LRSD makes changes to grow enrollment

Registration is underway at Little Rock's public schools, including the newest, Don R. Roberts Elementary.

The 2 story pre-k through 5th grade school is in West Little Rock, off West Taylor Loop Drive.  

The district is opening the school with the goal of growing enrollment in an area with new development and competitive private schools.

Parent Kim Meldrum is moving her daughter from a private school and her son from homeschool.

"I'm looking at it as an opportunity to have them close to home. If something happens, I'm right here," said Meldrum.

"And also it's a new school.  It's clean.  It's state of the art, and there's a lot of support around the community of getting Little Rock's school system up to par."
   
Across town, another sign of the Little Rock School District making changes to attract new students.   

Cloverdale Magnet is now Cloverdale Aerospace Technology Conversion Charter Middle School.  

School leaders say so far, at least 35 to 40 students have chosen to switch schools to attend the district's first charter school.  It's the only middle school in the district where uniforms are required, and half the staff is brand new.

"I'm impressed with the new theme they've got going," said parent Tiffini Ayers, who is also a former student.  She enrolled her son Wednesday.  He had attended Saline County Schools before the family moved. 

"Everything's new.  Everybody's new," she said. "The whole curriculum is new, so, it's definitely something I'm glad he's a part of."

Registration continues Thursday at all Little Rock public schools from 10 AM to 7PM.  

District officials tell us they do expect an overall slight increase in enrollment.