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WEM superintendent presents enrollment and capacity data as consolidation considered
Summary
Superintendent John Regan presented enrollment and functional capacity figures showing district enrollment of 777 vs. capacity 1,043 and proposed a one‑site education model to stabilize the budget and expand electives; board asked to weigh benefits for students and fiscal responsibility before any decision.
Superintendent John Regan presented building capacity and enrollment figures to the board, noting district enrollment of 777 against a combined functional capacity of 1,043 (Waterville Elementary enrollment 305 vs. capacity 396; Morristown Middle 213 vs. 300; Waterville High 259 vs. 406; additional five classrooms could raise high‑school capacity to 500). Regan told the board that elementary support spaces were not included in the capacity calculation and that Pre‑K rooms are included in both enrollment and capacity counts.
Regan framed a potential shift to offering education at a single site as a response to declining revenue (loss of COVID dollars and fewer incoming kindergarten students). He said the move could reduce busing and idle time, increase elective and CTE offerings, allow more staff collaboration and concentrated supports for struggling and excelling students, but cautioned that detailed plans and savings estimates have not yet been developed and that any transition would require further board meetings, staff and family communication and a formal vote.
