Throughout August, September and early October 2018, our Hempfield School District administration and the Board of School Directors discussed a proposed attendance area realignment. In November 2018, the school board voted to stop work on the initial proposal and began discussing the option of hiring a third-party consultant to review both current enrollment numbers and attendance areas. This would be done in conjunction with a feasibility study to review current facility conditions and examine potential long-term facility needs.  Third-party enrollment projections at the beginning of 2020 showed significant growth but these projections and further planning were put on hold as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Work resumed on an enrollment analysis at the end of 2021 once actual enrollment numbers stabilized and the effects of the pandemic on the economy and construction could be fully realized.  New projections showed manageable future growth.  Although enrollment continues to be monitored and analyzed, the Board and administration is now mainly focused on facility improvements and maintenance to ensure buildings are sufficient for the current and future needs of Hempfield's educational program.

Feasibility Study:
A feasibility study evaluates the physical condition of each of the district’s facilities as well as its ability to meet current and planned educational program needs and enrollment projections. As part of the physical building reviews, it includes a description of the useful life of mechanical components, such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, and food service equipment. The study will develop options and general costs to address facility needs. 

Enrollment Study:
An enrollment study provides an overview of the school district enrollment that considers factors such as birth rates, enrollment trends, and housing projections. The study will provide two sets of ten-year enrollment projections for each building and grade level.

Attendance Areas:
An attendance area study analyzes current capacity and enrollment projections, taking into account the geographic density of students, proximity to schools, transportation efficiencies, and the facility’s ability to provide consistent educational spaces needed for students. The initial recommendation will develop optimal attendance area recommendations at the elementary and middle school levels based on the ten-year enrollment projections.

Hempfield School District currently contracts with Decision Insite, a subsidy of PowerSchool (formerly Hoonuit) to conduct yearly enrollment projections and residential development research.  This information is compiled into a report that is shared with the Board to help guide decisions around future attendance area changes and any potential construction or renovation projects.