School Districts Across Michigan Gear Up For Fall Count Day

DETROIT (AP) - School districts across Michigan are encouraging students to be in the classroom for Count Day.

Wednesday is the first Count Day of the school year, with 90 percent of state funding at stake based on how many students attend classes. It's particularly crucial for the state's school districts with deficits and declining enrollments. A second Count Day is Feb. 8.

Detroit Public Schools Community District spokeswoman Chrystal Wilson tells The Detroit News that the district's enrollment goal is 45,500 and it has 44,710 students. Incentives for kids to show up include breakfast and lunch for families and a gift card drawing.

In western Michigan, The Grand Rapids Press reports the Grand Rapids Public Schools district is again launching a campaign to remind parents of the date. It anticipates 16,705 students.