At the end of this week’s Pella School Board meeting, discussion was held regarding enrollment for the ongoing academic year, which determines the amount of funding the district will receive next year for the general fund.

With all open enrollees and dual enrolled students factored in, the official number for Pella is 2339.96 full time equivalent students for 2024-25, which is down 10.81 from last year (2350.77). The district receives per pupil funding for that number — and also can base sales tax revenue and physical plant and equipment levy funding on the “actual” enrollment number of 2135.76 for residents attending — which is virtually the same as last year.

The district will receive an additional “categorical” funding increase of just over $1200 per student for those using Education Savings Accounts and living within the district borders — which this year jumped by 190 — primarily led by Pella Christian families opting into the program and expanded eligibility.