PORT TOWNSEND — The number of students enrolled in Port Townsend schools continues its steady decline, draining state funds from the school district budget, according to a new report from the district administration.
This year alone, the student body headcount shrank by about 50 pupils, dropping from approximately 1,550 last year to 1,500, according to the enrollment report.
In the past decade, the school district diminished by about 300 children. A record high enrollment of 1,800 students was registered in 1994, the report shows.
The reasons for the decline are broad in scope, explained the Port Townsend School District’s manager of fiscal services, Steve McIntire.
McIntire pointed to the general economic situation of the area.
Families with school-age children have moved away because of the scarce job market, he said.
“We’re flat out loosing kids due to the lack of business-friendliness in the state of Washington,” McIntire said.
“We have a lot of retirees moving into the district, but are less likely to bring in kids of school-age.”