Holland Public Schools lost 240 students over the last year, and West Ottawa Public Schools lost about 145, according to raw data collected Wednesday, Sept. 24, by school administrators. Public schools are required to count students in the fall on the fourth Wednesday after Labor Day. Both school districts anticipated a loss of students — but the loss at Holland exceeded the loss it had calculated in its budget by 36 students. Holland Superintendent Brian Davis said he anticipated the loss would translate into hundreds of thousands of dollars less in state funds. “We’ve already made adjustments this school year,” Davis said. “We will continue to look at any cost-saving opportunities that we have. Any cost-saving opportunities that we do, we’re looking at how can we do that without affecting our children.” West Ottawa Assistant Superintendent for Finance David Zimmer said the student count was an improvement over what the district had budgeted for. Zeeland Public Schools and Black River Public School each increased by fewer than a hundred students. “We saw an increase and that’s a welcome sight during a tough economic time,” said Zeeland Public Schools Communications Specialist Jim Camenga. “We think that’s a positive indicator for our district.” Black River Head of School Shannon Brunink said the increase was due to the Holland charter school adding a combined fourth-and-fifth-grade classroom. Hamilton Community Schools, Saugatu ...
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Holland Public Schools lost 240 students over the last year, and West Ottawa Public Schools lost about 145, according to raw data collected Wednesday, Sept. 24, by school administrators. Public schools are required to count students in the fall on the fourth Wednesday after Labor Day. Both school districts anticipated a loss of students — but the loss at Holland exceeded the loss it had calculated in its budget by 36 students. Holland Superintendent Brian Davis said he anticipated the loss would translate into hundreds of thousands of dollars less in state funds. “We’ve already made adjustments this school year,” Davis said. “We will continue to look at any cost-saving opportunities that we have. Any cost-saving opportunities that we do, we’re looking at how can we do that without affecting our children.” West Ottawa Assistant Superintendent for Finance David Zimmer said the student count was an improvement over what the district had budgeted for. Zeeland Public Schools and Black River Public School each increased by fewer than a hundred students. “We saw an increase and that’s a welcome sight during a tough economic time,” said Zeeland Public Schools Communications Specialist Jim Camenga. “We think that’s a positive indicator for our district.” Black River Head of School Shannon Brunink said the increase was due to the Holland charter school adding a combined fourth-and-fifth-grade classroom. Hamilton Community Schools, Saugatu ...