Enrollment slump continues for La Conner

La Conner Schools officials are bracing for fewer students again this fall.

School district financial chief David Cram is projecting 460 full-time K-12 enrolled students in 2024-25, 30 fewer than this year.

“That’s the number we’ll use as we build our budget,” he said.

The net loss of 30 students translates to a loss for La Conner Schools of about $330,000 in state funds next year. Enrollment is the main driver of support the state provides to its public school districts.

Cram told school board members at their March 11 study session that his forecast is based on an entering kindergarten class expected to be significantly smaller than the high school senior class that graduates this spring.

Declining enrollment has been a troubling trend in La Conner for years. During the early 2000s, La Conner Schools enrolled around 700 students and its sports teams competed at the 1A level.

After hovering near 600 students before the COVID-19 pandemic, La Conner’s enrollment has since fallen below 500. La Conner is now the smallest 2B school in the state and the board recently authorized downsizing the Braves football program to an eight-man team.

La Conner isn’t alone among its local peers.

“Everybody in Skagit County is looking at declines or a flat enrollment,” Cram said. “The other districts are facing low kindergarten enrollment, too.”

Cram said another enrollment factor involves La Conner High School students who transition to specialized off-campus educational programs, such as Running Start and the Skills Center. The school district receives enrollment credit only for the classes those students attend at La Conner.

“We don’t get FTE (full-time equivalent) for our students at the Skills Center or Running Start,” Cram said. “We only get credit for how many classes they’re enrolled in here.”

Soaring housing costs have been linked to the gradual downward spiral in student enrollment, since families with school-age children struggle with the cost to live in the La Conner area.

In response, La Conner Schools has begun marketing itself to families residing outside the school district – Conway, in particular – by promoting its academic, arts and athletics programs.

The board’s three-hour study session included opportunities for members to hear from secondary students on a wide range of topics – from school curricula and activities to food service and suggested new programs.

A similar interaction took place last October.

“We do this a couple times a year,” La Conner Schools Executive Assistant Cherri Kahns said.

She and Superintendent Dr. Wil Nelson said such meetings are beneficial both to the board and students.

“These were great conversations,” said Nelson.

Board member Kim Pedroza said she appreciated what students told her.

“The kids said they love their teachers and appreciate the energy they bring to the classroom,” Pedroza said.