Hays USD 489 enrollment estimated at 3,000 students

By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

Superintendent Ron Wilson estimated district enrollment close to 3,000 students during a report to the Hays USD 489 school board on Monday.

An official count will not be taken until September. The enrollment numbers were taken from enrollment forms that have been turned in thus far, and Wilson acknowledged the district likely has students who are attending who have not completed the forms. More students also may enter the district yet this fall.

The enrollment at the elementary schools is 1,415.

That includes:

375 at O’Loughlin
213 Lincoln
419 Roosevelt
408 Wilson

Wilson described the middle school as “busting at the seams.” Enrollment at HMS is 677 students, including:

244 sixth graders
228 seventh graders
205 eighth graders

Hays High School’s enrollment is 857 students, including:

246 freshmen
215 sophomores
218 juniors
178 seniors

The district’s full-time equivalent enrollment was 3,049 students in 2018-19. Enrollment has increased slightly each year since 2015-16 when enrollment was 2,807.

Enrollment is significant in that the state bases the district’s funding in part on enrollment numbers. The district’s budget is based on 3,005 students this school year.