Cape enrollment up 58 students in mid-year unit count

Enrollment in Cape Henlopen School District grew by 58 students from October to February, Assistant Superintendent Jenny Nauman informed the board Feb. 22.

As of the annual Sept. 30 unit count, 6,587 students were enrolled in district schools, an increase of 251 pupils from Sept. 30, 2022. 

At the Feb. 1 mid-year unit count, enrollment totaled 6,645 students, a gain of 5.18 units since Sept. 30, Nauman said.

The unit count determines how much state funding school districts receive to pay for teaching and professional staff. Students with special needs who require more services and support earn additional units.

Once again, Sussex Consortium saw the biggest increase, with 24 new students since Sept. 30. Love Creek Elementary grew by 20 students, followed by Rehoboth Elementary with 13 new pupils.

Sussex Consortium students, regardless of their school location, are included with the student count for the Sussex Consortium facility.

H.O. Brittingham Elementary enrolled nine new students, Beacon Middle gained four students, Milton Elementary gained three and Lewes Elementary added two pupils.

Enrollment dropped only at Cape High, which recorded 12 fewer students than on Sept. 30, and at Mariner Middle, which saw a decrease of two students.

The mid-year unit count does not reduce or rescind funding previously earned or allocated through the September unit count; schools are held harmless for a decrease in units.

Nauman said the district received just under $69,000 in additional funding last year; she said she expects a similar amount this year. Funding is divided among districts from a $1 million allotment, Nauman said.