Enrollment trends and the impact of recent legislation dominated the discussion at the Regional School Unit 40 School Board meeting on October 3, 2024. Board members highlighted a significant shift in student demographics, particularly an increase in homeschooling, which nearly doubled since the fall of 2022. This surge is attributed to the revised vaccination law that took effect in 2021, allowing families a 90-day period to demonstrate vaccination compliance.

The board also examined the movement of students between towns, revealing that many students attend schools outside their home districts. For instance, Friendship Village School has 13 students from neighboring towns, while 11 local students attend other schools. Miller School reported 29 students from other towns and 50 students from Waldenborough attending its classes. This trend raises questions about school capacity and resource allocation.

Concerns about overcrowding were voiced, particularly regarding Friendship School, which currently has 65 students. Board members discussed the possibility of adjusting school attendance lines to alleviate pressure on Miller School. The conversation also touched on the lack of pre-kindergarten and after-school care at Friendship, which has led some families to seek alternatives.

In response to the growing number of homeschoolers, board members expressed interest in understanding the reasons behind this trend. They noted that while the district receives notifications of families registering for homeschooling, outreach to these families could provide valuable insights into their choices.

As the board continues to navigate these challenges, they aim to gather more information from families about their educational preferences and explore solutions to enhance enrollment and resource distribution across the district.