Much like Jack’s fabled beanstalk, Oxford Community Schools keeps growing and growing with no end in sight.
The district had its annual count day on Thursday, Feb. 11 and, according to Deputy Superintendent Nancy Kammer, preliminary numbers indicate there are 4,642 students attending Oxford Schools.
‘That’s up 47 students,? she said, referring to the last count day total from September 2009.
It’s a big increase compared to the February 2009 count, which put the district’s student population at 4,398.
Kammer indicated last week’s count number could fluctuate depending on what happens with excused and unexcused absences.
Students who have an excused absence on count day have 30 calendar days to return to school in order to be officially counted. Students with unexcused absences have 10 school days to return, otherwise they’re not counted.
Districts have 30 days to audit and formalize their counts for submission to the state.
Having an accurate count is important because each student is worth $7,392 in annual state funding for the Oxford district. This is called the foundation grant.
Under Proposal A, the 1994 voter-approved constitutional amendment which set up the current school funding system, the only way districts can avoid deficits and increase revenue is through growing enrollment. It’s a simple formula ? more students equal more money.
Count day was supposed to be Wednesday, Feb. 10 for all public schools throughout Michigan, but a snow storm forced Oxford , as well as many other districts, to close.
‘Feb. 11 is our new count day,? Kammer said.