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Superintendent: enrollment down 19% since 2015; district cites revenue pressures and policy updates
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Erdis told the board the district has experienced a roughly 19% enrollment decline since 2015 and a 7.8% drop in core revenues over the past decade; he flagged an independent MD Roofers consulting report with enrollment projections and noted policy updates on bus audio recording, drone restrictions (policy 7440.03) and an ADA web accessibility deadline extension to 2027.
Superintendent Dr. Erdis told the Jefferson School District board that district enrollment has fallen about 19% since 2015 and that core revenues have declined roughly 7.8% over the last decade.
"We've had almost a 20% it's 19% drop in enrollment since 2015," Dr. Erdis said, summarizing a Wisconsin Policy Forum analysis and a district slot analysis prepared for the board.
He said fixed costs (such as roofs, building square footage, parking and transportation) limit the district's ability to reduce expenditures in line with falling enrollment, and that the community has helped close budget gaps through referenda passed between 2015 and 2025.
Dr. Erdis also described an MD Roofers consulting report the district funded that includes enrollment projections through 2040; the board will schedule a representative from that consulting firm to present findings at a future meeting.
On policy matters, the superintendent said district policies already align with a new law allowing audio recording on school buses for use in law enforcement reports if necessary, and he noted the district's drone policy (7440.03) prohibits unmanned aircraft over district property without prior approval. He also said the federal/state timeline for ADA title II web and mobile accessibility has been extended by one year to 2027; district work continues to improve accessibility.
Board members had clarifying questions about enrollment drivers and policy language; Dr. Erdis encouraged further review of the full Wisconsin Policy Forum report included in the meeting materials.
The board took no immediate vote on these matters; the superintendent's report was informational and will be followed with a scheduled presentation by the MD Roofers representative.
