News Photo by Crystal Nelson Alpena High School custodian Gloria Woloszyk earlier this month cleans the floor of the school in preparation for students to return to school in the fall.

ALPENA — Area school leaders anticipate fewer students will return to school this fall because of parents’ concerns about the coronavirus.

Alpena Public Schools, for example, projects 50 fewer students in the fall, while Alcona Community Schools and Rogers City Area Schools each estimate 30 fewer students.

Alcona Superintendent Dan O’Connor said it’s difficult to estimate how many students will enroll in the fall as officials are trying to be flexible for families and determine what would best fit their preferences. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has asked schools to develop plans for in-person learning, online learning, or a hybrid of the two for the upcoming school year.

“We are hopeful that we’re able to maintain what we have,” he said. “We have had a few new enrollments sprinkle in and not many withdrawals, but August typically tends to be pretty volatile.”

Susan Wooden, interim superintendent in Alpena, said she empathizes with parents and their anxiety about sending their children to school.

“However, I’m confident parents will choose the best instructional path for their child or children,” she said. “Our hope is still to have the highest percentage of students to come back and be with us. You know, we miss them.”

Crystal Nelson can be reached at 989-358-5687 or cnelson@thealpenanews.com.