St. Joseph School District Enrollment Continues Long-Term Decline as Board Approves Short-Term Financing

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Enrollment across the St. Joseph School District remains on a long-term downward trend, according to preliminary figures presented to the Board of Education during its Monday meeting.

Superintendent Ashly McGinnis reviewed enrollment data stretching from 1991 through 2026, showing an overall decline in the number of students attending district schools.

Preliminary figures indicate the district currently has between 9,500 and 9,600 students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade.

The district conducts its official enrollment count on the final Wednesday of September. McGinnis said finalized numbers are expected to be available later this week.

McGinnis also provided an early look at enrollment at the district's high schools.

Benton High School currently has 895 students, a figure McGinnis said is similar to the school's enrollment in 2013.

Central High School currently has 1,858 students, which McGinnis said is 123 more students than the school had two years ago.

Board members also considered several action items during Monday's meeting, including a tax anticipation note, commonly referred to as a TAN.

The board approved the resolution, allowing the district to move forward with securing short-term financing to cover expenses during the fall.

Tax anticipation notes are generally used to help bridge the period between when expenses must be paid and when expected tax revenue arrives.

For the district, the financing would help cover expenses during October and November before the majority of local property tax revenue is received in December and January.

Local revenue accounts for approximately 55% of the district's total revenue.

The St. Joseph Board of Education's next meeting is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 12, at the Troester Media Center.