LRSD Leaders Discuss Declining Enrollment
By: Brittney Johnson, KARK 4 News
Updated: November 15, 2012
Students are leaving the Little Rock School District at an alarming rate. Leaders are puzzled and are now trying to develop a plan to get them back.
Parent Steve Modi says he loves investing in the district. At his Little Rock hardware store, he supplies more than handy men. He offers students summer jobs and provides materials for Carver Elementary's Award-winning Destination Imagination projects.
"That's the beauty of their brain, that was a very good program from Little Rock School district," said Modi.
So why did he take his son out?
"A couple of programs, friends and family are there," he said about his son's new charter school.
Modi says the move wasn't a knock against the district, they simply saw better opportunities elsewhere.
His sixth grader is among the three percent administrators believe transferred to a charter school.
"The clarity is we are not growing in the number of students," said LRSD Superintendent Morris Holmes.
But even after seeing a report breaking down the numbers Thursday, board members are still unclear about exactly what's pushing students away,
"I don't think any of us want to see us continue at that rate," said board member Jody Carreiro.
Leaders are concerned declining enrollment will impact morale and student success rates, along with the district's image. For Modi, it was none of the above. He says his son may go back for high school.
We spoke to leaders at surrounding districts, Bryant and PCSSD have seen increases over the past few years. Also, North Little Rock schools are up this year, gaining more students after seeing a sharp decline a couple years ago. LRSD will continue investigating the decline.
Parent Steve Modi says he loves investing in the district. At his Little Rock hardware store, he supplies more than handy men. He offers students summer jobs and provides materials for Carver Elementary's Award-winning Destination Imagination projects.
"That's the beauty of their brain, that was a very good program from Little Rock School district," said Modi.
So why did he take his son out?
"A couple of programs, friends and family are there," he said about his son's new charter school.
Modi says the move wasn't a knock against the district, they simply saw better opportunities elsewhere.
His sixth grader is among the three percent administrators believe transferred to a charter school.
"The clarity is we are not growing in the number of students," said LRSD Superintendent Morris Holmes.
But even after seeing a report breaking down the numbers Thursday, board members are still unclear about exactly what's pushing students away,
"I don't think any of us want to see us continue at that rate," said board member Jody Carreiro.
Leaders are concerned declining enrollment will impact morale and student success rates, along with the district's image. For Modi, it was none of the above. He says his son may go back for high school.
We spoke to leaders at surrounding districts, Bryant and PCSSD have seen increases over the past few years. Also, North Little Rock schools are up this year, gaining more students after seeing a sharp decline a couple years ago. LRSD will continue investigating the decline.
Comments
Really, Morris??? You cannot figure it out? You treat teachers and principals like your personal pawns. Discipline problems are allowed to remain in school. You don't nurture the good teachers and you let the lazy ones continue in the classroom. Our child was pulled out and put in private school. She is now flourishing! I am a product of public schools but there is NO WAY we could continue to leave our child in the LRSD.
Karen E.
November 16, 2012 at 8:04 am
