Enrollment figures show modest growth in the San Juan School District in 2008

After experiencing years of decreasing enrollment, the number of students in the San Juan School District has increased for the current school year. As of October 1, the district counted 2,888 students on the class rolls, an increase of 44 over October 1, 2007.

Growth in enrollment between 2007 and 2008 has been the greatest at Bluff Elementary School, which has grown by 13.8 percent in a single year.

Similarly, enrollment grew 9.9 percent at Mexican Hat Elementary School and 7.5 percent at Albert R Lyman Middle School in the past year.

Enrollment in the sprawling school district peaked in 1996, with 3,370 students, and has dropped steadily since that time. The 2,888 students currently enrolled represent a 17 percent drop from 1996.

The drop in enrollment from 1996 to 2008 has been across the board. The drops range from 104 percent at Bluff Elementary School to two percent at Whitehorse High School.

Over the twelve year period, enrollment dropped 37 percent at Mexican Hat Elementary School, 29 percent at San Juan High School and 28 percent at Monticello High School.

School officials watch enrollment numbers very closely, as state and federal funding sources are often dependent upon enrollment. Decreasing enrollment in schools throughout the district have triggered a reduction in staff size for many schools in order to retain a sustainable student - teacher ratio.

In addition to concerns about decreasing enrollment, officials are concerned about the possible loss of Title I status at Monticello High School in the coming school year.

Title I funding is dependent on the percent of students who receive free and reduced school lunch. Recent studies in Monticello show a significant decrease in the number of students who qualify.