Wake Schools planned for 1,900 new students this year. Instead, it was 42

County representatives say enrollment numbers continue to rise, but the rate of growth is slowing down. For the 2018-2019 academic year, instead of 1,900 as planned, the district only grew by 42 students -- or roughly two classrooms. A school spokeswoman named a few reasons behind the slowdown, including fewer children being born in Wake County, the aging of the county's population and school choice.

School board Chairman Jim Martin said the board is not alarmed by the numbers, but they do want to know the reason behind the trend and the potential impact.

Wake County reassignment plan approved, 7-1

The slowdown could impact how much money the district gets from the county. Martin said that while the total number of dollars received may change, the impact will not be felt when it comes to per capita funding.

"If I look at the total budget for Wake County public schools, it's a very large number," Martin said. "If that were in my pocket or your pocket, that would be a lot of money, but when we divide it by the total number of students, it's not a major impact. So, in terms of the funding impact per capita, it has almost no impact."

Sources told WRAL News the slowdown won't change student reassignment for next year. Additionally, schools will still open in the fall as the district tries to alleviate overcrowding at others.

Wake budget gives more to schools, takes more from taxpayers