Though student enrollment at Wawasee Community Schools has decreased over the past few years, the total expenditure per pupil for a three-year average is increasing to near the state average, according to the Annual Performance Report.
In 2006-07, Wawasee's student enrollment was 3,481. The student enrollment decreased to 3,344 in 2007-08 and down to 3,303 in 2008-09. It increased slightly to 3,319 in 2009-10.
While Wawasee's total expenditure per pupil three-year average decreased to $10,200 in 2007-08 from $10,300 in 2006-07, the expenditure rose to $10,400 in 2008-09. The state average is $10,700.
The state teacher salary range minimum was $24,133, but Wawasee's minimum was $30,038 in 2006-07; $31,018 in 2007-08; and $33,640 in 2008-09.
The yearly report also provides the teacher salary range maximum. While the state maximum was $84,686, the maximum for Wawasee was $58,319 in 2006-07; $58,895 in 2007-08; and jumped to $61,141 in 2008-09.
At Wawasee the percentage of students in special education, gifted and talented and receiving free lunches and textbooks has increased, but the percentage of limited English proficiency students has decreased.
In 2006-07, there were 14.8 percent of students in special education at Wawasee. That decreased to 14.6 percent in 2007-08, but increased to 15.5 percent in 2008-09. The state average was 17.5 percent.
In 2006-07, there were 14 percent of Wawasee students in gifted and talented, which increased to 16 percent in 2007-08 and 18 percent in 2008-09.
The percentage of students receiving free lunches/textbooks was 32 percent in 2006-07; 34 percent in 2007-08; and 38 percent in 2008-09. The state average was 44 percent.
As for LEP students, that started at 5.4 percent in 2006-07 for Wawasee, but dropped to 5.3 percent in 2007-08 and to 4.5 percent in 2008-09. The state average is 4.2 percent.
Enrollment at Wawasee High School has continued to decline. In 2006-07, student enrollment was 1,097; down to 1,071 in 2007-08; at 1,072 in 2008-09; and down again to 1,035 in 2009-10.
The SAT average score for Wawasee High School students, as well as the percent of seniors taking SAT, dropped over the past three years.
In 2006-07, the SAT average score was 980. That rose slightly to 986 in 2007-08, but then dropped to 936 in 2008-09. The state average was 1003.
The percentage of 12th-graders taking SAT went from 58 in 2006-07; to 56 in 2007-08; and down again to 52 in 2008-09. The state result was 49.
WHS's graduation rate has gone up, but the attendance rate has gone down.
In 2006-07, Wawasee High School's graduation rate was 73.3 percent; up to 79.8 percent in 2007-08; and up again to 83.4 in 2008-09. The state average is 81.5 percent.
In 2006-07, the attendance rate at WHS was 96.2 percent, but dropped slightly to 96.1 in 2007-08; and dropped again to 95.8 percent in 2008-09. The state average is 96.1 percent.
As for the number of students who dropped out of WHS, that has been relatively steady. In 2006-07 and 2007-08, the number was 28 both years. That dropped to 26 students in 2008-09.
The number of students suspended at Wawasee over the past three years has risen significantly. In 2006-07, it was 89 students suspended; 110 in 2007-08; and 148 in 2008-09.
The number of students expelled also increased from 32 in 2006-07; to 34 in 2007-08; and to 39 in 2008-09.
The number of expulsions and suspensions at WHS involving drugs, weapons or alcohol was four in 2006-07; three in 2007-08; and bounced to 20 in 2008-09.
