New housing propels enrollment

  • By Melissa Slager and Eric Stevick / Herald Writers
  • Monday, November 1, 2004 9:00pm
  • Local NewsLocal news

Enrollment in Snohomish County classrooms rose modestly this fall, with more than 500 extra students bringing in the equivalent of about $2.7 million in state funds.

But the extra change does not reach all pockets.

The ruling trend continues to be new housing developments, concentrated primarily in the north and east of Everett, including Marysville, Lake Stevens, Snohomish and Monroe.

Hot spots also include Mukilteo, which saw the area’s largest gain. Meanwhile, districts including Edmonds, Sultan and others lost students.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

Projecting enrollment accurately is key for districts since more than 70 percent of their budgets is based on the number of students in their classrooms. Districts receive about $5,200 from the state per full-time student.

Housing, birth rates, population trends and job losses all figure into projections. But there are usually some surprises, too.

Mukilteo has been experiencing an enrollment windfall of sorts, particularly at the high-school level. In October 2003, Mukilteo had 958 juniors enrolled in its schools. One year later, that same class included 1,032 seniors.

“It’s a mystery,” said Andy Muntz, a school district spokesman. “We don’t know where these kids came from.”

A consultant who follows enrollment trends is trying to figure it out.

Growth can bring growing pains. Right now, $163.4 million worth of building is under way in the Monroe and Snohomish school districts to relieve crowding.

Lake Stevens and Marysville hope to join the building boom. Each likely will bring proposals for new school buildings to local voters early next year, totaling up to $130 million.

For now, Lake Stevens is compensating with 61 portable classrooms, most at the middle and high schools.

“It’s (the equivalent of) three elementary schools in portables,” business manager Terry Heindl said. “So we know we have to do some building and changing.”

Enrollment in Marysville increased nearly 2 percent compared with last fall, when dozens of families enrolled children elsewhere during a state-record 49-day teachers strike.

In the past five years, Marysville’s enrollment has taken a roller coaster ride but the net effect has been relatively flat.

Now, district officials are expecting significant growth the next five years. There are roughly 3,000 housing lots in various stages of development.Meanwhile, Darrington School District continues to feel the pinch of declining enrollment, which has dropped almost 9 percent in five years.

“There is a lot of mobility,” Superintendent Randy Swenson said.

One good sign, Swenson said, is kindergarten enrollment increased this fall, and they tend to stay in the district, he said.

Still other districts are simply seeing more of the same.

Growth in Mill Creek has helped Everett stem its losses. The district lost 132 students, about 1 percent less than last year.

Similar losses are expected the next few years, said Mike Gunn, director of facilities and planning.

“If we get a good housing industry here in the area … that will help pull us up,” he said. “But basically we see more of the same – heavily dependent on Boeing and housing.”

Reporter Melissa Slager: 425-339-3465 or mslager@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Oliver Popa, 7, poses with his book, "Drippey Plants a Garden," on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds 7-year-old publishes children’s book featuring ‘Drippey’ the bee

Oliver Popa’s first grade teacher said he should publish a longer version of a writing assignment. A year later, his mother — a publisher — helped made it happen.

Don Sharrett talks John Wrice through his trimming technique on Friday, March 14, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett barber school offers $5 haircuts — if you’re brave enough

Students get hands-on practice. Willing clients get a sweet deal.

Employees and patrons of the Everett Mall signed a timeline mural that traces the history of the 51-year-old indoor mall that was once considered the premier place to go shopping in the city. Thursday, March 20, 2025 (Aaron Kennedy / The Herald)
Mall mural offers nostalgic trip into the past

Past and present Everett Mall employees joined customers Thursday to view an artistic timeline of the once popular shopping mecca.

Search to continue Saturday for missing 21-year-old Arlington man

Jonathan Hoang has been missing since Sunday evening. He was last seen wearing a green shirt, khaki pants, and black slip-on shoes, and possibly carrying his iPad.

Ash Roberts, left, and Wryly T McCutchen, right, browse for book at the Everett Public Library on Thursday, April 3, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It’s being killed’: Federal grant termination hits SnoCo libraries

A federal agency terminated a $3.9 million grant Wednesday that funds library and museum programs across Washington.

Lynnwood
11-year-old tried to stab student in Lynnwood school, deputies say

The child is still at large, the sheriff’s office said, but there is no active threat to the students or staff at the school.

Nichole Webber: Drawing up plays for athletes and politics

The communications director for the city of Everett believes leadership is rooted in honesty, integrity and selfless commitment to others.

2025 Emerging Leader Natalie Given (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Natalie Given: Building trust and communicating concerns

Everett Police Department’s Public Information Officer builds relationship and better communication.

2025 Emerging Leader Melinda Cervantes (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Melinda Cervantes: Making sure every voice is heard

Prolific volunteer facilitates connections between Spanish-speaking public representatives and community members.

2025 Emerging Leader Kellie Lewis (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Kellie Lewis: Bringing community helpers together

Edmonds Food Bank’s marketing and communications director fosters connections to help others.

2025 Emerging Leader Christina Strand (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Christina Strand: Helping people on the move

Community engagement specialist believes biking, walking and public transit can have a positive impact.

Percy Levy, who served 17 years for drug-related crimes, outside his new business Redemption Auto along Highway 99 on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett man indicted on federal drug and weapons charges

Percy Levy, along with two men, face federal charges for their roles in a major drug trafficking operation.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.