School enrollment declines

Gentry student numbers are down from last year

— As in many districts across the state, student numbers in the Gentry School district have declined in the new school year.

Gentry Schools closed out the last school year with 1,421 students, but currentenrollment is 1,389, down 32 students from last year.

“At this time last year the district had 1,438 students,” superintendent Randy Barrett said, indicating the district student numbers have declined by almost 50 students.

Though some schools in the west side of BentonCounty are still growing, Barrett said a decline in student numbers was common to many Arkansas school districts.

Barrett suggested the economy was likely the cause of declining numbers in many districts.

Since state funding of school districts is related toattendance numbers, the decline will require adjustments in staffing next year. State funding formulas make provision to provide money for declining student populations in the first year. After that, districts must make any necessary adjustments to class sizes and teacher assignments.

School News, Pages 11 on 10/05/2011