Committee approves substitute requiring schools to post Michigan School Data link and notify parents annually

The House Education and Workforce Committee adopted an H-1 substitute to House Bill 4,149 that would require all public schools to post a link to the Michigan School Data parent dashboard on their websites by July 1, 2026, and to send parents an annual notification of key school performance metrics beginning July 1, 2027.

The bill sponsor told the committee that many parents do not know the state already maintains a comprehensive school-data website and said the bill is intended to make that information easier for parents to find. "This bill does 2 simple things: requires all public schools to post a link to the Michigan school data parent dashboard on their website by 07/01/2026 ... and ensures that starting 07/01/2027, schools must send parents an annual notification of key school performance metrics," the sponsor said.

Representative Wilson asked how this differs from current practice; the sponsor said the site is already on the state website but the bill would place responsibility on local schools to make the link more visible. Representative Fox raised concerns about rural access and broadband, noting some parents lack internet access; the sponsor said the bill requires annual notice but does not prescribe the exact delivery method, and district leaders would likely choose the most effective means to reach parents.

Supporters filing cards included Jeff Cobb (Education Trust Midwest), David Randalls (Oakland Schools) and Beth Deshone (Great Lakes Education Project). The committee adopted the H-1 substitute by recorded vote: 11 ayes, 0 nays, 0 passes.

The substitute requires schools to make information more accessible but leaves implementation details such as notification method to local districts.