Based upon the most recent enrollment projection data®, over the next four years
enrollments are expected to continue decline.
Estimated School Age Children
To determine the potential enrollment impact to the school system, the number of
children that may live in a development must be calculated; school age children
ratio (SAC). As previously noted, the complex will have 20 two-bedroom units.
The existing Tara Heights apartment complex was used as a local example. The
complex contains 564 units, 318 of which are two bedrooms. One bedroom units
do not generate school age children (SAC). Based on information from the
Nashua School District in June/2020, there were 34 SAC residing within the
existing apartment complex (47 SAC in 2018). Using this data a per unit SAC
ratio of .106 (34/318) is derived for the two bedroom units. Applying this SAC
ratio to the proposed development program which will include 20 garden style
apartment units’ results in an estimated 2 school age children (20 x .106) residing
within the proposed complex. It should be noted that the subject site is located
in a more urban environment than Tara Heights and will be more attractive to
young professionals than families.
Given the declining enrollment seen City wide and at the Fairgrounds Elementary
School, it is unlikely that new school costs will be created by this development.
Based upon past discussions with Mr. Daniel Donovan, Nashua School Districts
Chief Operating Officer, he noted the average cost of a teacher in Nashua with
benefits is approximately $95,000. If we assume a class size of 20 school
children, the cost per teacher would be $4,750 or $9,500 accounting for the
estimated 2 school children that may reside at this new apartment complex.
® §choot District enrollment projections, 2019 — 2029.
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