State Figures Show DMPS with Largest Enrollment Increase for 2011-12

Iowa Department of Education figures show that DMPS had the largest enrollment increase in Iowa for 2011-12

Figures released today by the Iowa Department of Education (DE) show that Des Moines Public Schools had the largest increase in student enrollment in the state for the 2011-12 school year. The DE released the certified enrollment report, which is used in the formula that determines state funding for public school districts.

Certified enrollment is based on the number of students living in each school district and includes the “weighting,” or additional funding, for students in certain programs such as English Language Learners.

While overall K-12 enrollment in Iowa saw a very slight decline of 280 students compared to 2010-11, according to the DE, Des Moines Public Schools saw an increase in enrollment of 571 students. Other school districts in the top five for enrollment increases were Iowa City (442), Waukee (431), Ankeny (312) and Pleasant Valley (176).

Below is the complete copy of the DE’s press release announcing this year’s certified enrollment report:

2011-12 enrollment figures show slight decline

The number of students who enrolled in Iowa’s public schools for the 2011-12 school year decreased slightly from the year before, according to the official certified enrollment report released today by the Iowa Department of Education.

A total of 473,213 students in kindergarten through 12^th grade enrolled in public schools statewide. That represents a decrease of 0.06 percent, or 280 students, from the 2010-11 school year.

This is the 14^th consecutive year that enrollment has declined in Iowa’s public schools. Enrollment peaked in the 1972-73 school year, with 645,000 students.

Of Iowa’s 351 school districts, 218 (62 percent) reported an enrollment decrease in the 2011-12 school year, while 129 districts (37 percent) reported an increase. Four Iowa districts reported no change from the 2010-11 school year.

Des Moines, Iowa City and Waukee reported the largest one-year number increases, while Waukee, Creston and Gilbert reported the largest one-year percentage increases (see charts below).

*  Excludes reorganized districts and districts in whole-grade sharing agreements

Under state law, certified enrollment is used in the formula that determines state funding for public school districts. Certified enrollment is based on the number of students living in each school district. It also includes the “weighting,” or additional funding for students in certain programs, such as students who receive assistance in learning the English language.

The certified enrollment count is taken by districts on the first day of October each school year. Official numbers are confirmed by the Iowa Department of Education.

Iowa school districts that reported the largest increases or decreases in the percentage and/or number of students over the past five years are:

*  Excludes reorganized districts and districts in whole-grade sharing agreements

Read the full 2011-12 certified enrollment report here. Click here to see certified enrollment trends for each Iowa school district.