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Albert Lea district reports 134-student decline and warns of further drops
Summary
Finance director Paul Durbahn told the school board the district is down 134 students this school year and expects continued declines as larger graduating classes outpace smaller incoming kindergarten cohorts; open-enrollment losses and lower birth rates were cited as drivers.
Paul Durbahn, the district’s Executive Director of Finance and Operations, told the Albert Lea Area Schools board on Feb. 2 that the district is down 134 students this school year and expects further declines as larger graduating classes outpace smaller incoming kindergarten cohorts, driven by lower birth rates.
Durbahn attributed recent enrollment losses in part to open enrollment, saying families have cited flexibility, online or alternative learning options, and personal preference when leaving the district. The presentation did not include specific budget projections or staffing decisions tied to the enrollment numbers.
Board members did not take formal action related to the enrollment report at the meeting; the presentation served as an informational update to guide future planning. Attendance at the meeting was reported as 10 community/staff members and Superintendent Heil was listed as the administrative representative present.
