The Count is On

Today throughout Michigan public school districts are pulling whatever stops they can to draw students into class. It's one of two annual so-called 'count days', which determine what amount of funding each district will receive from the state.

Obviously enough, if states are going to fund public education on a per pupil basis as happens here in the Great Lakes State they need some way of finding out who goes where. But it seems that there ought to be a better way to do it than picking two days (there will be another count day in February) and somehow averaging it out to arrive at a figure.

Especially as the school people know the dates in advance. That policy allows districts to employ all sorts of tricks and cajolery to bring students into school on the prized days. It has not been unusual to hold parties, offer the kiddies various treats, and have prizes available as rewards for attendance, among whatever other incentives that may be created in attempts to ratchet up the numbers. A party atmosphere doesn't seem the most conducive to a good educational environment. Arguably, it cheapens learning.

Perhaps a better way would be to call the count day randomly, with no prior notice. That would appear to offer a more real view of a given school district's effectiveness: let's see who attends when nothing appears to be at stake other than education.

No approach is perfect, and that one surely has its flaws as well. Yet on the surface it seems more fair to the taxpayers who actually foot the bill. Because ultimately there is no public money. There's your cash and my cash pooled together for purposes of the general interest. Deciding who gets what ought not be the result of a carnival atmosphere. We should not send in the clowns in lieu of the accountants.