I know that’s the same issue with Urbandale. While the city continues to grow the district is land locked and not growing. I find it frustrating that they regularly overachieve based on their enrollment.I know there is no great way to do this but how the hell is a place like Ottumwa supposed to be able to keep pace with schools like Waukee(s), Valley, Ankeny(s) (have heard the 3rd HS is already in the works there even). I'm sure some of the schools that will now be 4A put more players on the field then Ottumwa does year after year and would probably have more success even in a larger class.
this is where the real issue lies, the teams that will continue to struggle won't get any better now.
I think the rolling participation number is how you have to go. It’s really a lot of the issue and if you have it be a rolling average it prevents gaming the system.