State Rep. Cam Cavitt, R-Cheboygan, on Monday released the following statement after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed his snow day forgiveness plan into law. The legislation, House Bill 4345, forgives ice-storm-related school closures, protecting Northern Michigan schools and students from mandatory summer school:

“I’m thankful for the governor signing HB 4345 into law. Schools shouldn’t be penalized for keeping kids safe during an ice storm. This is a smart, bipartisan win for students, teachers, and local communities.

“Now that our snow day forgiveness plan is law, school districts can end the school year when it makes the most sense for them. There will be no state mandate forcing districts to remain open for weeks into the summer and foot all the corresponding bills that would come along with the extended school year.

“Schools don’t budget for facility costs in July. Teachers and students line up summer work well before the school year ends. Districts plan regular facility maintenance for the summer because students aren’t supposed to be there.

“For all these reasons, it didn’t make sense to force schools into hosting mandatory summer school. The ice storm threw everything out of whack. I’m glad we didn’t let it ruin summertime too.”

HB 4345 passed the House with unanimous support and the Senate with near unanimous support. The plan specifically addresses the 2024-2025 school year and would allow local school boards to waive up to an additional 15 days of instruction. The school district must be located, at least partially, 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.

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