Census Day, held on October 5th this year, marked a critical moment for California school districts as they conducted mandatory enrollment counts. This annual event not only tracks student numbers but also collects demographic data, including ethnicity and special education status. The state will collaborate with districts to verify this information, with a certification deadline set for December 16th and an amendment window closing on January 20th.

Monrovia Unified School District reported a continued decline in enrollment, with current figures at 5,045 students—75% of its peak enrollment in 1999. This trend reflects a broader challenge faced by districts across California. However, a slight increase of 23 students this year has positively impacted the district's Average Daily Attendance (ADA) projections, which are crucial for funding.

The district's unduplicated pupil count, which influences funding based on low-income student eligibility, has risen from 48% to 51% this year. Despite this increase, it remains significantly lower than previous years, attributed to a decline in free and reduced-price lunch applications following the federal government's implementation of universal meal programs. School officials emphasized the importance of parents submitting these applications by the October 31st deadline to secure additional funding.

In a related discussion, the Monrovia Community Adult School (MCAS) presented updates on its programs and funding. The school has seen a resurgence in enrollment, surpassing last year's total just two months into the academic year, thanks to targeted marketing efforts. MCAS offers a variety of vocational programs and is actively working to meet new state accountability measures aimed at improving adult education effectiveness.

The board expressed gratitude for the efforts of staff and community partners in enhancing educational opportunities and securing funding, highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing the needs of students and the community. The next interim budget report, which will incorporate these enrollment and funding changes, is scheduled for approval at the December 14th board meeting.