SOUTH PORTLAND — Growing numbers of English-language learners and students who have autism may drive up costs as the city’s schools address the needs of an increasingly diverse student body, the superintendent told city officials Monday evening.

Ken Kunin, who became superintendent three months ago, delivered the news as part of a comprehensive state-of-the-schools presentation to the School Board and City Council at South Portland High School.

Kunin highlighted the socioeconomic challenges facing some South Portland students, including those who are homeless or qualify for free or reduced-price meals. And he emphasized the pressing need to upgrade state-provided wireless technology at the newly renovated high school and to address building needs at the aging Mahoney and Memorial middle schools.

In reviewing the changing makeup of South Portland schools, Kunin noted that the number of English-language learners in the district, most of them children of immigrants, increased 19 percent this year, from 217 students in 2014-15 to 259 students.

The number of languages other than English that are spoken at home also increased this year, from 30 to 35. They include Spanish, Arabic, Somali, French, Vietnamese, Khmer, Portuguese, Dinka, Polish, Hindi and Serbo-Croatian.

“Every school in South Portland has students for whom English is not their first language,” Kunin said. “And the language groups are all over the place.”

Meanwhile, the English-language learning program has had eight instructors since 2011, he said.

Kunin said the students learn conversational English very quickly, but they must learn academic English to succeed in school and beyond. He said the district must review how it provides support to these students and how it communicates with their families.

The number of students qualifying for special education services increased from 533 to 545 this year, staying at about 17 percent of the district’s 3,085 students, Kunin said.

However, the district has seen a 16 percent increase in the number of students who have autism, from 68 students in 2014-15 to 79 students today, he said.

That might not seem like a big increase, Kunin said, but it could be a significant cost driver if some of the students require out-of-district placement to meet their special education needs.

“We can really do well by all kids,” Kunin said, noting that South Portland has the resources and programs to provide a quality education for all students, from the “high flyers” to those who struggle.

Kunin said some South Portland families continue to face economic difficulties related to basic needs, such as food and housing.

The percentage of students who qualified for free or reduced-price breakfasts and lunches increased from 36 percent in 2013 to 41 percent in 2014 and held steady at about 41 percent as of Oct. 1 this year. A family of four qualifies for free meals with a yearly household income of $31,525 and for reduced-price meals with a yearly household income of $44,863.

The flow of homeless students from the Portland family shelter has slowed this year, Kunin said, but meeting their needs remains a challenge for the district.

The city enrolled 116 homeless students in 2014-15, a significant increase from 74 students in 2013-14 and 40 students in 2012-13. So far this fall, the district has enrolled 16 homeless students who had lived in South Portland and 11 students who came from the shelter and live in local motels.

Kunin noted that the high school’s enrollment is significantly higher than expected this year – 910 instead of the projected 877 – and he suggested that some of the unexpected students may have formerly attended private schools.

In reviewing student performance on standardized tests, Kunin showed that children in grades 5, 8 and 11 performed at or just above the state average on last year’s Maine Education Assessment of English and math skills. However, only 23 percent of South Portland’s juniors met or exceeded standards in math, compared to 25 percent statewide.

“We are not where we want to be,” Kunin said.

Mary House, school board vice chairwoman, said the staffing needs outlined by Kunin will help inform budget decisions for the next school year.

“The atmosphere has changed dramatically here,” said Mayor Linda Cohen. “It’s challenging times.”

Kelley Bouchard can be contacted at 791-6328 or at:

kbouchard@pressherald.com

Twitter: KelleyBouchard

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