NLS board hears enrollment report, OKs leave, bullying policies

NEW LONDON -- The New London-Spicer School Board heard a report on the district's enrollment numbers and approved two policy updates at the regular meeting Monday.

As of Oct. 1, the district had an average daily membership of 1,458 students, according to information provided by Superintendent Paul Carlson.

On Oct. 1, 2008, the district average daily membership of 1,504 students.

Eight years ago, on Oct. 1, 2001, the district had an average daily membership of 1,707.

The board reviews enrollment numbers monthly, Carlson said, which is necessary as the numbers fluctuate weekly and monthly and have significant impact on the district's budget.

It is also important, he said, to follow the longer-term trends, such as the graduation of larger senior classes and the intake of smaller kindergarten classes. This year, there are 134 seniors and 105 kindergarteners.

Another trend is open enrollment numbers. The district has a net gain of 70 students from open enrollment, Carlson said.

However, that number will decrease over the next two years, as there are 20 high school seniors and 21 juniors enrolled into the district. Meanwhile, there are seven kindergarteners enrolled into the district.

"Our net gain will not be 70 next year," Carlson said. "We have to anticipate that."

The board also approved two updated policies, regarding bullying prohibition and family, medical and military leave. The bullying policy updates include adding information about cyber bullying and how the district will address instances of bullying even if it happens off school property and without use of school resources between students or staff members.