Last Wednesday (9/30/2009) was a very important day in the financial future of Flat Rock Community Schools. It was “count day.” This is one of two days when students are counted within the districts to determine the allocation of state aid.

Here is how the News Herald covered the significance of this day:

Wednesday’s count is important for school districts because 75 percent of that figure is used to determine state aid, which is based on per-pupil funding. The other 25 percent comes from a count taken back in February.

The blended number is used to determine the overall count.

While all district per-pupil allotments are different, each student represents about $7,000 in state aid. A preliminary state budget, which was approved early Thursday morning, includes a cut of about $218 per student.

School districts have an opportunity to add absent students to Wednesday’s count. Students with an unexcused absence can be counted if they have attended school before the count day and must attend all classes the following 10 school days.

In some circumstances, districts have up to 30 days to add students.

The News Herald also reported: “The Flat Rock district kept within close range of the two numbers, as well. The February count was 1,902 students, and 30 more were counted Wednesday.”

This number was confirmed by Superintendent Russ Pickell in an email response to my inquiry about the results of the Flat Rock School’s count.