If you see a school-aged student out of school on this fall’s state student “count day,” GRPS has two phone numbers you can call.

It’s just one step West Michigan’s largest school district is taking to make sure as many students are in their seats as possible when the state takes its twice annual student count.

Count days, and the fall one in particular because its weighted more heavily, are critical for schools because the state sets funding levels based on how many students are present on those days. In recent years, districts across Michigan — particularly large, urban ones — have lost students and thereby lost state dollars.

The fall count is set for September 24. A statement from GRPS says the district will be using “flyers, emails, church visits and automated calls” along with “city-wide street-corner rallies” the night of September 23 and then on the fall count day itself to remind parents and students.

The district is looking for volunteers. If you’re interested, email communications@grps.k12.mi.us or call John Helmholdt at GRPS’ communications office.

Those hotlines, by the way, if you see school-aged children not in school on September 24: 819-2500 or 301-1111.

Your thoughts on the idea?

Tony