The down economy in Michigan can be cited many as the main culprit for declining enrollments but others argue that poor school performance magnifys and intesifies the problem in many districts across the state. Consider Detroit Public Schools, who despite a $259 million deficit, spent $500,000 on a PR campaign. This year, they are pulling out all the stops on Count Day in the hopes of increasing attendance for just that one day. Perhaps DPS should spend more on increasing school performance than on PR and Count Day gimmicks. Other districts, like Grosse Pointe Schools have benefited from the increase in number of renters coming to the area because of the economy, they are anticipating 60 more students hen originally budgeted for. Pupil Count Day.

The hoopla over count day seems strange, but with imminent cuts coming from the state (about $218 per student) count day has taken on an important role. Schools are scrambling for funds, teachers are facing lay-offs and larger class sizes, and students are facing an uncertain future.The cuts seem impossible to avoid and nearly 7,000 teachers face lay-offs. But policy and law makers are doing everything in thier power to minimize the impact of the budget cuts on schools and students. Final count day statistics will be annouced in about 6 weeks. Teachers face layoffs over per pupil cuts.