Destin Elementary School's declining enrollment began four years ago when the school's population dropped below 800. Despite the trend, Principal Jim Mueller doesn't anticipate major cutbacks in staffing or programs next year but expects they may be necessary in the near future if the trend continues. School administrators have not received budgets from the district to be able to prepare master plans for next year. It's the only one in the district officially designated a small school. Parents at Destin Middle School and the community have rallied to help the school after learning of the potential shortfall, Tibbets said.
Fund raisers are under way to help save programs.
Karen Spencer is a staff writer for The Log and can be reached at 654-8449.