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Rep. Berman plays instrumental role in state’s education restart for this fall
RELEASE|August 17, 2020

Legislator: Safe, responsible plan works to effectively educate Michigan’s children

State Rep. Ryan Berman, of Commerce Township, today voted to approve a plan which helps get K-12 students safely back to school this fall.

The legislation will allow school districts to determine the best course of action for their students. This could include online, in person or hybrid instruction based on consultations with local health departments.

“We needed a safe and sensible plan for our kids so they are able to get an education as we come up on the school year,” Berman said. “Education paves the way for our future generations. It’s essential to their development. I wanted to make sure that road was not closed off this fall for our children.”

Parents will have a vital say in the process and school boards will be required to reexamine and recertify instruction plans at monthly board meetings for the duration of the 2020-21 school year.

Additionally, local benchmark assessments will provide detailed information to parents and teachers about where a student needs additional help to ensure they stay on track. Younger students are a key component as they tend to have more success within a classroom setting. If districts determine it is safe to offer in-person learning, they are strongly encouraged – but not required – to prioritize in-person instruction to K-5 students.

As the coming school year will pose significant additional costs to school districts as they work to impose new safety standards and innovative teaching methods, Berman previously helped craft a plan that dedicated a total of $583 million in federal Coronavirus Relief Funds to Michigan schools, including:

  • $350 per student across the board, ensuring schools have the resources they need to educate children.
  • More than $50 million in bonus pay for educators who have been flexible and innovative in the face of unprecedented change. 
  • $18 million for safety measures and local benchmark assessments to ensure kids stay on track with learning. 

“We must ensure our students and teachers have the proper resources to manage these unprecedented times,” Berman said.            

The education restart plan now advances to the governor’s desk for consideration.

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