Director of Schools Chad Moorehead spoke to the Planning and Zoning Commission at May’s meeting to give an update on school enrollment. Though enrollment has seen a steady increase in recent years, this year’s enrollment jumped by 44 students. Though that number may not seem like a lot, with average class sizes running between 65 and 75 students from year to year, that number is close to a whole new graduating class.

Presently enrollment stands at 865 students. Moorehead pointed out to the commission that when enrollment reaches the 1,000-to-1,100-mark, overcrowding will be an issue, especially at the elementary school. Class sizes at the lower grades are smaller by state mandate, and there is no room for expansion at LES. The high school has enough space to add a few classrooms with some adjustments, as class sizes can be larger in the higher grades.

This year’s increase in enrollment will translate to approximately $600,000 in increased funding from the state for next year. While that amount is significant for the school budget, the state does not provide funding for building or adding on to schools.

While growth in enrollment cannot be predicted, there are indicators. This year 41 new homes have been built in Moore County. That number does not include any mobile homes that may have come in to the county.

Director Moorehead’s report to the commission was yet another concern regarding growth in the county. With county services approaching capacity, further growth has to not only be carefully considered, but must be planned so as to not overwhelm current systems. Upgrading infrastructures is costly, but is also inevitable. Every county department is acutely aware of this, and are working toward solutions for responsible growth.