SCHOOL DISTRICT ENROLLMENT UP MORE THAN 100 THIS YEAR

Enrollment in the South Orange Maplewood School District has increased by more than 100 students this year, and by nearly 400 students since 2011-2012, according to data released this week.

Such enrollment increases are a concern given recent reports from the district of overcrowding in some upper grade classes and the recent cutback of 11 teachers, including nine at Columbia High School.

Data, seen below, released by the district indicates enrollment has jumped from 6,871 students in 2015-2016 to 6,972 for 2016-2017, a rise of 101. And that marks an increase of 381 since 2011-2012.

"There has been ongoing discussion at board meetings about both the budgetary impact of our growing enrollment and the need for the capacity assessment and planning work that we are currently undertaking," Board President Elizabeth Baker said via email when asked about the rising numbers.