BOE Wants More Detailed Demographic Report

With a projected decline of about 500 students in the district over the next several years, the board is preparing to look into the possibility of getting a demographic report that would be more detailed than what they get now.

“Based on the [decline of students] and my concern that in addition to having a decrease in enrollment, we are seeing trends up in IEPs and special education needs, I would like to propose the idea that the board support the administration in moving to a more micro-level demographic study,” said board of education president Patrick Breslin.

Basically, Breslin said, he would like the administration to look into signing a contract with a demographer who could provide more reliable information concerning individual neighborhoods, growth and possible student population.

“I think in 18 months or so, we will need to look at the information and find out how best to utilize the faculty and buildings,” he said. “I am proposing to find out how much data we can get on a micro level.”

Right now, Breslin said, they can get predictions that are district-wide with regard to data, and he would be interested in getting more finely-cut information.

“I think it will help us if there is valid information, and help for the board to make decisions,” he said. “Instead of at a district-wide level, let’s see if we can get something in smaller segments.”

This proposal, Breslin said, is not to spend money yet, just to have the administration begin research on what can be used.

“It’s a cost benefit analysis, but clearly more specialized information is more useful,” board member Evan Lerner said, “if it can be done in a way that is less expensive.”

The administration agreed that it would look into the possibility.

What kind of information would you like to see in this kind of demographic study?