Superintendent: pre-K grew sharply; district projects steady K–8 enrollment and $1.1M staffing savings

Superintendent Dr. Hart presented the district’s enrollment and staffing outlook for the 2026–27 school year, saying K–8 enrollment has declined compared with a decade ago but that preschool has grown substantially since the district launched universal pre-K.

Dr. Hart said pre-K enrollment expanded from about 25 students when the program began to nearly 250 across district-run sections and four private preschool partners. She told the board that the district’s March budget projections anticipated about 1,380 K–8 students plus roughly 240 preschool students for a total near 1,620, and that final September counts have historically landed within 20–30 students of March forecasts.

The superintendent reviewed redistricting completed over a five-year phase-in that moved 71 students from White House School to 3 Bridges School to balance K–3 enrollment and reduce the number of student transitions. She described local housing construction — an 80-unit, 100%-affordable project in the 3 Bridges area — as another factor that could lift enrollment as units fill.

On staffing, Dr. Hart said the district offered an early separation option to employees to align staff to enrollment and budget pressures caused by rising benefits, liability and pension costs. "The savings was approximately $1,100,000," she said, adding the district reduced headcount from about 330 to a projected 318 for 2026–27 while retaining academic programs, expanded special education and extracurricular activities at no cost to families.

The presentation included technology and program updates and emphasized monitoring enrollment at specific schools so class sizes remain small. Board members thanked administration and finance staff for work on the budget and staffing plan.