Cape school has shortages after surprise in attendance

Around 120 more students showed up on Central High School's doorstep on the first day of school this year than were there for the end-of-the-year full enrollment count last year, causing textbook and locker shortages and crowding classes.

"We found ourselves scrambling to order textbooks and frantically moving furniture around," said Dr. Mike Cowan, principal at Central.

While it generated some problems, the increase in students also marked the first time in three years that the Cape Girardeau School District's enrollment has exceeded 4,000 students, something that was once common.

The freshman class alone was considerably larger this year than in 2003. Cowan said he'd expected around 360 ninth-graders based on last year's eighth-grade class and past trends. He ended up with nearly 400, the largest freshman class veteran faculty at Central can remember.

"On one hand, it's exciting news. But it also creates some challenges for us," Cowan said.

The school had several new students move into the district and a larger-than-usual enrollment from local parochial elementary schools and the Nell Holcomb School District, which serves only kindergarten through eighth grade and has the option of sending students to Jackson or Cape Girardeau schools.

Facing some classes with around 35 students, the school hired part-time social studies and communication arts teachers to lower student-teacher ratios.

Enrollment in other local school districts appears to have remained steady this year, though official counts won't be conducted until later this month.

Cape Girardeau public school enrollment has declined over the past six years, dropping from 4,227 students in 1999 to 3,998 in 2003. The district rebounded somewhat this year, gaining 21 students.

Over the past five years, Jackson's total enrollment has risen from 4,485 students in 2000 to 4,562 students this year. The district peaked with 4,657 students in 2002, and has declined the past two years.

Scott City School District's enrollment has been fairly steady over the past five years, ranging from 1,033 students in 2000 to 1,029 students at the start of the current school year.

Though the high school received more students than anticipated, the largest enrollment gains in Cape Girardeau were actually seen at the elementary level.

Jefferson Elementary grew from 279 students last year to 306 as of an Aug. 19 districtwide count, though updated data Friday showed a drop to 296 students.

"We always anticipate around 300 students, but sometimes you just can't tell," said Jefferson principal Mark Cook. "It can fluctuate between 10 and 15 students throughout the year."

Alma Schrader Elementary also saw a considerable increase in students this year, jumping from 287 in 2003 to 312 as of the Aug. 19 count.

cclark@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128