Dearborn Heights board votes to opt in to state 31A mental-health grant after court changes

The Dearborn Heights School District #7 Board of Education voted Dec. 3 to approve a resolution authorizing the district to opt in to a state 31A mental-health and safety grant after a court action created a brief opt-in window.

Superintendent Mr. Clans told trustees the board had earlier adopted a resolution to opt out of provisions of the grant tied to a waiver-of-privilege requirement and had joined a lawsuit challenging that language. He said the court’s interim handling of the case opened an administrative pathway for districts to opt in by Dec. 4 so they would qualify for funding if the court later finds the waiver provision unconstitutional. “The courts have stepped in and they basically set up a process where school districts that are considering taking this money can opt in by tomorrow, December 4th,” the superintendent said.

Trustee Derek Wall moved the resolution; trustees voted by roll call with the motion carrying. The board’s action authorizes district staff to accept grant funds under the resolution language included in the meeting packet (identified in the packet as ‘section 31A 2, exhibit 1’).

Board members had discussed the legal concern at length in earlier meetings and had previously voted to join the lawsuit; the superintendent and district attorney Mr. Chisum were present during the discussion and answered procedural questions. The district packet notes the board had an opportunity to review a new resolution and related background materials before the vote.

What the vote does and does not do: the board’s motion approves accepting the grant under the terms presented. It does not by itself resolve any pending litigation or guarantee funding; whether funds are ultimately available depends on the pending court ruling about the waiver-of-privilege language. The superintendent told trustees that, if the court upholds protections that make the district eligible without waiving privilege, the district would qualify for the funds; if not, the district retains the option to opt back out before the end of December.

Next steps: district staff will proceed with the administrative steps required to accept the grant if eligible, and the board will monitor legal proceedings and implementation details through updates from the superintendent and district counsel.