South Whidbey School District Superintendent Fred McCarthy said the latest enrollment projections are in and the news is grim.

After a drop of 75 students from last year to this, the next two years will see a loss of 91 students for 2008-09 and 115 students the following year.

McCarthy told the school board Wednesday night the district is ready for the reduction in students, which will also mean fewer dollars coming from the state to support education on the South End.

“The district has budgeted for these numbers but they are a clear indication that, unless we start looking at ways to become more efficient now, the problem will only become worse,” McCarthy said.

The district will end the current school year with 1,791 students enrolled. The school board is evaluating the possible closure of South Whidbey Primary School and moving those students into the Intermediate School, located next door.