Decatur Schools Expect 4,000 Students

Decatur Schools Superintendent Phyllis Edwards expects about 4,000 students when the 2013-14 school year starts Aug. 1.

That's an increase of 10 percent over last year and no surprise.

In July 2012, the school system said enrollment was 3,584, about 10 percent above the previous year. The year before that, enrollment went up about 12 percent.

Edwards talked about enrollment in a letter to students, parents and staff that was posted on the school system website.

She also provided a link to several enrollment reports that explained how the school system came up with their numbers.

Enrollment is a major issue in Decatur now. An influx of young families has created a bulge in kindergarten and the lower grades.

Edwards said in her letter, "In response to the climbing enrollment, Oakhurst Elementary has been expanded.  Oakhurst will be completed to house students by the first day of school.  The 4/5 Academy is also under construction to add additional classrooms and a multi-purpose area that can be used for an additional cafeteria space if needed."

An important meeting concerning enrollment--and money--is coming up soon.

The school system predicts middle and high school enrollment will double by 2018. That's why the school board wants to hold a $59 million bond referendum in November so the two schools can be expanded.

The school board and city commission will meet at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 5 in city hall to talk about the referendum, which can only happen if the commission agrees to put it on the ballot.

If the city doesn't give the green light soon, the referendum would have to be held next year.