GONZALES - Despite significant flooding and damaged campuses, fall enrollment increased in the Ascension Parish Public School System.

The system said it had 128 more students at the start of the 2016-2017 school year compared to 2015. The unofficial October 1 count is 22,311 students. Though, that's down from the usual 300 to 400 new student increases seen each year for the past five years.

"A logical explanation for the smaller upward trend is flood-related impacts. Part of our recovery efforts will be to analyze enrollment data to confirm that and look at long-term trends," said Superintendent David Alexander.

Combined, the five flood-impacted campuses are down 127 students over 2015 figures. Although Galvez Primary had a modest increase over last year, Galvez Middle, Lake Elementary, St. Amant Primary and St. Amant High lost students.

The majority of growth occurred in the Northern part of the parish. In April, voters approved the funding of a $120 million construction bond to build four new schools and numerous facility upgrades throughout the system. Construction projects are moving forward as the district manages flood recovery efforts, too.

There are about 2800 employees in the school system.

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