South Tama School enrollment for the 2014-15 school years totals 1,613 in certified figures reported by Supt. Kerri Nelson to the school board on Oct. 20. This compares to 1,553 in 2013-14 or a 3.86 percent jump in total enrollment.

Superintendent Kerri Nelson told The Chronicle, “The growth came from a number of areas. There were seven previously home schooled students that returned. We do have some students participating in our agriculture program from GMG. There were also 2 students associated the Iowa Premium Beef plant. However, more students have enrolled since count date. If the students remain in the system they will be counted next year.”

The breakdown (2013-14 in parenthesis) is: High School- 435 (407); Middle School- 418 (307) ; Elementary 554 (633); pre-kindergarten- 89 (64) open enrolled out- 111 (113); Tuition placements 6 (9)

Enrollment numbers are based upon a formula which calculates full and part-time students according to Nelson.

In addition, Nelson explained, “Open enrollment out and tuition ed students are included in the count, it is just a matter of billing between districts,”