Springdale Schools Top Enrollment, Budget Lists

Leaders in the Springdale School District were disappointed earlier this year when a proposed millage failed at the polls. But judging by enormous attendance growth, officials may be asking the public for assistance again in the near future.

Springdale’s fall 2010 student enrollment was 18,810, a 7.8 percent increase since fall 2008. Rogers is second with 14,006, followed by Bentonville, 13,530 and Fayetteville, 8,838. Siloam Springs, with 3,897 students, rounds out the top five in Northwest Arkansas.

Since 2008, three school districts – Decatur, Gentry and West Fork – have seen attendance slip, though only slightly.

Overall attendance at the 15 largest schools districts in the region has grown by 5 percent since fall 2008. A total of 73,042 students currently attend area institutions.

In terms of funding, the combined 2010-11 operational budget of the 15 NWA schools polled is $591.2 million.

Springdale is tops with a budget of $142.3 million. Meanwhile, with $5.2 million, Decatur schools cost taxpayers the least.

Springdale is also first in employment, with 2,222 workers.

Overall, the 15 school districts currently employ 9,643. Of those, five superintendents (in Decatur, Elkins, Greenland, Prairie Grove and West Fork) began at their new posts this year.

Last, at 45 mills, the Siloam Springs School District has the highest millage rate. However, Fayetteville voters backed a millage hike in September that takes effect Jan. 1. The new rate will be 45.65 mills, and will help pay for a new high school.