MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (WHTM) – At Monday night’s school board meeting, Cumberland Valley superintendent Dr. Frederick Withum said that 8,838 students are enrolled for this school year, and that is 303 more than last year. The district says that currently, 163 students are in the enrollment process and dozens of families are scheduled to begin enrollment.

During the past five years, there has been an enrollment increase of nearly 1,300 students and George Book of the West Shore Chamber of Commerce said he is not surprised by the trend. “To me, the numbers suggest that Cumberland Valley School District is doing something right with their education process,” said Book, “People are wanting to move into the area and take advantage of a top-flight school district.”

Book said Cumberland County is one of the fastest growing counties in the state and Silver Spring and Hampden Townships continue to attract new families. “The tax structure is extremely generous. I think the lowest per capita tax of all third class counties, Dauphin and York would be the other counties,” Book said.

David McDonald moved his family to the area nearly three years ago. He said it’s a move that continues to pay dividends. “It’s got a wonderful feel,” said McDonald, “Our kids feel safe and they are able to hang out in our neighborhood.”

McDonald said that that taxes make the real estate market attractive to new families, and more businesses and good paying jobs are bringing people to the region. “I work less than five miles from home,” said McDonald, “Sometimes there are traffic jams, but for the most part, it is convenient.”

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