LANSING, Mich. — It looks like we may finally have a solution to the snow day crisis facing schools all over Michigan.
The House passed a new version of the bill forgiving four more days on top of the nine schools already get.
There's still an issue that could keep it from taking effect in time to do anyone any good.
Even if the Senate passes the bill Thursday, there may not be enough votes to give the bill immediate effect.
That means it wouldn't go into effect until after the legislative session ends, long after districts would have to extend the school year to make up for the extra snow days.
The inability of the legislature to get something done this late into the school year is frustrating for school districts and families.
Teachers are trying to plan their last few weeks and parents need to arrange for child care and vacations.
"This last-minute planning, that doesn't really work well for schools and for teachers and for students who map things out ahead of time," said John Ellsworth, Director of Communications for Grand Ledge Public Schools.
Grand Ledge Public Schools has had 12 snow days plus administrators cancelled classes a 13th day because of a power outage.
Students were out five days during the state of emergency at the end of January.
"We've already had more cancellations than allowed by current state law. So at this moment, we have four days to make up," said Ellsworth.
That would put the last day of class on Monday, June 10 if the current law doesn't change.
There has to be a certain percentage of students in attendance in order for it to count.
"I would especially worry about that Monday if we were forced to do that because I think that could become an issue. Then you're looking at funding penalties and things like that," said Ellsworth.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android
and
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox.
Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
