Michigan Schools Receive Attendance Waiver Following Severe Ice Storms
In a significant move aimed at aiding recovery efforts, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed a new law granting waivers to northern Michigan school districts impacted by the recent ice storms. This legislation, enacted on Monday, alleviates the pressure of attendance mandates for schools forced to close due to the severe weather conditions this spring.
Governor Whitmer emphasized the state’s commitment to aiding affected families, stating, “Many Michigan families are still reeling from the effects of the ice storms that devastated northern Michigan earlier this year. I’ve been committed to supporting recovery efforts, protecting Michigan families from additional disruptions to their daily routines. That’s why I’m proud to sign this bill that will remove unnecessary penalties and obstacles for students and schools who are just trying to get by.”
The law provides a reprieve for districts, sparing them from the dilemma of prolonging the school year into summer or risking a loss of state funding. This decision comes as a relief, preventing additional financial burdens relating to extended utility costs, staff salaries, and transportation expenses. This measure was widely backed by legislators across party lines.
Senator John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs) noted, “Had we not passed this legislation, the financial burden to our schools would have been yet another blow to our communities that have already been struggling following the disastrous ice storm.”
The ice storms, occurring in late March, left many districts unable to fulfill the state’s 180-day instructional requirement without extending the school year. The newly enacted law permits up to 15 days of forgiven instruction time, easing this burden.
Districts across a dozen counties faced closures due to treacherous conditions, including ice-covered roads and widespread power outages. Alpena Public Schools was one of the districts severely impacted. Superintendent Dave Rabbideau expressed relief at the bill’s passage, highlighting the dangers posed during the storm.
Rabbideau explained, “For us, it was seven school days, a lot of tree branches hanging precariously over with heavy ice on it, and certainly unsafe for kids to walk to school or be on the playgrounds.” He assured that the district is making adjustments to ensure students receive quality education, adding, “We’re fighting for every minute in the day for instructional purposes. So, yeah. I mean, there’s certainly concerns there, and we did adjust our curriculum.”
This waiver is applicable to schools in counties included in Governor Whitmer’s ice storm emergency declaration. Additionally, Whitmer has formally requested federal disaster aid to further support recovery efforts in the region.
