Fall student count day produced a mixed enrollment picture across school districts serving the Alpena area, with preliminary numbers showing declines in Alcona Community Schools and Onaway Area Community School District, an increase in Rogers City and a steady count in Posen.
Wednesday, Oct. 7, was one of two student count days scheduled during Michigan’s 2026-27 school year. The annual count is important because each student represents state funding for public schools. Districts tally students attending classes, while Educational Service Districts such as the Alpena Montmorency Alcona Educational Service District base state aid on students legally enrolled on or before count day.
What the preliminary numbers show
The preliminary K-12 counts reported Wednesday were:
- Alcona Community Schools: 663 students
- Onaway Area Community School District: 497 students
- Posen Consolidated School District: 169 students
- Rogers City Area Schools: 450 students
Alcona’s preliminary total was down from 681 students counted in October 2025. Onaway also declined, falling from 514 students last year to 497 this fall.
Posen reported 169 students, the same number listed in the preliminary count. Business Coordinator Lucia Bruski said the figure was a good number for the district, according to the report.
Rogers City was the exception among the districts with comparable figures. Its preliminary enrollment increased from 406 students last fall to 450 this year.
Alpena and other districts still reporting
Alpena Public Schools had not yet finalized its head count when the preliminary numbers were released. Superintendent Dave Rabbideau said the district expected to know its total Thursday morning because numerous programs still needed to be counted. Alpena Public Schools reported 3,666 students in last fall’s preliminary count.
Hillman Schools also had not released a current figure. A message was left with Superintendent Pamela Rader. Hillman reported 450 students in its fall count last year.
Atlanta Schools Superintendent Tawny Hisscock said she would provide the district’s number Thursday.
Why the count matters
Michigan’s State School Aid Act requires public schools to participate in student count days. The fall head count occurs on the first Wednesday of October, while the spring count is held on the second Wednesday of February. The next spring count is scheduled for Feb. 10.
According to the Michigan Department of Education, the fall count represents 90% of state funding and the spring count represents the remaining 10%. Students generally must attend school and receive instruction in all classes to be counted as a full-time-equivalent student.
There are exceptions for students who are absent or suspended on count day. If they attend school within a specified number of days, the Michigan Department of Education says they may still be included in the count.