Washington sees drop of 89 students

WASHINGTON - Area schools saw a drop in certified enrollment this year, larger than they had originally estimated.

Washington Community School District had a decrease of 89 students compared to last year.

Certified enrollment is a number calculated by the state to determine state funding. Various types of students – for instance pre-kindergaten student – are assigned a value.

Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, 30 students transferred to the Homeschool Assistance Program, and some students chose Competent Private Instruction.

Superintendent Willie Stone said he was expecting to see a drop in numbers.

This loss of students has a monetary effect on the schools.

Washington is estimating it will lose around $684,000, Stone said during a school board meeting in October. Stone said they will be able to absorb this hit as long as it does not continue.