The fall count numbers are in and the results have the Lansing School District checking its math.

"We had a projected loss in enrollment and there were some unforeseen losses that we absolutely had no control over," Lansing Schools Superintendent TC Wallace said.

The district anticipated losing 300 students this year, but instead they lost more than double that number at 688 students.

Wallace blames the economy in this state.

"About 221 student went out-of-state," Wallace said. "There was no way we could predict that the parents would take the youngsters out of the state to seek employment."

The district receives money from the state for every pupil, so they budgeted for a $2 million shortfall this year, but now must come up with funds to cover a $5 million deficit.

Wallace said this is nothing new. The district has been losing students almost every year for the past 38 years -- a trend he expects will continue.

"Over the next five years we will continue to see some measure of decline," he said, "but we will bottom out at around 12,000 students."

Right now the district has more than 14,000 students, but must consolidate. It has already started the process through their right-sizing campaign.

"As we lose students there are two things that must happen," Wallace said. "We have to look at our facilities usage and we have to look at staffing."

Which down the road could mean closing a few schools.

The good news is the district said they will make up the $3 million dollar difference without cutting an education-related cuts. They said they will make up the difference by dipping into their rainy day fund.