Michigan Schools Face New Restrictions on Count Day Incentives

New rules prohibit financial rewards for student attendance on state-mandated enrollment verification days.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Michigan public school districts are facing new restrictions on offering financial incentives to students for attending classes on the state's official student count days. The state says penalties for violating the new rules could include losing up to 5% of a district's state funding.

Why it matters

Student count days directly impact the level of state funding that school districts receive, which is crucial for providing quality education programs and maintaining safe environments for students. The new restrictions aim to ensure the integrity of the enrollment verification process.

The details

The new rules prohibit school districts from offering financial rewards or prizes to students who attend classes on the designated count days, which occur twice per school year - the first Wednesday in October and the second Wednesday in February. While districts can still encourage attendance and prevent dropouts, the specific activities allowed under the new guidelines are unclear.

  • The new restrictions took effect on the first count day of the 2026 school year, which was on February 11, 2026.
  • Michigan calls for two count days each school year - the first Wednesday in October and the second Wednesday in February.

The players

Michigan Department of Education

The state agency that oversees public education in Michigan and sets the rules for the student count day process.

Ferndale Schools

A public school district in Oakland County, Michigan that emphasized the importance of count day for securing state funding.

Raisinville Elementary School

A school in Monroe County, Michigan that posted social media messages encouraging student attendance on count day.

Roberto Clemente Learning Academy

A school in Detroit, Michigan that asked students to wear school colors on count day.

Van Buren Public Schools

A school district in Wayne County, Michigan that issued a social media message emphasizing the importance of student attendance on count day.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“In Michigan, Count Day is vital because the number of students present directly impacts the level of state funding our schools receive. These resources are what allow us to provide high-quality programs and education that support our dedicated teachers and maintain the safe environments our students deserve.”

— Ferndale Schools (Social media post)

“Every tiger's attendance counts!”

— Van Buren Public Schools (Social media message)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The new restrictions on count day incentives in Michigan aim to ensure the integrity of the student enrollment verification process, which directly impacts the level of state funding that school districts receive. While districts can still encourage attendance, the specific allowed activities are unclear, raising questions about how schools will adapt their strategies to meet the new requirements.