LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Tuesday, Michigan Republicans proposed a $1.3 billion plan to reopen public schools in the fall.
The House-Senate plan requires local school districts and health departments to work together to develop health and safety standards that are best for their unique area.
Governor Whitmer is already expected to reveal her own plan for Michigan schools next week, but this plan comes ahead of that. Officials say Whitmer has already been informed about this proposal.
Among the proponents of the bill are State Rep. Aaron Miller (R-Sturgis), who says that schools should have the flexibility to begin instruction as quickly and safely as possible. Under the plan, school districts could start whenever is best for them without obtaining a waiver to bypass Michigan’s Labor Day start requirement.
“Our kids need to head back in school as we now know that the consequences of being out are all too dire,” Miller said. “It can be done safely and sensibly under this plan.”
Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield also spoke in favor of the plan.
“The plan we’re unveiling today will provide the certainty to the local school leaders that is needed,” Chatfield said.
The “Return to Learn” plan also includes the following facets:
- Provides a $800 per pupil payment to K-12 schools to implement a robust distance learning plan and health and safety measures to return students safely to the classroom.
- Includes a $500 per teacher payment as hazard and overtime pay and to help cover costs incurred due to transitioning to distance learning teaching plans.
- Delivers $80 million to intermediate school districts to assist schools in coordinating and implementing distance learning plans and safety measures.
- Redefines the word “attendance” to mean “engaged in instruction” rather than “physically present,” allowing schools to be innovative and give students the opportunity to learn outside the classroom.
- Limits the use of snow days to encourage the use of remote instruction when in-person instruction is unsafe or unsuitable. Moving forward, schools would be granted just two forgiven days of instruction per year.
- Utilizes benchmark assessments to provide detailed information to parents and teachers about where a student needs additional help, ensuring kids do not fall behind in the wake of the public health crisis.
- Requires school districts to work with local health departments to establish safety requirements for extracurricular activities and sports in addition to regular school safety measures.
“Time is short and the window for planning is small,” Miller added. “This solution allows locals to do what they do best on their own terms.”
The plan will be referred to the House and Senate Education Committees for consideration later this week.
