District reports stable school‑choice placement; ADM shows small decline

The Natrona County School District #1 board received a report on enrollment and its school-choice placement process, which district leaders described as continuing to prioritize family preference while balancing school capacity.

According to the report presented to the Board Academic Steering Committee, the district’s 150‑day enrollment figures showed a decline from prior reporting and the district’s ADM (average daily membership) was reported at approximately 11,121 students. The presentation said placement remains strong under the district’s choice process; the report stated that the district does not cap high‑school enrollment and that a large share of students received their top preferences (the presentation included multiple percentage ranges to describe placement success at different grade levels).

District staff outlined the priority order used in the placement process (current students, students from closing schools, siblings, staff children, neighborhood school) and said about 99% of students historically receive one of their top four choices. Executive Director Angie Hayes and Associate Superintendent Rose were cited in the committee report as the staff leads for placement work; Superintendent Hensley summarized the committee discussion and said the district will consider adding questions to a climate survey to gauge continued satisfaction with school choice.

Board members asked for follow‑up and for staff to double‑check meeting minutes and policy text in a separate agenda item (policy 6,400 graduation requirements) to ensure references to alternative high‑school language are consistent. No policy action was taken at the meeting; the graduation‑requirements proposal was presented as a first reading.