The Farmington Public Schools Board of Education voted on Dec. 2 to conditionally opt in to Section 31aa school-safety funds, authorizing the superintendent to execute the documents required by the Michigan Department of Education and setting limits on any waiver or consent tied to legal privilege.

The resolution, moved by Trustee Heinrich and supported by Vice President Walker, directs the superintendent to execute applicable Section 31aa documents and states that any waiver or consent required to receive funds "shall be limited to only if a mass casualty event as defined in Section 31aa takes place" and applies solely to the 2025–26 fiscal year (or a shorter lawful duration). The board also reserved its right to rescind its opt-in decision prior to 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 30, 2025.

Why it matters: committee reporting earlier in the meeting identified roughly $1,200,000 tied to school-safety allocations and committee members said loss of that funding would create significant planning and budgetary challenges. At the same time, trustees expressed concern about language in the state legislation that could be read to require waiving attorney-client privilege in certain circumstances; the adopted resolution narrows the districts exposure by defining terms and time limits.

Trustee discussion: Trustees debated competing approaches. Some described three practical options: accept funds unconditionally, accept with an automatic rescission triggered by an unfavorable court outcome, or accept while reserving the right to rescind and requiring the board to reconvene before doing so. Trustee Recinto said the resolution clarifies parameters and definitions that have caused angst across districts: "It clarifies some of the language... we get on the record what we feel is mass casualty," he said. President Williams summarized the boards intent: "I think by adopting this resolution and making this motion, we are saying that we are accepting these funds." Trustee Heinrich and others argued the resolution provides flexibility while protecting the district's legal position.

Timing and next steps: Trustees noted that court decisions related to the statute were expected by Dec. 19 and that the district's next regular board meeting is scheduled Dec. 18. Under the adopted language, if the board chooses to rescind the opt-in it must return to this table and take action before the Dec. 30 deadline. The superintendent was authorized to execute the necessary documents to receive the funds under the conditions spelled out in the resolution.

Outcome: The motion passed by roll-call vote. The board recorded a majority in favor and the conditional opt-in resolution will be implemented by the superintendent unless the board returns to rescind the decision before Dec. 30.