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Livonia board approves district virtual learning plan as backup for excessive emergency days
Summary
On Aug. 18 the Livonia Public Schools Board approved a state‑allowed virtual learning plan that the district described as a backup to cover testing and to avoid extending the school year when emergency days exceed the district’s allotted snow/emergency days.
The Livonia Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously Aug. 18 to approve a district virtual learning plan the administration said would be used only as a backup for testing and if the district exhausts its allotted emergency days.
“This is simply a backup plan that the board is required to approve,” presenter Timothy Francis told the board, referring to state rules. Francis said the plan is authorized under Michigan law and explained the district would use virtual days for secondary testing and if the district or a single school exceeded the six emergency days typically allowed.
The motion, introduced by board member Mrs. Burton and seconded by Mrs. Jarvis, asked the board to “accept the recommendation of the superintendent to participate in the state of Michigan’s 15 days of instructional time as provided by under section 21f of the State School Aid Act.” Mrs. Burton clarified during discussion: “This is not going to take place with our… normal snow days. This would be if we exceed that number of 6.”
Francis and other administrators explained the mechanics: the district generally uses up to six emergency days; the approved plan would permit up to 15 additional virtual days beyond those six (bringing the potential total to 21) under the state’s framework, with additional state waiver options described for exceptional circumstances. The district said the virtual option is intended to prevent extending the school year into June and to preserve related funding.
Roll call on the motion recorded unanimous support: Mrs. Burton, Mrs. Jarvis, Mr. Johnson, Mr. McFarland, Mrs. Frank, Mrs. Acosta and President Bradford all voted yes. The board adopted the plan at the Aug. 18 meeting; administrators said detailed communication would be provided to families if virtual days were implemented.
