NCSD's certified count continues to show declining enrollment

Nov. 6—Enrollment at Newton Community School District continues to decline. According to the actual enrollment for the 2023-2024 school year, the district serves about 2,915 students, which is down approximately 42 students from the certified count of 2,957 last year. But that is not the amount that determines state funding.

The total amount of school age students provided instructional programs/services by the Newton school district is about 2,669, which is down about 81 students from the previous count of 2,751. Agenda documents show the number of open enrolled out students increased from 246 to 282.

So the grand total of students, including preschool, attending Newton is 2,771. Which is down 86 students from the previous year.

Newton Superintendent Tom Messinger also shared at the Oct. 23 school board meeting the number of students who accepted school vouchers/educational savings accounts. In total, 67 students were accepted; 44 of which would be attending kindergarten through eighth grade at Newton Christian School.

Data shows the remaining students are attending Ankeny Christian Academy Elementary, Sully Christian School, Pella Christian Grade School, Pella Christian High School and Grand View Christian Elementary School. Most of the district students attending private schools were kindergartners and second-graders.

Messinger said not every student that goes to those private schools is a recipient of an ESA, noting that by the third year the income restrictions will be lifted. Robyn Friedman, president of the Newton school board, clarified with Messinger that the number of students who actually applied for ESAs is unknown.

"These are the 67 who were accepted," Messinger said.

Friedman said, "We don't actually know how many people applied. Would that be correct? My guess is there would be more."

"Correct. And not only that there were also some who were not accepted into the school of their choice."