School committee authorizes 10‑year enrollment study with Future Think for $15,750

The Hopkinton School Committee authorized a comprehensive population enrollment study to inform district planning and the grade‑reconfiguration process.

The administration reported that four responsive proposals were received after an RFQ; the recommended vendor was Future Think LLC at $15,750. The district had budgeted $8,000, so the administration proposed covering the $7,700 shortfall from the international‑student revolving fund, which the presenter said has a current balance of roughly $350,000. A committee member moved to authorize the contract and the committee voted in favor.

Presenters said the study will produce a 10‑year projection but emphasized the practical accuracy of three‑ to five‑year forecasts for operational planning; the consultant will examine demographic data, residential development potential, and local birth trends to refine projections. The study will support staffing and tuition decisions for high‑school enrollment as the district finalizes reconfiguration plans.