State Rep. Parker Fairbairn today championed the passage of his plan to forgive up to four additional snow days for schools that closed due to a mid-March winter storm. The storm buried much of Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula in record-breaking snowfall, and was soon followed by significant rain and rapid snowmelt. This placed significant strain on local communities and school districts. Many roads were impassable, and schools were forced to shut down for several days.

“I appreciate the support that this bill received from my House colleagues.,” said Fairbairn, R-Harbor Springs. “While I believe that, as a rule, schools should make-up any missed days beyond the statutorily provided six, I think that there needs to be some grace extended under such exigent circumstances, and locally elected school boards should be given flexibility to make decisions that best serve their students, families and communities. We’re weeks away from the end of the school year, making it all the more important the Senate passes this bill and send it to the Governor for signature.”

State law allows schools to have up to six snow days per year, which is typically sufficient for them to provide students with the instructional time needed to complete the curriculum and maintain their schedules. This year, however, without additional “snow days,” districts may have to extend their schedules further into the summer, impacting maintenance, building and other contracted work schedules, as well as the plans of the student’s families.

The plan, House Bill 5797, now moves to the state Senate for further consideration.

###