GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) — Preliminary “count day” estimates show Grand Rapids Public Schools is poised to meet or exceed enrollment projections for the 2022-23 school year.
The district’s projected scholar count used to budget revenue for the full year is 13,957 (fall count was projected at 13,917). Count day totals are still being tallied but they are expected to meet or exceed expectations.
The state uses the number of enrolled scholars on count day to determine school district funding each year. Ninety percent of the district’s funding is decided based on the October count day figures while 10% is dictated by the February numbers.
This year the State of Michigan increased the funding schools receive for each student to $9,150 — an increase of $450 annually for each scholar.
This is the district’s first “normal” count day since the COVID-19 pandemic as all scholars are now reporting to school in person.
“We are grateful that our scholars made a special effort to show up for this important day. The enrollment numbers gathered today have a significant impact on our ability to provide quality education for our scholars,” GRPS Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby said. “While we adults have to pay attention to numbers, statistics, and funding figures, the faces of our scholars who show up eager to learn are what truly motivate us to push our boundaries and constantly improve our ability to help them succeed.”
The count day process provides districts time to account for students not present on count day to ensure appropriate funding is allocated. The final figures will be publicly available.
*Editor's Note: The projected figures in this article have been updated to reflect the numbers used in the budgeting process.
