Hastings: 2,679 down from 2,787 last year
Delton Kellogg: 1,307 down from 1,317 last year
Maple Valley: 1,061 down from 1,062 last year
Lakewood: 1,902 down from 1,949 last year
Neighboring Caledonia and Wayland districts saw slight increases. Caledonia grew from 4,631 to 4,639 and Wayland student population rose from 2,903 to 2,925.
TK Superintendent Tom Enslen said he's very happy to see the positive numbers this year especially since a year ago the district was down nearly 80 students. "I just knew last year had to be an anomaly," he said. "The enrollment increase is great news for our kids. To see our enrollment rates up when birth rates across the state are down and at a time when public schools have so much competition, it's great."
Enslen said the district prepared for the worst, budgeting for a drop of 20 students, but instead saw the increase.
"We 're very fortunate. No matter where I go or who I talk to, everyone seems to have a good feeling about our district and our community. We've seen people settling in our community because they like the warm and welcoming feel. They like the looks of our facilities - that shows community support. Our achievement scores are good. We're in the KISD. People want to be here," said Enslen.
The student count numbers are critical to public schools for state funding. Each student counted translates into funds from the state. There will be a winter count day in February, but the fall count day is the most important, accounting for 90 percent of state funding.
TK saw the largest increases at the high school and middle school grade levels. The high school has 936 students this year compared to 916 a year ago, and the middle school population has grown from 694 to 712.
Elementary numbers remained steady. Page saw a decrease from 471 to 466 students; Lee dropped from 424 to 412; and McFall increased from 475 to 476.