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Caldwell district warns of declining enrollment, prepares conservative budget
Summary
District staff told trustees the district has lost roughly 1,400 students over several years (from about 6,200 to about 4,800), that average daily attendance hovers near 90% and that the legislature has not finalized next year’s funding, prompting conservative budget planning and additional work sessions.
District staff presented an enrollment summary at the March 23, 2026, board meeting that showed a multiyear decline in student numbers and warned trustees that attendance and pending legislative funding will affect next year’s budget.
"At 1 point, we were at 6,200 students, and today, we're about 4,800," Miss Anderson said while walking trustees through enrollment and attendance trends. She explained that average daily attendance (the state’s funding basis) has fluctuated between about 89% and 92% this year and that the legislature had not finalized funding allocations, so the district is preparing conservative estimates.
Miss Anderson and other staff noted causes that include growth in nonpublic and online options, lower birth rates since COVID and migration patterns affecting local families. Staff said the district is planning for the likelihood of fewer students next year, working closely with building administrators to align staffing and to use one-time or restricted funds where appropriate to smooth the transition.
Trustees asked follow-up questions and were told staff will produce additional information in the coming weeks as legislative decisions firm up. The board said it may hold additional work sessions to review updated funding projections and staffing scenarios.
