Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill into law that will exempt Northern Michigan school districts from making up missed days when classes were cancelled in late March due to the ice storm.
The law applies to the 2024-25 school year and would allow school districts shuttered by the late March ice storm to end the school year without meeting the required 180 days of school instruction.
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The bill was introduced by State Rep. Cam Cavitt, R-Cheboygan, whose district includes several of the school districts within the region affected by the ice storm.
“Now that our snow day forgiveness plan is law, school districts can end the school year when it makes the most sense for them, State Rep. Cam Cavitt said in a press release. “There will be no state mandate forcing districts to remain open for weeks into the summer and foot all the corresponding bills that would come along with the extended school year.”
Under the legislation sponsored by state Rep. Cam Cavitt, R-Cheboygan, districts wishing to use the exemption would need to be located in one of the 12 counties where the governor declared a state of emergency. The districts also would need approval from the local school board and could have no more than 15 days forgiven.
The 12 counties covered by Whitmer’s state of emergency are Crawford, Emmet, Otsego, Alcona, Antrim, Cheboygan, Montmorency, Oscoda, Mackinac, Presque Isle, Alpena and Charlevoix.
“I’m thankful for the governor signing HB 4345 into law. Schools shouldn’t be penalized for keeping kids safe during an ice storm. This is a smart, bipartisan win for students, teachers, and local communities,” State Rep. Cam Cavitt said.
