A case study of declining enrollment in elementary schools in the River East School Division with recommendations for policy formation

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of declining enrollments on the elementary section of the River East School Divison, to recommend interim policy, and suggest proceedures for the development of long term policy to deal with those effects. A review of the literature provided the framework and rationals for examining enrollment decline. Data on the problem were gathered from School Board records and questionnaires completed by 129 teachers and principals. Eight principals of schools in decline were interviewed to provide additional data. The data was presented in the form of a case study which was followed by an interpretive chapter setting out the problems and special opportunities presented by enrollment decline. Interim recommendations were suggested as short term measures to deal with the effects observed. The establishment of a Task Force was recommended as an appropriate strategy for the development of long-term policy with regards to future attendance patterns in the School Division.