Lovell school enrollment numbers are concerning

At Monday night’s Lovell School Board meeting, Superintendent William Hiser raised ongoing concerns about declining enrollment in the district. He cited several factors, including families moving out of the area, more students opting for virtual schools, fewer exchange students this year and an overall population decrease.

“I was on a superintendents Zoom meeting today, and this is happening all over the state,” Hiser said. “There’s declining enrollment everywhere. And some are more than us.”

Hiser cautioned that smaller class sizes are likely in the years ahead, which will affect school budgets and could eventually result in staff reductions.

The numbers show a clear trend. In 2021, K–12 enrollment in District No. 2 stood at 738 students. This fall, that figure dropped to 682, a 7 percent decline over five years. The elementary grades have seen an even sharper decrease: K–5 enrollment has fallen from 344 students in 2021 to 277 this year, a decline of 19 percent. 

Hiser also shared the results of the WY-TOPP assessments from all three schools. He reported that Lovell Middle School and Lovell High School are meeting expectations, while the elementary school is partially meeting expectations.

He highlighted strong math performance across the district, noting that Lovell students in seven of the eight tested grades scored above the state average. District 2 ACT results were also encouraging, with LHS students posting a 20.3 composite average compared to the state’s 18.7. Lovell students exceeded the state average in all four test areas.

At Monday’s board meeting, new middle school principal Lydia McCracken was formally recognized. She, in turn, announced the LMS Student of the Month, Kobi Jameson.

“I’m just really honored to be this young lady’s principal,” McCracken said. “She is outstanding. Kobi just brings such an awesome presence in our school and hallways. She’s always productive and positive.”

LHS Principal Craig Lundberg then recognized Haley Sanders as the High School Student of the Month, praising her “positive attitude, empathy and ability to balance academics and activities that inspire those around her,” adding, “She truly exemplifies leadership and responsibility.”

At the elementary level, Principal Chris Jensen introduced two new staff members: fifth-grade teacher Addison Howard and STEAM teacher Allison Kitchen. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. Jensen noted he has already observed them teaching and is excited to have them on staff.

Student body president Charlotte Bair gave an update on student activities. She highlighted the “Advanced Work Placement” program, which helps students gain real-world experience and employment opportunities. Sixteen students are enrolled, with four or five actively participating. Bair also outlined the upcoming Homecoming schedule, which kicks off next week.

Finally, the district welcomed one additional new employee. Ethan Brost was hired as the new maintenance technician and will work alongside Facilities Director Kyle Fluty.

The next public school board meeting is scheduled for tonight (September 11) at 7:30 p.m. This date marks the end of the required 45-day public comment period on the district’s proposed concealed carry policy. The board is expected to vote on the proposal at that meeting.