LANSING, Mich. — Some school districts are asking state lawmakers to forgive some snow days after many schools had to cancel multiple days because of extreme weather in Michigan.
The Bill, introduced in the House this week by Democratic Senator Jim Ananich of Flint, would not count any snow days school districts had to take during a declared a state of emergency. Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency on January 29th and the declaration lasted for five days.
Senator Ananich’s bill would forgive up to five snow days for school districts. Many local districts have already taken between 10 and 15 snow days.
Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R), says taking those education hours away from Michigan students is not a good idea.
“I feel sorry for what we are enduring from a weather standpoint this year, but I’m not really interested in taking more school days away from our kids, we are already, in certain areas, under performing,” Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey said in an interview. “They need all the school days we can get.”
Under current state law, school districts are allowed six canceled days because of conditions beyond their control. After that, districts can submit waivers with the state for an additional three days. If those are approved, anything after those nine days will have to be made up.
Senator Ananich’s Bill is heading to the Senate Committee on Education and Career Readiness for review. FOX 47 News will be tracking this story.
