Michigan winter storm on collision course with critical student count day at schools

Yahoo

12-02-2025

The winter storm set to roll into southeast Michigan this afternoon is on a collision course with one of the most critical days for kids to show up to school across the state: count day.
Twice a year, school attendance on count days (once in October, once in February) is used to determine school funding, because funding is calculated on a per-student basis in Michigan. If your child's district seems eager to remind you about count day, that's not unusual: Schools have used everything from the promise of Detroit Pistons tickets to sweet treats to boost attendance for count days.
But Wednesday could create a major dilemma for school districts across the region: A snowstorm forecast to bring as many as 4-7 inches is scheduled to start in the afternoon, with a winter weather advisory for portions of southeast Michigan starting at 1 p.m. That's only a few hours before pickup time for many schools.
Chrystal Wilson, spokeswoman for Detroit Public Schools Community District, wrote in an email message that the state's largest district planned to maintain its current schedule, though district officials will continue to watch the weather.
Trudging through inclement weather might present some challenges for students and families, particularly students who rely on public transportation or walk. Other parents may be hesitant to drive if heavy snow is falling.
If attendance is low on count day, school districts could face financial consequences in the following school year. Students must attend school all day to count, or must have an excused absence.
However, the count in February is less consequential than the count in October. The fall count determines 90% of state per-student funding for that school year, while the February count determines 10% of funding for the next school year, according to state law.
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If a school district cancels school due to conditions out of the school's control, count day is moved to the next school day, according to the Michigan Department of Education.
But if schools don't call a snow day Wednesday, the count will go as planned, according to state law.
Contact Lily Altavena: [e-mail].
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan student count day at schools could be affected by storm