How decresed enrollment affects schools

In Elmbrook enrollment down by 103 students, Isral Debruin explains how decreased enrollment affects school funding:

Elmbrook School District enrollment is down 1.3 percent, but officials say the drop was anticipated and won’t affect state funding until next year.

Superintendent Matt Gibson said the decrease was on track with projections. He believes a decrease in the birth rate and slowdown in the housing market have contributed to the decrease in students.

The state exempts districts from fluctuations in enrollment for one year.

Next year, though, the drop will be included in a three-year rolling average that is used to calculate funding for the district. This average figures into Elmbrook’s total revenue cap, the amount it is allowed to collect in aid and taxes.

As such, a drop in enrollment can mean less state aid and higher taxes to make up the difference.