There has been an overall decline in Littleton Public Schools (LPS) district enrollment for several years.  The February, 2003 report on district demographics recommended: (a) that the district establish parameters for school facility utilization at the elementary level; and (b) that options for action be identified if utilization is less than established parameters. 

A proposed five-page action plan [PDF 72KB] was favorably reviewed by the LPS Board of Education at the August 28, 2003 regular meeting.  However, there have been few significant results to date.

Activity A4 of that plan states: "Identify marketable concepts and resources to attract student enrollment."  ICAN at that time had comments about some possible approaches:

• Improve student academic achievement: This is the best idea for attracting student enrollment.  Lenski Elementary School, one of the best-performing LPS schools, has about 130 open-enrolled students from other LPS attendance areas and about 70 out-of-district students.

• Create charter schools: LPS school officials seem unalterably opposed to creation of a third such school in the district.  About 420 students (almost half of the combined enrollment of the two LPS charter schools) are out-of-district.

• Bus students from other districts: About 75 students from Douglas County are receiving LPS transportation to several elementary schools.   

• Use school-based brochures, newspaper ads, etc.: This has not been a cost-effective approach to attracting elementary school students who are not already enrolled in other LPS schools.

• Change name of the school: Centennial Elementary School recently changed its name (to "Centennial Academy of Fine Arts Education"), but that has failed to meet its goal of attracting more out-of-district students.

• Increase building capacity: District officials blocked the Lenski request to add portable units. 

• Adopt “best practices” from other schools: District officials appear more willing to consider recommendations for diversity of educational programs, curriculum delivery, and instructional settings.  Hopefully, student academic achievement will be increased.

The four-page September, 2006 executive summary [PDF 59KB] of the recent LPS demographics study begins with these statements: "A comprehensive enrollment and demographic analysis forms the basis for facility utilization and operating alternatives Littleton Public Schools might consider to address future strategic planning elements.  Differences from the extensive effort completed in 2003 are identified and discussed in the following report."  The demographics study is scheduled for Board discussion on September 14.

Last modified: 09/09/2006

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