Alpena Public Schools Struggling with Enrollment

There are less than three weeks until Alpena Public Schools begins the 2023–24 school year, but they are still looking to get more students enrolled.

There is much more to enrollment for the school system than just being signed up for classes.

“It’s really important for us for planning purposes,” said Lee Fitzpatrick, communications director at Alpena Public Schools. “Bus routes, schedules, teachers’ assignments, all those kind of things to get kids enrolled as soon as possible.”

APS has an understanding of how many people can enroll their students in school, but have found there are some who still have yet to. They are trying to encourage those who have not to do so as soon as possible.

“Some families may already have kids enrolled, but they have one that’s getting ready to start for the first time this year, and so just trying to spread the word any way we can to help us get everybody off to the best start for their new school year that they can,” said Fitzpatrick.

They have reached out to families, sent messages on social media and in advertising, doing everything they can to encourage families to get their students enrolled.

“We try and use every tool in our tool kit to communicate everything important with our families, and so those are all important pieces on how to get the word out,” said Fitzpatrick. “We have some direct communication, we have our website and social media where people can come to it and find out information, and of course our friends in the media that help us get the word out to our community.”

While APS is not looking for any target number, they would like to get as many students enrolled as possible before the beginning of the school year.

“Just hoping to get anyone who’s considering or maybe holding on and haven’t had a chance to register to get out and get that done,” said Fitzpatrick.

There is still time for students to be enrolled, and anyone interested can call 989-358-5000 for more information.