Superintendent reports declining enrollment, new programs and facility updates in RSU 22' annual update

Superintendent Nick opened the district status report by noting RSU 22's current total enrollment of 2,056 students, down from 2,115 the prior year and 2,180 at his first presentation four years earlier. "So we have had a decline in the 4 presentations that I've done of a 124 students," he said, and warned that lower enrollment affects state subsidy and will factor into the coming budget discussions.

He said the district is in year four of its strategic plan and proposed moving to an annual renewal cycle to keep goals timely. Among program highlights he listed expansion of pre-k (Waldo Cap partnership now five days a week at Hampden campus), a new drone course at Hampden Academy (about 45 students across course offerings), and an educational outreach coordinator funded by a recently awarded grant whose van will enable home visits and on-site family work once delivered.

Nick also highlighted community outreach and communications: a new website (thanked Nate and Becky Moore) and K-5 parent guides developed by Jennifer and the administration. On operations, he reported that Weatherby's ADA-compliant elevator is complete, all buildings now have updated safety plans, and the district has added parking at the Weatherby-McGraw complex to ease congestion.

Board members asked for data behind attendance improvements; Nick said attendance is now a standing monthly agenda item and that he would provide percentage figures on request. He also confirmed Hampden campus pre-k is at capacity while Smith School has limited openings and explained the district's policy on annual in-district transfer requests.