The Need
With growth come challenges! Our growth is leading to capacity challenges at the Preschool building, Hawley Elementary School and Hawley High School. In fact, our elementary school is already at capacity, with spaces designated as classrooms that were not designed for that use.
As enrollment climbs, our buildings are running low on space. A demographic study anticipates enrollment will be greater than building capacity in two short years. In fact, the demographic study forecast enrollment in the 2022-23 school year at 1,038 students, and instead we are at 1,053!
As enrollment climbs, our buildings are running low on space. A demographic study anticipates enrollment will be greater than building capacity in two short years. In fact, the demographic study forecast enrollment in the 2022-23 school year at 1,038 students, and instead we are at 1,053!
- There is no room for more enrollment growth without increasing class sizes.
- Our high school is nearing capacity and will not be able to accommodate higher enrollment unless class sizes are increased. The building also needs an updated and user-friendly secure entry system.
- The district is anticipating significant growth in student population within the next two years that cannot be accommodated in existing buildings.
- The district’s enrollment study showed that in five years (2026-27) K-6 enrollment is projected to be 45 to 99 students larger than in 2021-22 and Middle School/High School enrollment will increase 37 to 48 students from 2021-22. However, enrollment will continue to increase between 2026-27 (5 years) and 2031-32 (10 years).
- In ten years, Hawley Public Schools’ enrollment (excluding Early Childhood) is projected to increase from 1,165 to 1,266 or 15% to 25% percent more than the 2021-22 enrollment of 1,013 students.