.
Ian, a presenter for the district academy, told the Philomath SD 17J board that the program has seen steady enrollment growth and more students attending in person. “So as you can see, we're on a steady increase,” Ian said, reporting that the academy supported about 144 students in the first semester and that the year‑to‑date total is now about 157, with 54 students attending in person as of the meeting.
The presenter gave a detailed demographic and program report: roughly 89 students were formally enrolled at the academy during the first semester, 55 students were dual‑enrolled with the local high school (about 38% of the academy’s total), and 41 students received special services including IEPs, 504 plans and modified diplomas. He said the academy offered more than 80 Apex courses in the first semester and planned to narrow course lists to provide stronger extension and hands‑on learning opportunities.
Board members raised concerns about facility capacity and funding. One trustee noted that about half of academy students live out of the district and asked whether that figure could affect voter support if a capital measure were needed. Ian and other staff responded that the out‑of‑district population is a mix of returning and newly enrolled students and that the district is working with administrators to manage morning session capacity.
The board also reviewed student supports and outcomes: the academy reported GED test completions and targeted supports such as individualized learning plans, intake meetings and one‑on‑one tutoring for students with attendance or engagement challenges. The presenter emphasized outreach to families and the use of student surveys and professional development focused on inclusive practices and mental‑health supports.
Next steps: trustees asked staff to continue refining capacity and enrollment projections and to report back with recommendations for managing demand. Kelsey Fernandez was scheduled to brief the board next month on student services, and the board noted that facility options will be part of broader facilities planning.
