Legislator: Schools shouldn’t have to choose between safety and funding

State Rep. Michele Hoitenga, of Manton, is working on a policy fix for the current snow day issue affecting schools across Michigan.

Current law requires schools to hold 180 school days and 1,098 classroom hours each year to receive state funding. Hoitenga’s proposal would allow schools to choose between the two, rather than mandating they meet both requirements.

“This gives school districts more autonomy in dealing with harsh winters like we’ve faced this year,” Hoitenga said. “Schools should never be put in a situation where they must sacrifice the safety of their students to ensure funding from the state.”

The representative spoke with superintendents throughout the district to weigh every option; this plan being one of them.

Hoitenga said she would like to see a change like this be retroactive to ensure schools maintain current funding for the 2018-19 school year.

Questions about this issue may be addressed to Hoitenga’s Capitol office at (517) 373-1747 or [email protected].