Declining enrollment numbers were a topic of discussion Feb. 24 during the Clay Central/Everly school board meeting.

Superintendent Kevin Wood provided an update on CC/E's PK-6 student population, which has seen enrollment dip from 82 during the 2019-20 school year to 73 this year. Wood told the board to start thinking about the lower numbers, which affect the amount of per-pupil financial aid CC/E receives from the state each year. Fewer students mean less money for the district.

"I just wanted [the board] to know that hey, this is where we're at," Wood said after the meeting. "I wanted to paint a picture for the board and get them thinking about it."

Assistant Superintendent Jeff Scharn told the board to start thinking about small class sizes. Wood explained the district could combine two grades into one classroom to save on teacher wage expenses.

"For instance, one teacher could teach both the second and third grade classes," he said. "It's called 'looping.' I don't know if that'll be something we'd go to, and I think it would be a last resort type of situation."

Wood said enrollment continually fluctuates throughout the year and the number of students at CC/E right now is less than at the start of the year.

"There's no magic number. If a family of four moves, it really impacts things for us," he said. "Hopefully it rebounds. Right now there are just so many unknowns with enrollment."

The board will discuss student numbers on March 16 during a special workshop. Wood said they also plan to discuss future capital projects, like playground upgrades.

Current equipment at the Royal building is outdated and in need of updates. The estimated cost for the improvement project is $55,188, not including pea gravel or mulch.

"We want to improve that for our kids and make it more accessible," Wood said.