School Board of Levy County Superintendent Bob Hastings said on Tuesday that the school district’s full-time enrollment decreased from last year by an estimated 96 students, raising concerns about a major source of revenue for the district.

Speaking at the school board’s meeting, Hastings said that the loss of students would directly impact the amount of funds received from the state. The district also lost about 150 students from the previous school year.

The estimated revenue loss is expected to be $1.75 million.

“At $7,000 a student, it adds up pretty quickly,” Hastings said.

Reasons attributed for the loss in students include the current economic conditions and advancement of Florida’s virtual schools and charter schools.

“We certainly don’t want to impede anybody’s education, technology-wise,” Hastings said of the growing use of virtual schools. “But we certainly want to provide that for Levy County students through the Levy County School District.”

Hastings added that closing a position for an ESOL coordinator during earlier budget cuts was a mistake, saying that it may have contributed to further reductions in FTE. He recommended to the school board that the position be open and advertised.

English Speakers of Other Languages, or ESOL, is an education program designed for students whose primary language is not English.

Hastings also recognized six schools for receiving recognition funds. The funds are handed out by the state for year-over-year improvement in FCAT scores.

The following schools received recognition funds: Chiefland Elementary, Chiefland Middle, Williston Elementary, Williston Middle, Cedar Key School, Nature Coast Middle, Bronson Elementary and Joyce Bullock Elementary.

“I think this is a good indication that Levy County is working diligently to provide the education that our students need,” he said.

Also discussed at the meeting was the school district’s appraisal process.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Gina Tovine explained the revisions to the appraisal process, saying that teachers and staff are using measurable strategies for professional development. These strategies are presented early in the school year, and assessed at the end.

Tovine said the process was still being developed and enhanced for future use.

Director of Administration Jeff Edison presented the final public hearing for changes to school board policies. The corporal punishment and wellness policies were not changed, but state law requires periodic review.