Parents, please be aware that Wednesday, Oct. 1 is “Count Day” in the Chelsea District Schools so please make sure that unless your child is ill, he or she is in school that day.
Here’s why.
State per pupil funding is the single largest source of revenue for a public school district. In addition to the basic per pupil foundation allowance, there are several “categoricals” that are also based on the number of students in the district such as best practices and performance.
Oct. 1 is the first of two count days in the school year. This first count day determines 90 percent of the per pupil allowance given to the schools from the state. The February count day provides the official number for the final 10 percent.
Attendance on count day is critical as any student not enrolled and attending classes cannot be counted for the full foundation. The district is allowed to recoup partials, but there is additional work required.
Plus, for students who are enrolled but are ill or otherwise absent, they can be counted as long as they are back in school quickly, but this requires additional tracking as well.
“I must note that while a very important day for the district from an operational point of view,” says Superintendent of Schools Andy Ingall. “It is also one of my least favorite days, as the idea of placing a dollar sign over each student’s head is something that I just don’t care for or enjoy.”
