Garfield Re-2 student enrollment remains stable amid statewide declines

The Colorado Department of Education recently released data from the state’s October 2025 student count, an annual snapshot that helps school districts understand enrollment trends and plan for the future. Statewide, Colorado experienced a 1.2% decrease in pre-K–12 student enrollment compared to fall 2024.

This year’s data shows that Garfield Re-2 experienced a small decline in enrollment, reflecting a trend seen across many rural and mountain communities. District enrollment decreased from 4,695 students in fall 2024 to 4,642 students in fall 2025, a net loss of 53 students. After a slight increase the previous year, current enrollment remains comparable to levels seen in the 2023 school year.

Despite the modest year-over-year change, Superintendent Kirk Banghart emphasized that Garfield Re-2’s enrollment has remained relatively stable, particularly in the context of broader statewide and regional shifts.

“Across Colorado, districts are seeing similar pressures, declining school-aged populations, increasing diversity, more students with specialized needs, and growing interest in alternative learning options,” Banghart said. “Within that landscape, Garfield Re-2 continues to serve students well and offer strong, high-quality educational opportunities.”

Garfield Re-2 has become the largest early childhood education provider in Garfield County, currently serving more than 350 preschool students. The district also continues to expand innovative pathways for students, including a growing online education program that allows students to earn a Rifle or Coal Ridge High School diploma, expanded career and technical education pathways, and outdoor education opportunities that connect learning to the local environment.

In addition, the majority of Garfield Re-2 schools are accredited, reflecting the district’s continued focus on academic quality, instructional improvement, and student outcomes.

Shifts within the student population

The October Count data highlights several important changes in the student population:

• More than half of Garfield Re-2 students (54%) now qualify for free or reduced-price meals, up from 47% the previous year. This reinforces why student wellness, access to meals, and family supports remain a top priority.
• Over one-quarter of students are identified as English Language Learners, with many making steady progress toward English proficiency, a testament to the dedication of our educators and support staff.
• Enrollment in special education services increased, underscoring the need for continued investment in individualized supports and inclusive practices, as well as an immediate need to fill several vacant positions.

“These shifts reinforce why student wellness, family supports, and specialized services remain central to our work,” Banghart said.

Educating students amid staffing and housing challenges

Superintendent Banghart also noted that maintaining stable enrollment and high-quality programming comes amid an increasingly competitive labor market for educators and staff.

Currently, Garfield Re-2 has about 56 open positions, the majority of which are in special education, including several certified teaching roles. While the district continues to prioritize competitive recruitment efforts, Garfield Re-2 is ranked 151st out of 178 Colorado school districts in per-pupil funding, and the high cost of housing in Western Colorado adds to the challenges of attracting and retaining educators.

“We’re being intentional and creative in how we grow and support our workforce,” Banghart said. “Through partnerships with Colorado Mountain College and Colorado River BOCES, we’re using the state’s apprenticeship program to help grow our own teachers. These are educators who already know our community and want to stay here long-term.”

The district also continues to rely on experienced substitute teachers to provide consistency for students while working to address long-term staffing needs.

“The reality is that recruiting teachers is difficult when housing costs continue to rise, and starting salaries are not competitive with neighboring school districts,” Banghart added. 

Looking ahead

As Garfield Re-2 prepares for upcoming budget discussions, district and school leaders are closely examining staffing levels alongside enrollment trends.

“Enrollment numbers matter, but they don’t define who we are,” Banghart said. “What defines Garfield Re-2 is the dedication of our staff and the trust our families place in us every day. We remain committed to providing a strong education for every student and building a district that reflects the pride, resilience, and potential of this community.”

Colorado is one of 13 states that uses a single-count date model to calculate student enrollment. The October Count is conducted during the first week of October each year, and state funding for school districts is directly tied to these enrollment figures.