The Iowa Department of Education says enrollment in the state’s public schools declined again last year. The Education Department report says enrollment dropped 353 students statewide this fall — to a total of 482-thousand-752 students. The report says 60-percent of the 365 school districts saw a decline, while 144 districts reported an increase. It was the 10th straight year the state saw a decline in students.

Waukee in central Iowa had the largest increase in students for the second year in a row — gaining 548 pupils. The Linn Mar district in eastern Iowa was second, gaining 467 kids. Three other central Iowa school districts also saw big increases, Ankeny with 249 more students, Southeast Polk with 243 and Johnston 211. Des Moines was again the district that lost the most students, with 328 fewer kids in class. Others losing enrollment were Davenport, losing 198, Mason City 97 and Sioux City and Ottumwa both lost 90 students.

For the complete report, surf to the Education Department’s website at:http://www.iowa.gov/educate/.

Related web sites:
Iowa Department of Education