School Committee To Look At Enrollment Numbers and Losses to Private Schools

The superintendent is expected to report back to the School Committee tonight on the number of students who have left the district for private schools.

Superintendent Lynn Celli said when the committee met last, Sept. 19, that, overall, school district enrollment this year is up over last year's figure.

As of Sept. 12, when factoring new preschool referrals, the district's enrollment — from preschool to grade 12 (plus two life skills students) — was 2,307.

That compares to a total enrollment of 2,304 on Sept. 6, 2011.

There were 176 students enrolled in the eighth grade at Swampscott Middle School in September of 2011.

In September 2012, the ninth grade class at Swampscott High School had 174 students.

A comparison of the two years reflects a loss of two students, the superintendent said.

School Committee member Jaren Landen asked the superintendent for the specific number of students who have left Swampscott for private schools.

The superintendent said the numbers would be available in October. The agenda for tonight's meeting — 7 pm at Swampscott High School — includes an enrollment report.

School Committee Chairman Larry Beaupre said in an interview that the district has been tracking the students leaving the district for private schools, asking parents of the departing students the reason or reasons why they opted to send their children elsewhere.

Maintaining strong enrollment numbers in the district is important for a couple reasons, he said.

One is that enrollment determines the amount of education funding the district receives from the state.

Two is that people pay a lot of money in taxes in Swampscott and they should expect that their children receive an education equal to or better than the education they get at a private school, he said.

Also on Wednesday the committee is scheduled to recognize Educator of the Year Judith Flynn and the teachers who have achieved professional status.