BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — Martin County School District’s student enrollment for the 2023-2024 academic year remains consistent with figures from the previous year, according to recent data shared by Superintendent Larry James.

In an Aug. 14 meeting, James presented an informational sheet to the Board of Education detailing the enrollment statistics for the present school year alongside figures from the past two years. The report revealed a marginal difference in student numbers with 1,645 students registered this year compared to 1,647 the previous year and 1,609 in the 2021-2022 school year.

Several schools within the district witnessed varying changes in their student counts. Eden Elementary’s enrollment numbers experienced a slight dip with 359 students this year compared to the 385 students registered last year. Similarly, Inez Elementary reported an enrollment of 209, down from 212 the year before.

On a lighter note, James humorously remarked that Warfield Elementary School’s new principal, Jessica Jewell, “must have recruited.” This jest was in light of WES observing the most significant rise in student count — registering 289 students this year, up from 270 in 2022-2023.

On the other hand, Martin County Middle School saw a reduction in its student population, with the current number standing at 245 compared to 263 the prior academic year.

Board member Mickey McCoy observed that Martin County High School student enrollment increased “by a handful.” The high school now boasts an enrollment of 531, a slight bump up from 525 the previous year.

The Martin County Head Start program has a steady enrollment of 104 students. James said this figure aligns with the required student count. He explained, “We have a waiting list, so I just left it at 104.”

The superintendent further elaborated on the fluid nature of the Head Start program, noting that students are in a transitional phase, and occasionally, some may opt out, leading the district to replenish from the waiting list.