Battle Creek Public Schools

Battle Creek Public School's projected enrollment for the 19-20 school year sits at 466 students in grades PreK-12.  This is the highest since the 2007-2008 school year which was 476 students.  Our ten-year average enrollment is 436 students, which puts us 30 students above our average.  More students equal more teachers.  We have hired two additional elementary teachers for this school year, which makes two classrooms and two teachers per grade level for grades K-5.  We will likely see a need to add another elementary teacher next year to have a complete dual tracked(two classrooms per grade level) elementary school.  The increase in the number of students creates some positive problems like space.  We are currently utilizing some existing space as additional classroom space.  One of the locker rooms is a makeshift Art classroom for this school year.  We also re-purposed some storage space into office space for our elementary guidance counselor.  In addition to the need for more space, the elementary needs some improvements and replacements of HVAC equipment and lighting.  The BCPS school board is very aware of the elementary needs and are taking steps to address them.  We have been working through the strategic planning process to develop action steps to address these positive problems created by increased enrollment.  These are good problems to have.