Enrollment Drop Forces Perry County Schools To Confront Budget Shortfalls

Kenji Nakamura

4 min read

Post on May 19, 2025

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The Severity of the Enrollment Decline

Perry County Schools have experienced a dramatic decrease in student enrollment over the past five years. The district's current enrollment is approximately 20% lower than its peak enrollment in 2018, representing a loss of over 500 students. This decline is particularly acute in the elementary grades and at the Perry County Central High School, where enrollment has fallen by 25% and 18% respectively.

• Exact figures for enrollment decline: Enrollment dropped from 2,550 students in 2018 to 2,020 students in 2023.
• Specific schools most affected: Perry County Elementary and Perry County Central High School have seen the most significant declines.
• Comparison to statewide enrollment trends: While statewide enrollment in Kentucky has seen a slight decrease, Perry County's decline is significantly steeper than the state average.

The Impact on School Funding

In Kentucky, school funding is largely determined by per-pupil funding. This means that a decrease in student enrollment directly translates to a reduction in the district's budget. The 20% drop in enrollment in Perry County Schools has resulted in an estimated $1.5 million shortfall in the district's annual budget. This severe budget shortfall threatens essential programs and services.

• Specific dollar amount of budget shortfall: Approximately $1.5 million.
• Examples of potential program cuts: Potential cuts include extracurricular activities, teacher positions, and essential school supplies. After-school programs, vital for working families, are also at risk.
• Analysis of the per-pupil funding formula and its impact on Perry County: The current per-pupil funding formula does not adequately account for the unique challenges faced by rural districts like Perry County, exacerbating the impact of declining enrollment.

Potential Causes of the Enrollment Drop

Several factors contribute to the decline in Perry County Schools' enrollment. These include:

• Population shifts: A steady out-migration from Perry County, driven by economic factors and limited job opportunities, has contributed to the shrinking student population.

• School choice options: Increased access to charter schools and online learning options provides families with alternatives outside the district.

• Birth rates: Lower birth rates in recent years have also impacted the number of students entering the school system.

• Economic factors influencing families’ decisions: Economic hardship forces some families to relocate in search of better opportunities, impacting school enrollment.

• Population data for Perry County: Census data shows a consistent decline in Perry County's population over the past decade.

• Data on school choice utilization: A growing number of families are opting for alternative educational programs outside the district.

• Analysis of birth rate trends: Birth rates in Perry County have been consistently below the state average for several years.

The District's Response to the Budget Shortfalls

Perry County Schools are actively working to address the budget shortfalls. The district has implemented several cost-saving measures, including a hiring freeze, reduced spending on non-essential items, and exploring potential consolidation of school buildings. Community engagement efforts are underway to involve parents, teachers, and community members in finding solutions.

• Specific budget cuts implemented or proposed: A hiring freeze, reduction in spending on supplies and materials, and a review of all contracts.
• Details of any school closure proposals: The district is currently reviewing the possibility of consolidating some smaller schools.
• Details of community engagement initiatives: The school board is holding public forums and meetings to solicit community input.
• Potential long-term solutions being considered: The district is exploring alternative funding sources and seeking partnerships with local businesses and organizations.

Conclusion

The dramatic decline in enrollment in Perry County Schools has created a significant budget crisis, forcing the district to make tough choices that could impact the quality of education for its students. The causes of this decline are complex and multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive response from the district, the community, and potentially state-level intervention. The resulting budget shortfalls necessitate immediate action to ensure the long-term viability of the school system. The impact of these school funding issues extends beyond Perry County, highlighting the need for a broader reassessment of Kentucky's education funding model.

Call to Action: Understanding the severity of the enrollment drop and its impact on Perry County Schools is crucial. Staying informed about the district's response to these budget shortfalls and participating in community discussions is essential for finding solutions and securing the future of education in Perry County. Learn more about the situation and how you can help address this critical issue facing Perry County Schools by contacting the school board or attending upcoming community meetings.