Calhoun schools actually gained a few students this year, according to a preliminary report filed with the state.

The report shows there are 15 more students enrolled in this school year than last, a current enrollment of 1166.

Calhoun's school enrollment has declined over 500 students since 1991.

School Superintendent Jane Lynch said "Unfortunately it translates into funding, teachers and service personnel in Calhoun County."

Each student is linked to a several thousand dollars of funding.

The peak year for loss was in 2000-2001 with 112.

Sparsely populated rural systems with few employment opportunities continue to be victims of the state's long-time school funding formula.

The state's funding formula is currently being studied by the WV Legislature.

Dr. Howard O'Cull, the Executive Director of the WV School Boards Association, says the enhancement of curriculum has been one of the main arguments and benefits of school consolidation.

O'Cull says there is a real downside related to declining school enrollment.

Programs, teachers and services are being cut, and students will likely be short-changed.

About 30 WV counties have a loss of students in recent years.

Calhoun's Enrollment: Loss/Gain and Percentage Of Change:

1991-1992 1700 +15 +.89%
1992-1993 1689 -11 - .65%
1993-1994 1705 +16 +.94%
1994-1995 1671 -34 -2.0%
1995-1996 1633 -38 -2.3%
1996-1997 1589 -44 -2.7%
1997-1998 1558 -31 -2.0%
1998-1999 1476 -82 -5.3%
1999-2000 1430 -46 -3.2%
2000-2001 1318 -112 -8.3%
2001-2002 1289 -29 -2.2%
2002-2003 1283 -6 -0.46%
2003-2004 1216 -67 -5.2%
2004-2005 1187 -29 -2.4%
2005-2006 1180 -7
2006-2007 1153 -27
2007-2008 1166 +15 (Tentative)