State Rep. Cam Cavitt on Friday announced his plan to ensure schools are not forced to remain in session until July because of ice storm-related closures. Many Northern Michigan schools were forced to close for weeks due to impassable roads and power outages after the devastating ice storm in late March.

“Our students just went through one of the most horrifying storms they will ever experience,” said Cavitt, R-Cheboygan. “They lost power, connection to the outside world, access to groceries, and many other necessities that no one ever thought could just disappear for weeks on end. Things have been hard. We need to take steps to help these kids and their families, not force them to sit in schools that lack air conditioning until July.”

Cavitt’s proposal, House Bill 4345, specifically addresses the 2024-2025 school year and would lift minimum school hour and day requirements for districts within a county covered by a state of emergency declared by the governor. Those counties include Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Isle.

Katy Xenakis-Makowski, Superintendent of the Johannesburg-Lewiston School District and President of the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators, highlighted just how devastating the storm was for her community.

“Montmorency County has the highest child poverty rate in the state of Michigan, and they were the last to get power restored,” Xenakis-Makowski said. “We had over 190 inches of snow this year. We’ve got days of school to make up already. Adding additional days after assessments, after Memorial Day, going past Father’s Day and towards the Fourth of July will not help instruction. We need to be focused on the basic needs of our community and helping build our kids back up.”

The bill was referred to the House Education Committee for further consideration.

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