Overall, enrollment is up at area public schools, though, as in Lawrence, virtual schools are making significant gains.

In Basehor-Linwood, only one more student was counted at residential schools, making the count 1,860. However, the Basehor-Linwood Virtual School saw enrollment increase by 59, for a total of 397.

De Soto had the largest jump in enrollment in the area, adding 348 students for a total of 6,051. Baldwin City schools added 142 students, for a total of 1,457.

Tonganoxie schools added 47 students, totaling 1,841. Eudora had similar modest gains, with an addition of 49 students totaling 1,482.

In Bonner Springs, the economy is affecting enrollment, according to Superintendent Robert Van Maren.

“The two main factors are foreclosures,” he said. About 30 students left the district because of economic factors, and two or three families moved back to Mexico.