Colfax school figures 42 less students next year

The Colfax school board approved an enrollment projection of 571 full-time equivalent (FTE) students for next year at their meeting Monday night. The number represents a decline of 42 from last year. The current month enrollment figure is 587.43 FTE.

The projection may still change. Its formal approval now allows Reece Jenkin, district business manager, to put together a preliminary budget for the 2012-13 school year.

“Our numbers are down again,” said Colfax Supt. Michael Morgan at Monday night’s board meeting.

The latest monthly figure puts the year-to-date enrollment average at 607. The state now pays approximately $5,500 for each student.

School districts in the state of Washington are funded by average enrollment. So each summer, when a district makes its budget for an upcoming school year, it does so on its projection of student enrollment.