Highline Public Schools’ English Language Learners (ELL) enrollment soared from 602 students in 1991 to 2,789 in 2005, according to the district’s demographic consultant.

More than 200 new students have joined Highline’s program each year since 2001, consultant Les Kendrick told school board members Feb. 22.

Highline’s share of King County ELL enrollment increased from 7.3 per cent in 1991 to 12.5 percent last year.

Kendrick said Hispanic students are the largest and fastest growing ELL group in the Highline district.

According to the district’s 2005 annual report, Highline students represent more than 80 nationalities and speak 70 different languages.

About half of Highline students speak a language other than English in their homes.

Kendrick also noted the district recorded the second highest enrollment drop among King County districts between 1997 and 2003.

The district enrolled 934 fewer students during the six-year period.

Only Lake Washington on the Eastside lost more students among the county’s 21 school districts.

Tukwila gained 176 students -- about the middle of the pack.

However, Kendrick cautioned board members that the drop does not mean the district is providing poor educational programs.

The loss is due to fewer births and migration trends that the district has little control over, he said.

In his written report, Kendrick stated, “Highline is not alone. Districts nearest to the urban core of Seattle in King County are more adversely affected by demographic shifts.”

Highline, like Shoreline and Edmonds, has established neighborhoods with little new home construction, he added. Population is continuing to shift farther south and to the east.

Kendrick reported Highline’s 2005 enrollment was 17, 622 students. The figure landed between his medium and high projection for the year.

He said there is a potential for higher enrollment in the district, especially in North Highline, with an improving economy and population growth.

Kendrick predicted an enrollment of between 17,870 and 18,611 students by Oct. 2020.

In other business, board members indicated they will change boundaries to allow north Normandy Park students to attend Pacific Middle and Mt. Rainier High in September.

Mt. Rainier will be located at the Olympic site until the new school is ready in September 2007.

Last April, board members voted to continue splitting Normandy Park students until the new Mt. Rainier opened.

Those living north of Normandy Road were assigned to Sylvester Middle and Highline High in Burien with south Normandy Park students sent to Pacific and Mt. Rainier.

Board members are likely to formally approve the change at their meeting on March 8.

Superintendent John Welch said bus transportation would probably continue for Normandy Park students who choose to attend the Burien secondary schools in the next school year.