Jul 5, 2008

San Carlos schools hit growth spurt

District could get impacted, but more revenue to come in

By Mark Abramson / Daily News Staff Writer

The San Carlos School District is experiencing a growth spurt that is well above the county norm for enrollment.

District officials report that 117 new students have registered for the 2008-2009 school year, which will increase the student population by about 4 percent to 2,986. State statistics indicate that the total enrollment countywide in comparison has gone up from 88,273 in the 2004-2005 school year to 88,986 last year.

"We just had a demographic study done and we are expecting some growth, very moderate growth over the next five years," Superintendent Steven Mitrovich said. "Our primary growth is coming from Alameda County and San Francisco.

"My gut tells me we are probably going to grow a little more," he said.

Peter Burchyns, senior administrator for the San Mateo County Office of Education, called the growth in San Carlos "very significant."

Burchyns said it is not unusual in communities like San Carlos to see homes being sold and families with young children moving in to fill up schools.

Mitrovich credited the enrollment increase along with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's revised budget for generating $500,000 for the district and being able to give teachers a new contract with 2.5 percent pay raises and better health benefits. But despite the new revenues, the district will tap $580,000 of its reserves this year.

The growth, however, is causing some pains for the district.

Two schools are impacted from the growth, which means some students who should attend White Oaks Elementary School will be going to Brittan Acres School and students who should go to Arundel Elementary will go to Heather Elementary School. Tierra Linda Middle School for grades five through eight will have a significant increase in attendance as well, Mitrovich said.

If the district continues to grow, it may have to buy portables or build new classrooms with its remaining bond money, Mitrovich added.

School Board Vice President Carrie Du Bois attributed the growth to the district's schools, most of which are charter schools, and the draw of the city's downtown. Du Bois, who is also a real estate agent for Coldwell Banker in San Carlos, said areas like Palo Alto, Menlo Park and other parts of the Bay Area that are recognized for having quality schools are attracting more young families.

"I think communities that have good schools are doing well, even though the (housing) market has slowed down," Du Bois said. "I think we are filling up."



E-mail Mark Abramson at mabramson@dailynewsgroup.com.