John Kelly Ph. D

Having finished the first week of school, it appears that enrollment is close to our predictions thus far. We have 6,171 students, an enrollment of 104 more than we did at this point last year – but almost the same total as we had in May 2007.  Thus, our enrollment growth this year will be mild.   

In 2005/06, we experienced a real scare when we had over 7 percent enrollment growth in one year. If that trend had continued, we would have filled our new schools almost as soon as they opened. But in 2006-07, we grew by only 160 students from October 2005 to October 2006.  Ordinarily, our enrollment increases over the course of the school year and particularly at semester breaks.  But last year, there was no further growth between October 2006 and the end of school in May 2007.  So this was our first predictor of a mild enrollment increase for this 2007-08 year.   

Though there has been a national housing slump, the Northwest part of San Antonio seems the last place in the U.S. where growth will be slowed.  I understand Northside ISD is expecting 4,000 new students this year.  On the other hand, I hear that folks wanting to come to Boerne from California (for example) know they can buy much more house for the money here but can’t quickly sell their house there. 

I’m thankful that we have a bit of a breather. Local planners recently told me we have a substantial inventory of houses available in Boerne and continue to see a large number of houses sold but that many of the newest occupants are empty nesters. If that trend continues, it would be a significant demographic shift for our community. 

We still have a record number of students attending Boerne High School this year. We have over 1,500 students enrolled there at present. Thus, before we move to Champion High next year, parking, class space and outdoor facilities will be very tight. 

With mild enrollment increases, a new elementary school opened this past year and a new high school next year, we do not need immediate bond elections or accompanying tax increases. We now predict that no bond election will be required before 2009. 

The first week of school was great, and we are looking forward to a great year!