CHIMACUM— The reasons for enrollment decline in Chimacum Schools are beginning to become a bit clearer.
At Wednesday’s Chimacum School Board meeting, enrollment information about Chimacum Creek Primary, Elementary, Middle and High Schools and the Pi Program was shared with board members and the public, revealing a clearer understanding of why families in the district are choosing to leave and educate their children eslewhere.
Superintendent Rick Thompson reported that administrative staff began pulling together statistics and shared graphic charts that showed the numbers.
An administrative report that reflects data from September to the current date says that the district had 146 withdrawals. Of those, 27 percent moved from the area, 21 percent withdrew for family circumstances, 17 percent for programming, and 8 percent for parents’ job relocation.
The majority of students, 16 percent, withdrew from the 12th grade, while 14 percent of students withdrew from first grade. Ten percent were from ninth grade. Statistically, 51 percent were male.
Parents have the option of “Choice Out.” This is available to families who live in the district but choose to go outside it for education.
The district counted 234 Choice Out and Home-based Learning students with reasons including work/child care (35 percent), better conditions elsewhere (28 percent) and home-based learning (14 percent.)
For 2019, the district already has received 38 Choice Out transfer requests. Of those, two have been for Sunfield Waldorf School in Port Hadlock.
Thompson has enlisted a group of volunteers to make calls to parents. The group will ask specific questions as to why students leave.
Given the enrollment figures, Thompson said facilities use will need to be analyzed.
“How do we respond to declining enrollment?” Thompson asked.
“With the idea of reducing operational costs and maximizing taxpayer dollars,” he said. “By putting those dollars into the buildings that are the most valuable, the ones worth investing in.
“Our plan is simple: put money into buildings that are the most highly rated: Chimacum Creek Primary, Chimacum Middle School and Chimacum High School.
He said the district is fortunate that the secondary spaces are in good shape.
“Based on preliminary room counts, within the next year and a half, we can transition our 3-5 program and much of our Pi into the secondary campus. What that means is that we wouldn’t need a bond.”
“We just take out of circulation all or part of the oldest worn-out buildings that we feel are not in the taxpayers’ best interest to invest in,” he said.
Along with hard facts came some good news.
Thompson announced that Art Clark, Chimacum School District assistant superintendent for finance and operations, had received a Stewardship Award from the state Auditor at the Washington Association of School Business Officials’ annual conference in Tacoma. Clark has been with the district for 20 years.
Chimacum High School students Nina Haddenham, Delana Horner, Rachel Matthes, Polly Nole and Renee Woods were recognized for their participation in serving first responders at the April 13 Emergency Responders breakfast.
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Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Jeannie McMacken can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jmcmacken@peninsuladailynews.com.
