Dowagiac Union Schools reported a rise in preliminary enrollment numbers as the official student count day draws closer.

During the regular meeting of the Board of Education Monday night, Supt. Mark Daniel addressed the status of enrollment numbers and how each school in the district is faring compared to estimates made before the academic year began Sept. 4.

Sister Lakes Elementary School, Union High School and Dowagiac Middle School are leading with the number of students above the projected count.

“Last week, we counted 2,402 students overall in the district, which is 39 more than what we estimated,” Daniel said.

With more than a week before the official count day, in which enrollment numbers will be finalized, Daniel said the district is still tracking where students have shifted or moved.

“We’re still looking at the numbers to see where some students have moved,” Daniel said. “Sister Lakes, the high school and the middle school all have more students than we anticipated, which is always good to see.”

Preliminary enrollment numbers include DUHS, with 681 students, compared to the estimated 658. DMS has recorded 542 students so far with an estimate of 520. Sister Lakes had the largest jump from estimated figures, with 243 students. The district had estimated 208. Patrick Hamilton Elementary School has recorded seven more students that anticipated, with 288 present Sept. 12.

Of the seven schools in the Dowagiac district, three schools have fluctuated and fallen under projected estimates for enrollment. Justus Gage Elementary School anticipated 342 students, but recorded 311 on Sept. 5 and 307 on Sept. 12, lacking 35 expected students. Kincheloe Elementary School is down an expected nine students after estimating 284 and recording 275 Sept. 12. Pathfinders is also under enrollment after estimating 70 students. However, Sept. 5 recorded 28 students enrolled, but more than doubled enrollment by Sept. 12.

Official enrollment count day is slated for Oct. 3, and Daniel asked all students be present for the day.