Centerville-Abington schools’ enrollment declines

Centerville-Abington Community Schools is now feeling the financial pinch of declining enrollment that some Wayne County districts have experienced in recent years.

Indiana’s official student count date is in October, but Superintendent Mike McCoy prepared the board for unpleasant news at its Aug. 28 meeting.

CACS has 1,675 students, compared to 1,728 in February. That means the district’s per-pupil state funding will decline.  

Centerville currently has 111 kindergartners and 111 seniors. The largest classes are ninth (151) and first grades (144). 

Enrollment decreased from 395 to 360 at Rose Hamilton, 550 to 529 at Centerville-Abington Elementary and 286 to 266 at Centerville Junior High. 

However, Centerville Senior High School’s enrollment increased from 497 to 520. 

After attending a large superintendent gathering, McCoy was reassured CACS isn’t alone in declining enrollment. 

Several factors are involved, McCoy said, such as low kindergarten numbers, an increase in homeschool attendance and online education. In addition, more people who don’t send students to public schools are buying Centerville properties, school officials said. 

McCoy learned from other superintendents that some parents are protecting themselves regarding Indiana’s new stricter absenteeism law that potentially involves prosecution. If kids log in sometime daily for online instruction, that counts.

McCoy said CACS has been fortunate with its previously steady enrollment and prepared financially in case of a decline. Much of this year’s financial hit will be absorbed, and he doesn’t see making staff changes at this time. 

McCoy noted two important items to watch: Indiana’s two-year budget being approved in early 2025 and CACS’ 2025-2026 kindergarten enrollment.  

Annex demolition

Kevin McCurdy from LWC presented plans to demolish the annex and former administration building, and called the process straightforward. 

The preliminary schedule is Sept. 4 for asbestos inspection/testing and materials testing. The bidding process starts Sept. 18. The board will award a contract at its Oct. 9 meeting. 

McCurdy said there’s good news in the marketplace because a recent project drew 12 bidders, which was more than expected. 

In other business

• The new transportation garage is now almost fully operational. Some CACS representatives will attend Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce’s Sept. 10 Community Improvement Awards. The garage is one of 11 honorees. 
• Approvals: Updated policy continuing to ban nonregistered students from participating in educational programs or extracurriculars; Fellowship of Christian Athletes retreat; several fundraisers. 
• Donations: Philip and Catherine Stevenson: $1,000, Drama Club; $1,000, BPA; $1,500, Philip Stevenson Visionary Award; $1,000, Eastern Indiana Model Legislature. Class of 2025 After Prom Committee: $1,105.38 to Class of 2025. Drama Club received $300 from Dickenson Construction, $100 from Jennifer Tinkle.
• Residents can speak at the initial teacher contract negotiation meeting at 3 p.m. Sept. 11 in CACS’ administration building, 115 W. South St., Centerville. The regular board meeting starts at 7 p.m.

Personnel updates

• Departures: Jennifer Robertson, deputy treasurer; Gloria Cowin, CARES aide and RH cafeteria; Sean Stevenson, lead Model Legislature sponsor; MacKenzie Cox, CJHS Student Council supervisor; Mindy Graf, preschool aide; Victoria Bevins, fifth/sixth grade girls basketball coach 
• Hires: Eli McCoy, Model Legislature lead sponsor; Katie Wilson, CAE day custodian; Rachel Mitchell, CAE cafe cashier and CARES aide; Nikki Hall, sub nurse for all buildings; Mackenzie Lanman, substitute; Jesse Jaynes, CSHS assistant cross country coach
• Pending hires: Miroslava Santana, preschool teaching assistant; Victoria Jones, CARES aide; Nic Battista, CAE head cashier
• Volunteer: Chris Evrard, CJHS cross country