Hancock Projects Nearly 600 for WSD

WOODLAWN - Superintendent Dr. Kevin Hancock told the Woodlawn School Board Monday night that enrollment "is knocking on the door" of 600 students as the board accepted 42 transfer requests into the district through the state's School Choice Act.That was one of several subjects addressed in a lengthy meeting that included action on a new alternative education school, a new English curriculum, and discussion about the possibility of installing metal bleachers at the football field.Hancock said in a separate interview that the district currently has an enrollment of about 570 students. During the meeting, he said the 42 School Choice transfers include some students who are already attending Wood-lawn, but their families are moving outside the district and they want their children to remain in the district. Based on that information, Hancock said the district could begin the 2024-25 school year in August with more than 595 students on campus.The state's deadline for students wanting to transfer under the School Choice Act was May 1. Hancock told the board that most of the transfers were coming from the Pine Bluff area, and they were basically spread throughout the grade levels.While the district's overall enrollment is expected to increase, Woodlawn Elementary Principal Heather Cox said the incoming kindergarten class for the 202425 school year will be much smaller than usual. She said there only 22 students entering kindergarten next year based on pre-registration and the number of students moving over from the Head Start program.Hancock said the influx of additional School Choice students will make space a priority moving forward. He said he expects enrollment could surpass the 600 mark during the 2024-25 school year.During his superintendent's report to the board, Hancock said the growth in enrollment will be considered as the district considers future construction plans.Woodlawn is currently awaiting word on an app...