District 77 Enrollment Shifts: Growing Open Enrollment and Private School Choices Impacting District Numbers

VOTE ELIZABETH HANKE FOR MANKATO AREA PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD

In the 2023-24 school year, ISD 77 saw 560 (net loss) students leave through open enrollment, a significant increase from the 393 (net loss) students the previous year. The largest numbers of Mankato students are choosing to enroll in Cleveland, Kato Public Charter, St. Clair, and MN Transitions (MN Connections Academy).

In 2023-24, Cleveland enrolled two fewer students than the previous year. However, St. Clair saw an increase of 15 students, Kato Public Charter gained 13 additional students, and MN Transitions (MN Connections Academy) also enrolled 13 more students compared to the previous year.

In addition to the steady increase in open enrollment, more students are now choosing private schools, leading to a decline in the district’s market share of students. The 2024-25 demographic booklet is expected to be released this Winter.

The district’s demographic booklets offer valuable insights into our youth—feel free to explore them (links below)! I’d love to hear your thoughts on the increasing number of students choosing PSEO, open enrollment in other districts, or private school options. The best way to reach me is by email at bethhanke1@yahoo.com.

2021-22 Demographic Booklet

2022-23 Demographic booklet

2023/2024 Demographic booklet

Responses

Marjie Johnson

October 17, 2024

I’m curious to know your view on the demographic changes. Why do you believe that the public schools are losing student enrollees? What are your suggested solutions to increasing parent interest in returning their children to the District 77 public schools?

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1. Elizabeth Hanke
  
  October 17, 2024
  
  Thank you for the question, Marjie. The enrollment shifts in District 77 reflect a complex mix of challenges. Many families are opting out of public schools for various reasons, including concerns over class size, classroom distractions, curriculum, transportation, individual student attention, and the impact of policies that sometimes feel disconnected from the community’s needs. This trend tells us we need a more tailored approach to engage parents and students in a way that meets their unique expectations.
  
  Firstly, we need to prioritize transparency and open communication to address declining enrollment. Families need confidence in the district’s ability to listen to their concerns without fear of dismissal. Ensuring parents, students and teachers feel heard will foster trust and engagement.
  
  Secondly, I’d advocate for initiatives that enhance student experience and outcomes. Funding directly used in the classroom, expanded extracurricular options, and a focus on essential skills could make a meaningful difference.
  
  To increase interest, we could explore partnerships to create hands-on learning opportunities, and perhaps a collaborative teacher exchange program, allowing teachers to share and learn best practices from other districts. By continually assessing and adapting our programs, we can create a learning environment that is both rigorous and responsive, positioning District 77 as an appealing option for parents and students alike.
  
  I know several students at Kato Public Charter, one of the schools experiencing growth. Some of them feel they just don’t quite fit in at our schools. For others, it is transportation; they can walk to Kato Charter but not PWMS or East.
  
  Clearly, the solutions will not be easy now that there is more competition.
  
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Elizabeth Hanke for Mankato School Board