REGIONALâEnrollment is down in public school districts across NâWest Iowa.
Just five districts saw an overall increase in certified enrollment for 2020-21, led by the Sheldon School District adding two dozen more students than last year for a certified enrollment total of 1,096. Okoboji School District came next, adding 17.6 students for a certified enrollment of 1,033.
The eight other districts reported enrollment decreases with several in the double digits. West Sioux School District had the sharpest decrease, dropping by 48.1 students for a certified enrollment 829.8.
The changes mean possible expansions in some districts while others look to gradually trim staff through early retirement to stay within shrinking budgets.