Fewer students in Ames district could mean layoffs

AMES, Iowa (AP) — A decline in the number of students enrolled in the Ames Community School District could lead to layoffs.

A district enrollment report cited by the Ames Tribune shows enrollment for the 2011-12 school year is about 4,220 students — down 56 from the previous year.

The district estimates the lower enrollment will cost it about $335,000 in state aid. Superintendent Tim Taylor says that means layoffs are a possibility for next year.

The Ames district has several years of enrollment declines, when it lost 680 students from 1996 to 2004. The student numbers held steady the past two years before this year’s decline.