SAUGATUCK, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Oct. 5, 2022) – Wednesday is a red letter day for public schools across Michigan.
This is the first of two Count Days that determines how much per pupil money districts would receive from the state for Academic 2023. The nose count on the first Wednesday in October accounts for 90 percent of what will be $9,150 per student from Lansing, with the other 10 percent determined by a similar count on the second Wednesday in February, which in 2023 will be February 8th.
Based on recent counts, West Ottawa should retain its spot atop the enrollment list along the Lakeshore, while Zeeland in second could continue to see growth. So too should the area’s smallest public school district, according to Saugatuck Superintendent Tim Travis.
Individual districts may disclose preliminary student count numbers shortly after the Wednesday count. However, districts can add pupils with unexcused absences up to 10 days after Count Day, those with excused absences for up to 30 days, and suspended students for up to 45 days before submitting the final total to the state Department of Education for final approval.
Due to the importance of per-pupil funding from Lansing, districts with problems with student counts in the past have resorted to incentives and contests for attracting the pupils to the classroom.
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