Oregon Public Broadcasting

The state’s largest school district is getting a little bigger.

After a decade of declining enrollment, Portland Public Schools counts an additional 852 students this year, for a total of nearly 47,000.

Officials say those numbers will probably come down slightly but should still reflect an increase.

Spokesman Matt Shelby says Portland is seeing more of the youngest, and oldest, kids.

Matt Shelby:  “We’re seeing a continued trend at the kindergarten and the lower grades, more students attending there. But yeah, a really big surprise and really a pleasant one, that we’re up for the first time in about 13 years, so a little bit longer, at the high school level.” 

Shelby says the increase is probably partly due to the recession – fewer families may be opting to pay for private schools.

The increase should mean a positive financial return for the Portland district.

Under Oregon's funding formula, the state pays around $6000 for each Portland student – more, if they need special education or help with English.

If the enrollment increase holds up, Portland Public could see several million dollars more.