For the second year in a row the Perry Community School District has reported an increase in enrollment.

The Perry School District had an increase of just more than 11 students. This is the second year in a row where the District saw growth following several years of decreased enrollment. While 11 students may not seem like a significant jump, Wicks says he’s thrilled with the increase, “There are a high number of schools that have a decrease of students. I don’t know if that’s because they’re not doing the on-site or the online platform or what the deal is, but the state is concerned. I think there is a total of $25 million worth of students that are not attending that did the previous year. Here in Perry, we’re up. So we’re very fortunate with that.”

Certified enrollment is the biggest factor in determining a school’s funding, as they are awarded a certain amount per pupil by the State. Wicks says that’s why superintendents around Iowa pay such close attention to the figures.