Enrollment in Prince William County schools surged by almost 3,000 students this year — the largest one-year jump since at least 1990.
This year’s official enrollment tally of 76,656 students is a 4.1 percent increase over 2008. Last year, student enrollment increased by 1,003, or 1.4 percent.
“Data indicate that the large increase in student enrollment is likely attributed to signs of an economic rebound (e.g. re-occupancy of foreclosed homes and high demand for affordable housing,” the school system said in a release.
Still, the leap in enrollment comes as both the county and the commonwealth head into another difficult budget season. The school board’s recently prepared legislative priorities for the 2010 Virginia General Assembly include a request for annual teacher salary increases and a cost-of-competing allocation for Region 4 school divisions.
“We need to continue to be competitive in attracting the best and the brightest teachers,” said Keith A. Imon, associate superintendent for Communications and Technology Services.
But recently Corey Stewart, chairman of the county’s Board of Supervisors, has indicated the school system should be thinking about cutting back.
“Clearly, given the gravity of the situation that is facing the school system in terms of its budget, it’s critical that we work closely together [with school officials],” he said. “The shortfall that the school system is seeing is much greater than originally anticipated.”
“They’re going to have to start making some very significant cuts,” he added.
The Board of County Supervisors has scheduled its annual financial retreat for Oct. 27, when members will discuss budget issues for the upcoming year in greater detail.
Elsewhere in the suburbs, enrollment in Montgomery County Public Schools increased by about 2,400 students this year, which was larger than expected, and greater than last year’s increase of 1,500 students. The total enrollment in MCPS is approximately 140,000 students.
“We are welcoming increasing numbers of students, all of whom are entitled to safe and healthy school buildings,” said Montgomery County Board of Education President Shirley Brandman. “Our challenge is to keep up with the pace of building maintenance and modernizations.”
