Michigan lawmakers discuss bill to address school closures due to extreme weather

The House Education Committee in Michigan convened on April 23, 2025, to discuss pressing issues affecting Northern Michigan schools, particularly in light of severe weather conditions. The meeting highlighted the challenges faced by schools in areas like Lewiston and Johannesburg, which have experienced over 190 inches of snow this year, leading to significant school closures.

Superintendent Katie Makowski emphasized the need for legislative support to prevent schools from being penalized for missed days due to extreme weather. Representative Kavith introduced a bill aimed at providing local control to school districts, allowing them to manage their responses to such extraordinary situations effectively. He described the bill as a "common sense" approach that protects rural communities and ensures fiscal responsibility.

Committee members expressed their concerns about the impact of prolonged power outages on students and families, with some areas experiencing outages lasting up to eight days. Representative Fox, a former principal, noted the importance of keeping students engaged in education and work opportunities, especially in a region reliant on tourism.

The discussion also touched on the broader implications of severe weather events, with Representative Weiss suggesting that the bill could be expanded to address future emergencies more comprehensively. However, the urgency of the current situation was acknowledged, with a focus on quickly passing the bill to support affected districts.

Overall, the meeting underscored the need for immediate legislative action to assist Northern Michigan schools in navigating the challenges posed by extreme weather, while also considering long-term solutions for future emergencies.