According to U.S. Census reports, school enrollment is declining across the nation. And in Corvallis, the situation is no different.

Adams Elementary School is expecting about 49 fewer students next year. Mountain View Elementary expects 41 fewer, and Corvallis High School anticipates 56 fewer students in 2008-09. The drop in enrollment would mean a corresponding reduction in each school's budget of between $94,000 and $195,000.

The district's Budget Committee will hear a report tonight from assistant superintendent Jim Hogeboom about school building allocations. Overall, the proposed $63 million budget for 2008-09 offers schools more support for their day-to-day operations, but at sites where there will be fewer students, principals were forced to make difficult choices.

The reasons for Corvallis' shortage of students? There are myriad theories. Some say it's because Corvallis attracts more retirees than young families, who may not be able to afford the higher-than-average housing.

An economy tied to Oregon State University and Hewlett-Packard - which has cut back its employee numbers in recent years - also is cited. Whatever the demographic reasons, it has added up to this: The district has lost 1,000 students in the past 10 years. In the four years between 2002-06, the district has closed two elementary schools, one K-8 school and one middle school.

Enrollment figures have been a little more stable the past few years. The district's total school enrollment in 2008-09 is projected to be 6,773 - about 28 more than the current enrollment.

The exodus at Adams and Mountain View is due, in part, to large groups of fifth-graders heading to middle school.

Adams, for example, is especially hard-hit because the amount of money it received in its 2007-08 budget was based on a projected student enrollment of about 30 more students than actually enrolled last fall. As a result, next year's per-student allocation will reflect a loss of 80 students. The bottom line: According to the weighted formula applied to what each school gets per student, Adams will receive about $195,000 less than it did last year.

Adams Principal Patty Pearson said the enrollment drop means the loss of one teaching job at the school. Class size will not be affected, she said. In addition, the school will lose funding for three of the school's four classified assistants who work with a certified literacy coach to help teachers better present reading curriculum. The remaining shortfall will come out of discretionary fund reductions, including the purchase of school supplies, furniture replacement, professional development and library books.

"My goal was to make reductions that would have the least amount of impact on student learning," Pearson said.

Corvallis High School's decline in enrollment can be traced to stricter enforcement of school boundaries. Crescent Valley High School is projected to gain 41 students next year, many of which live within the CV boundary and are no longer allowed to attend CHS.

A disparity of about 300 students has existed between CHS and Crescent Valley High School for five years and since the money follows the students, Crescent Valley High School has had far fewer resources to develop new programs or enhance existing ones. Suddenly, Corvallis High School's loss is CV's gain.

Principal Cherie Stroud said next year's enrollment boost is enabling CV to English, math, science, Social Studies, health and world languages classes. A European history course and advanced placement chemistry class also are planned

"Last year, CV spent about $11,000 to have students take courses such as this at CHS," Stroud said. "Our goal is to be able to serve our students needs right here at CV."

CHS, on the other hand, reports having to make adjustments across the board in response to suggestions from parents, employees and students.

If you go:

The Corvallis School District's 14-member Budget Committee will have its second meeting tonight to review the proposed 2008-09 budget and hear public testimony. Tonight's agenda includes an report from assistant superintendent Jim Hogeboom will give a report on school budgets and the committe will review expenditures related to the local option levy and School Improvement Fund.

The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the district office, 1555 S.W. 35th St.