Superintendent says Romulus will not opt into contested 31a funds, cites waiver and oversight concerns

Superintendent Dr. Edmondson told the Romulus Community Schools Board on Nov. 24 that the district will not opt into the state27s contested 31a funding offer, citing concerns about a required waiver and potential state investigation.

"We don't need to sign a waiver. We don't need to opt in," Dr. Edmondson said, urging the board to continue operating using current funding sources. He explained the opt-in program is being offered while litigation is pending and that districts are being allowed to "opt in prior to a decision by the courts," with an option to opt out by Dec. 30 if the court rules against the state.

Edmondson warned that the waiver language under discussion relates to waiving privilege in certain investigations and said that surrendering such protections could invite intrusive oversight in the event of a mass casualty or other serious incident. "You have a mass casualty ... then the state comes in," he said, arguing that the district should avoid subjecting privileged communications and internal legal matters to external review if it can manage without the funds.

He said Romulus has funding alternatives and current reserves that would allow the district to continue necessary services without accepting the 31a funds. "We are fortunate enough that we can," Edmondson said, adding he would keep the board informed as the situation evolves.

What happens next: Edmondson said he will continue to monitor state actions and brief the board; no vote on the matter was taken during the meeting.