Governor signs ‘return-to-learn’ bill

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the “Return to Learn” bill agreed to by the governor’s office and Michigan legislative leaders late last week, the governor’s office announced midday Thursday.

The bill provides for some stability in planning for the funding for the 2020-21 school year by using last year’s pupil counts to determine this year’s funding.

“Over the past week, we have taken crucial steps to help Michigan schools and families navigate the new school year. Alongside this bipartisan agreement, I announced nearly $65 million in federal funding to help give students, parents, educators, and support staff the resources they need to provide the best and most safe education possible,” Whitmer said in a statement announcing the bill.

A highlight of the bill is that school are provided flexibility around the number of school days and instructional hours as well as student count and attendance.

The plan approved also requires school districts to explain and describe how the schools will provide education, with the districts having flexibility in how it will do. So while districts can decide between in-person learning or virtual online classes, or a hybrid of both, but the districts must describe their plans to the community so residents and parents will know how instruction for core academic areas will be provided and how student progress will be measured.

Districts must also explain to the public how students with disabilities will be given equitable access. If education is provided virtually, districts must show how students will be provided with equitable access to technology and working internet.

Last week, The Associated Press reported that one part still missing is how school districts what the per-student funding will be. Tax shortfalls due to the shutdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are leaving Michigan with a potential $3 billion shortfall, and the state’s fiscal year starts Oct. 1.

But for now, school districts are given the flexibility in implementing their local plans for resuming learning, deciding on a local basis how they will do this.

“These bills will help schools implement their comprehensive safety plans going into the 2020-21 school year,” Whitmer said. “I am proud of this bipartisan package and will continue working with everyone who wants to ensure our schools are safe during COVID-19. These are great steps, but we will need a comprehensive bipartisan plan and funding from the federal government. It is time the Republicans in Congress to do their part to protect families and students across the country.”