Count Week attendance determines student funding

September 28, 2011
Contact: Jill Moberley, Public Information Officer           
For Immediate Release


Imagine thousands of dollars earmarked just for your education, and all you have to do to receive it is to come to school every day for one week.  That’s exactly what takes place each year in October, for Dayton and surrounding districts, as well as schools across the state.

Teachers across Dayton Public Schools will be taking attendance and checking it twice as Ohio schools observe Count Week, Oct. 3-7. The state uses daily student attendance during the first full week of every October to determine the level of state funding each district will receive for that school year. 

“We always stress the importance of daily school attendance; but we will invest extra effort during Count Week, because there is so much at stake,” Dayton Public Schools Superintendent Lori L. Ward said. “State funding we receive as a result of our student attendance on these five days will help to support teaching and learning throughout the school year.  It is through our efforts during this one week in October that we must secure much-needed resources to provide our students the best possible educational opportunities.”

The district stands to lose approximately $5,900 for each unexcused student absence during the week of Oct. 3 through 7. 

Educators hope students and their parents realize the importance of good attendance throughout the school year.  When students are not in school, they are not receiving instruction.  Students who are chronically or habitually absent are not likely to leave school with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue further education or enter a competitive workforce. A student who misses 15 days of school each year over 12 years has missed the equivalent of a full year of school.

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