Holland Reporter

There were 60 African American students enrolled in Allegan Public Schools in the 2022-23 school year, a 30.4% increase compared to the previous year, according to the Michigan Department of Education.

Data showed that Allegan Public Schools welcomed 2,198 students during the 2022-23 school year. Among them, African American students made up 2.7% of the student body, making them the fourth most represented ethnicity in the district.

Allegan Public Schools roughly covers eight schools within Allegan County and has its main office in Allegan.

Among the eight schools in Allegan Public Schools, L. E. White Middle School recorded the highest enrollment of African American students in the 2022-23 school year, with a total of 16 students.

Overall student enrollment in Michigan remains below pre-pandemic levels, with white students experiencing the largest decline at 6.5%.

Academic performance has also suffered, with the state's average NAEP score dropping by 6.5 points and ethnic achievement gaps widening. Black and Hispanic students' average math proficiency dropped by 7% in 2022, to 13.5% and 28.2%, respectively.

Year	Total District Enrollment	Total African American Students	African American %
2022-23	2,198	60	2.7%
2021-22	2,226	46	2.1%
2020-21	2,217	44	2%
2019-20	2,399	48	2%
2018-19	2,423	51	2.1%
2017-18	2,517	65	2.6%
2016-17	2,571	68	2.6%
2015-16	2,549	54	2.1%