School District projects decline in K-4 enrollment while secondary levels see growth

The Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District (MCPASD) School Board convened on April 7, 2025, to discuss critical enrollment projections and budget impacts for the upcoming academic year. This meeting provided a first look at anticipated enrollment trends, highlighting significant shifts in student numbers across different grade levels.

One of the key discussions centered on the district's enrollment projections, which indicate a decline in elementary school sections while secondary school sections are expected to increase. Specifically, the district plans to reduce six sections at the elementary level, while simultaneously adding six sections at the secondary level. This shift reflects ongoing demographic trends, with elementary enrollment stagnating and secondary enrollment on the rise.

A notable point of discussion was the anticipated growth at Glacier Creek Middle School, where the fifth-grade class is projected to expand by two sections, reaching approximately 278 students. This marks a significant increase from the current enrollment of 206 students, attributed to previous boundary adjustments.

The board also addressed the complexities of predicting enrollment for four-year-old kindergarten (4K) programs. The uncertainty stems from challenges in assessing the number of eligible students in the community. Despite these challenges, the district expects 4K enrollment to remain stable, with ongoing monitoring as the school year progresses.

In terms of open enrollment, the district has seen a consistent number of students participating. Currently, there are 28 open-enrolled students, with an additional 28 approved for the next year. The board anticipates that, if all projected open-enrolled students enroll, the district could maintain or slightly increase its overall student count, despite a projected decrease of about 99 students based on current enrollment figures.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of understanding the dynamics of open enrollment, noting that families may choose to remain in the district even after moving out, or vice versa. This fluidity in enrollment patterns complicates projections but also presents opportunities for maintaining class sizes within acceptable limits.

Overall, the discussions at the MCPASD School Board meeting underscore the district's proactive approach to managing enrollment and budgetary challenges. As housing developments continue in the area, the district remains vigilant in monitoring these trends to ensure that educational needs are met effectively. The board's next steps will involve further analysis of enrollment data and continued adjustments to programming as necessary.