Berwyn South SD 100 outlines long-term enrollment decline and financial planning to avoid reductions in force

Superintendent Dr. Mary Havis presented long-term enrollment and financial data to the Berwyn South SD 100 board, warning of continued declines and urging proactive planning to preserve programs and staff.

Havis said K–8 enrollment has fallen from about 3,800 in 2016 to roughly 2,626 today, a decline of about 29 percent, and that projections currently indicate enrollment could fall to about 2,400 by 2029. She tied the decline to lower live-birth rates in the community and said the district is using those projections to plan section counts, staffing, and long-range facilities planning.

Havis explained the district has reduced staff over time (staffing down roughly 11 percent) while managing uneven enrollment declines and noted mandated categorical proration, special-education tuition and transportation costs as budget pressures. She emphasized the district’s strategy of reassigning or not filling positions when vacancies occur where feasible and said the board and district seek to avoid RIFs (reductions in force) by moving early on structural changes like combining very small sections and reviewing program placement by building.

Board members asked for specific breakdowns by dual-language, special education and exploratory/specials program counts; Havis agreed those data can be provided to support planning. The district said it will continue to refine projections annually and consider outside demographic-projection services if needed to inform five‑ to ten‑year planning decisions.