(The Center Square) – A massive late-March ice storm that knocked out power to more than 315,000 in northern Michigan could also send some students to summer school.
Michigan Rep. Cam Cavitt, R-Cheboygan, wants to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Cavitt, who testified recently on behalf of his bill, said it only impacts the current school year and counties covered under Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s emergency declaration, which include Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Isle.
“We had a once-in-a-generation ice storm in northern Michigan that put over 300,000 people out of power,” Cavitt said in his testimony. “I was personally without power for eight days. People were not able to get out of their homes due to fallen trees and power lines. Some families still don’t have power. It’s been 20 days.”
Cavitt’s plan would exempt impacted districts from the minimum 1,098 instructional hours and 180 days of pupil instruction. School boards in the area would have to vote to exempt the district.
According to Michigan’s Fiscal Agency, the bill would likely save districts some money by eliminating extra utility, food and transportation costs.
“This is a fair and practical solution to an extraordinary situation,” Cavitt said. “Right now, we just need to make sure our schools aren’t penalized because of this storm. This bill leaves the decision up to the local school districts to decide what’s best for their kids. There are only so many days left in the school year and our schools can’t afford us sitting on our hands. We need to act now and get this bill passed.”
In Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine signed similar legislation into law late last week, exempting one high school from 24 hours of instructional time after a massive snow storm caused the school’s roof to collapse.
Ten days ago, the state asked President Donald Trump for help as communities continue to deal with power issues and cleanup following the March 28-30 ice storm.
If Trump approves, $5 million would be available immediately for emergency efforts, including debris removal.
Trump has not announced a decision.
