Sunday, April 23, 2000
School may need 8 trailers to fit rising enrollment
By Sue Kiesewetter
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MONROE — Up to eight portable classrooms will be needed at Monroe Elementary School to accommodate a student enrollment of 725 in the first year of the new school district.
After reviewing city documents showing approval for 1,500 new homes in the city, the enrollment estimate was revised upward from earlier figures that put enrollment at about 500 next fall, said Steve Campbell, a member of the district's transition and finance committees.
But Interim Superintendent Dan Hare said he thinks that figure — about a 25 percent increase over this year — is too high for fall.
“I'm going to be very conservative in recommending portables to you when the time comes,” Mr. Hare said. “I'm more inclined to spend money on programs to serve children. I'll ask staff to be creative (about where to put children).”
Mr. Campbell said he used a figure of 1.5 children per household to come up with his enrollment figure — a worst-case scenario. And even if the figure were high, it would be in the district's best interest to get approval from the city for more trailers than were needed.
Board member Tom Birdwell said it would be at least four years before the district builds a new school complex, adds classrooms or renovates existing buildings. During that time it is feasible enrollment at the elementary school would increase 25 percent — or just over six percent a year.
There are now about 430 students at Monroe and the building is crowded, said board member Suzi Rubin.
“I think 25 percent (growth) is realistic for that time,” Mr. Campbell said.
The trailers, he said, would only be added as enrollment warranted it.
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