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Rep. Kahle: Bipartisan agreement puts health of students, teachers and their families first during coronavirus outbreak
RELEASE|April 2, 2020

State Rep. Bronna Kahle today announced the Legislature has reached a bipartisan agreement with the governor regarding school closures brought on by coronavirus and plans for “stay at home” education.

The agreement closes all public and private school buildings for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year — unless they are later deemed safe and can be reopened. It also forgives 15 days of instruction beyond the nine snow days currently allowed under state law. School districts are required to use resources from days that have been waived to ensure all hourly and contracted employees are fully compensated.

“It is a difficult decision to close schools – but the top priority is the health of our students, teachers, school employees, and all of their families,” said Kahle, of Adrian. “This move will lessen the spread of coronavirus and will surely save lives, not only in Lenawee County, but all across our state.

“That said, there are steps local school districts can take so students have the opportunity to continue to learn while following stay-at-home directives,” Kahle said. “This order provides flexibility to ensure continued learning this academic year, and also as we head into next school year.”

School districts are granted a waiver from requiring students to be physically in their school buildings –while allowing for home-learning options. Remote learning plans must be approved by intermediate school districts, or by authorizers in the case of charter schools. Education plans should try to address the needs of all students, including special education and students who lack access to technology. The bipartisan plan recognizes each school district may have unique approaches tailored to their unique circumstances.

“I have listened to many moms and dads, teachers, and school administrators over the past few weeks about the challenges we are all facing as a result of the necessary school closures. I have consistently been amazed with how parents and teachers have stepped up in recent weeks – and I know that will continue,” Kahle said. “This is the sort of dedication that will allow our children to continue to succeed, even though they are not physically in class right now.”

Kahle noted the plan allows high school seniors to graduate this year.

School districts will be allowed to begin the 2020-2021 school year in August, prior to the Sept. 7 Labor Day holiday, to make up for time out of school this year.

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