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RANDOLPH – Randolph Public Schools’ enrollment projections show a slow but steady upward trajectory.
Currently, Randolph Public Schools educates 280 K-12 students.
According to Schrunk’s projections, K-12 student enrollment should remain between 280-290 through the academic year 2030-31.
“Enrollment numbers are based on what we know,” Schrunk said. “We can track district census, the children in Randolph, but often parents do not send their children to school until 4-year-old preschool. Also, we might not know until Kindergarten Roundup if the child will be attending RPS.”
The Cardinal Kids Learning Center daycare and preschool program contributes heavily to maintaining steady enrollment, Schrunk said.
“It is keeping kids in Randolph for daycare, therefore, keeping them here for preschool and then a smooth transition into Kindergarten,” he said. He added having the local preschool program in the same building as the elementary school helps administrators get to know families and their enrollment intentions.
While Schrunk crunches the numbers and applies averages, he said he is also calculating a healthy dose of optimism that the voter-approved $8.75 million in improvements to school facilities will entice more families to move into the district or increase the option enrollment numbers.
Schrunk said there are many factors — not just updated school facilities — that attract families to town, such as employment opportunities and affordable housing. He said he is continuing to work with Randolph city officials to seek ways to be part of the solution.
“I have preached since I arrived that we need to work together as a community to lure 25-to 35-yearolds back to Randolph, or to Randolph if they are not alumni,” he said.
City Clerk Nicole Patent did not provide information regarding any current or upcoming initiatives related to economic development, housing, or employment that the city may be pursuing to attract new residents and support growth.
But even if there is no direct increase in enrollment tied to school facility improvements, Schrunk said the renovations will allow the district to continue operating with projected steady enrollment.
This academic year has already been shortened a bit to accommodate construction crews getting an early start on renovations, which include a new, secured entry vestibule; serving kitchen; upgrades to electrical, fire safety, and HVAC systems; new windows, ceilings and lighting; and ADA-compliant boys and girls restrooms at the elementary school.
At the high school, air conditioning will be installed in the main gym and a new building will replace an aging ag building.
The school board will also consider pushing back the start of school in fall 2026 to accommodate a few extra construction days as well.
“I anticipate that the beginning of the year will look different especially for the elementary,” Schrunk said.
Demolition of the current ag building is set for this spring, before school dismisses for the summer, with major construction expected to take place May through June.
The last day of school for elementary students is Tuesday, May 5, and Schrunk expects contractors to begin major construction there the following week. Prior to that this spring, contractors can begin working on preliminary pipe work.
Another project — installing air conditioning in the main gym — won’t affect summer weightlifting schedules, Schrunk said.
Residents will be affected by the blocking of some streets around the construction sites. Schrunk said he is also working with St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church to allow its back gravel parking lot near the elementary playground to be used to store construction materials.
Schrunk said minor inconveniences over the summer will make way for a bright future.
“We are so fortunate that we have great kids,” he said. “I am encouraged by the future of the community, state, and country as I get to be with these neat young men and women every day. If you see a student in the community, thank them for their great efforts and encourage them to continue being respectful, responsible, caring citizens to one another.”
