DETROIT – School districts across Michigan are struggling to meet Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s target to return to in-person learning by March 1. Detroit Public Schools Community District Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti said 10-20% of students have been absent since the COVID pandemic started. The Southfield Public School District, has been 100% since March and while recognizing the importance of bringing students back to their teachers, Dr. Jennifer Martin Green said the science dictates the district remain remote. Both districts believe vaccinations are a key part in getting students and teachers back in the classroom safely.

MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – When the L’Anse Creuse Public School district surveyed parents on what to do for a return to school, it reported 70% of parents wanted face-to-face education and 30% wanted remote learning. Unlike the districts around them, which opted for choosing remote starts and minimal face-to-face, the L’Anse Creuse Public School district -- the fourth largest in Macomb County -- decided to go with in-person learning to the chagrin of many students. RELATED: School report: How is virtual learning going? Let us knowLocal 4 put together a student roundtable with six students from the district -- half said they feel like their arms are being twisted to return to in-person learning against their wishes. They believe the school board was so intent on face-to-face education that the virtual option wasn’t properly considered.