Although many school districts around the state have decreased in enrollment over the past two years, Mountainair's district has seen an increase during that period, Superintendent Loyd Sellers said. Total enrollment in Mountainair's two schools at the 40-day count on Oct. 14 was 402 students. On the same date in 1999, enrollment was 378 students, which had increased from 363 in the 1998-99 school year. The elementary school enrollment grew by about four students this year, which means the bulk of the latest increase was at the high school, with nearly 20 new students so far this year.
Kids still come and go during the year.
The figures are important to a school district because they help determine how much state funding each district receives annually. The high school has jumped to approximately 192 students, up from about 172 at the end of last year, with the elementary currently at 210. We are not suffering from any class crowding due to the increase, and the potential for more revenue is good for the schools. On Saturday, the school district held a cookout at the high school where parents, teachers and community members toured the new gym and science lab currently under construction. Phase I of the gym is complete, and work on the second phase has begun.