It could be a record-breaking year for the schools in Dolores.
After registration, it looks like the Dolores School District will have its largest enrollment ever.
Currently, there are 816 students registered to attend school in Dolores.
Thats the largest number in the history of Dolores, Superintendent Scott Cooper said.
The closest number was 797 students in 2002. Last year, 722 students attended Dolores Schools.
That is an increase of 94 students, but that number may slide down a bit once the October count rolls around, Cooper explained.
The elementary school may have 330 students this year, up from 291 last year, prompting last-minute hirings of teachers.
Officials were expecting an increase in students this year, following the announcement last year by the Colorado Department of Education that Dolores School District was accredited with distinction, an honor only given to the top 10 percent of the schools in the entire state.
Sherri Maxwell, principal of Dolores Elementary School, said not all of the new students are out-of-district transfers.
Everyone seems to be moving here, so they can go to school here, she said.
There are currently students on waiting lists to get in to Dolores schools.
We are really full, Maxwell said.
Meanwhile, transportation director Jim Davis said that Dolores has a shortage of bus drivers. That, in combination with an increase in enrollment, is spelling trouble.
This is a major headache, Davis said.
Davis said that some students may have to ride the bus longer this year, get picked up earlier and field trips may be on hold until the district can find more bus drivers.
Dolores lost many bus drivers this year to Cortez when they went to five days a week, Davis explained.
Board member Jon Kelly said that the board should consider a bonus for drivers to entice some more to the district.
Right now, we can get kids to school, but there is no backup. No one can get sick or drive extracurricular activities, Cooper said.
Davis said that he is going to call every parent personally and tell them if their pickup times have changed.
Also, board members briefly discussed TCAP results. Students outscored the state in many areas, and fell back in a few areas. There will be a complete presentation on the results at the next school board meeting, Aug. 28.
Also Tuesday, the BEST bond Committee had its first meeting. About nine parents attended. The group plans to meet weekly and elected co-chairs Dee Wyman and Penny Wu. The committee plans to meet again on Aug. 22 at 5 p.m. at the Ponderosa Restaurant.
The ballot language for the bond is expected to be discussed and approved at the next board meeting on Aug. 28.
Also Tuesday, the school board approved fees for after-school care on Wednesdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m. for the early release Wednesdays. The after-school care will cost $5 each Wednesday or $2.50 for those who qualify.
