Hudson Schools is facing a significant decline in student enrollment, as revealed during the Board Work Session on September 29, 2025. The latest figures indicate a drop of 147 students compared to last year, surpassing earlier projections of a 50-student decrease. This decline is particularly pronounced in the elementary grades, where the anticipated kindergarten class could shrink to between 270 and 280 students, down from 352 in fifth grade.

The enrollment update highlighted that current class sizes are being monitored closely, with guidelines set at 18 to 22 students for grades K-2 and 22 to 27 for grades 3-5. While some classes are currently exceeding these guidelines, the district is cautious about adding new sections due to staffing challenges and budget constraints.

The Board discussed the implications of these enrollment trends on future budgeting. With a decrease of approximately $1.8 million in funding expected due to the drop in student numbers, the district is preparing to reassess its financial projections. The conversation also touched on the impact of open enrollment, which has seen an increase in students coming into the district, but this has not fully offset the losses from those leaving.

Board members expressed concerns about the long-term demographic trends affecting not just Hudson Schools but the broader educational landscape in the Upper Midwest. The discussions underscored the need for strategic planning to address these challenges, as the district navigates a changing population and its effects on school funding and resources.

As Hudson Schools prepares for the upcoming academic year, the focus will remain on adapting to these enrollment changes while ensuring that educational quality and class sizes remain manageable for students and teachers alike.