The last edition of the Independent showed that enrollment went up from last year to this year, does this mean that the referendum is not needed or at least not needed at the level for which is was certified?

The Board is not ready to take the increase in enrollment as a sign that the referendum is not needed.  When the Board approved its 2008-2009 budget and certified the amount for the referendum, it did so using the best information available at the time regarding projected revenue, expenses and enrollment.  The Board is concerned that this year’s enrollment increase might not be permanent and might not establish an upward trend. 

Enrollment is often at its peak in the fall.  Some of the students who contribute to the increase are children of laborers temporarily in the area for harvest.  Additionally, the Board cannot ignore that over the past 12 years, enrollment in Parkers Prairie has steadily declined.

Granted, the increase in enrollment is something to celebrate.  Whatever additional dollars come in for however long the increase lasts, will be funds that can be used to offset the anticipated budget deficit.  It is heartening for the Board, administration and staff to have evidence that more parents are choosing to send their children to the Parkers Prairie School District.  The Board hopes this means that the district’s staff and programs look attractive enough to bring in new students and to retain existing students. 

In the end, the Board is certain that the slight increase in enrollment is not nearly enough  to close the gap between expenses and revenue. It would take an increase of nearly 42 students for the entire school year to bring the 2008-2009 budget into balance.  The Board continues to believe that the prudent action, in order to maintain the viability of the district, is to pass the referendum.