<Home
Michigan House Republicans
Rep Bellino: Return to Learn plan maximizes learning; prioritizes student safety
RELEASE|June 24, 2020

$1.3 billion plan implements robust distance learning, safety measures

State Rep. Joe Bellino, of Monroe, today announced his support for a sound plan that will help keep Michigan students safe as learning resumes in the fall.

The House-Senate plan, announced this week during a Capitol press conference, requires local school districts and health departments to work together to develop health and safety standards that are best for their unique area.

“Summer is here, but our parents, educators, students and other school staff members are already concerned about the upcoming school year, and with good reason,” Bellino said. “The coronavirus crisis has affected all of our lives in one way or another. I think it’s safe to say the entire state, heck country, is wondering what the plan is for schools in the fall.

“We must empower our school districts to partner with their local health departments to develop safety standards that are best suited for their communities – this is exactly what the Senate and Legislature are fighting for.”

Under the plan, school districts could start whenever is best for them without obtaining a waiver to bypass Michigan’s Labor Day start requirement. Bellino said this will provide schools the necessary flexibility to begin classroom instruction as quickly and safely as possible.

The Return to Learn plan also:


• Provides an $800 per pupil payment to K-12 schools to implement a robust distance learning plan and health and safety measures to return students safely to the classroom.
• Includes a $500 per teacher payment as hazard and overtime pay to help cover costs incurred due to transitioning to distance learning teaching plans.
• Delivers $80 million to intermediate school districts to assist schools in coordinating and implementing distance learning plans and safety measures.
• Redefines the word “attendance” to mean “engaged in instruction” rather than “physically present,” allowing schools to be innovative and give students the opportunity to learn outside the classroom.
• Limits the use of snow days to encourage the use of remote instruction when in-person instruction is unsafe of unsuitable. Moving forward, schools would be granted just two forgiven days of instruction per year.
• Utilizes benchmark assessments to provide detailed information to parents and teachers about where a student needs additional help, ensuring kids do not fall behind in the wake of the public health crisis.
• Requires school districts to work with local health departments to establish safety requirements for extracurricular activities and sports in addition to regular school safety measures.

“It is completely understandable our families in Wayne and Monroe counties are concerned for the upcoming school year,” Bellino said. “That’s why we are requiring our schools to work with local health departments to establish the most appropriate protocols to ensure our kids’ safety. I know times have been hard, but I encourage families to hang tight – We have come so far as a community, and we will continue to push through.”

###

Michigan House Republicans
RELATED POSTS

© 2009 - 2024 Michigan House Republicans. All Rights Reserved.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.