State Rep. Ben Frederick’s solution to help Michigan school districts that have exceeded the number of snow days allowed for the year was passed by the Legislature today.

Frederick, of Owosso, said school districts should be held harmless for closures that occur during a declared state of emergency.

“This winter was an extraordinary one – and schools were right to look out for students, parents and teachers by closing on the worst days,” Frederick said. “We shouldn’t penalize schools for making that call.”

Under the plan approved today, schools that close during a governor-declared state of emergency would be granted amnesty. Closures under these circumstances would not count toward the six days that are currently allowed for snow days, nor would they count toward the three additional “unusual or extenuating circumstances” days allowed subject to state superintendent approval.  In most cases, this will mean that schools will have the option to conclude the year four days earlier.

Frederick said he started working on legislation after a Byron teacher approached him with the idea.

“I’m glad we were finally able to come to a solution on this issue that would have impacted every public school in the state,” Frederick said. “I’m thankful to my colleagues for giving their attention to this matter before it was too late.”

The plan was approved with immediate effect and now heads to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

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