House committee hears bipartisan support for bills to create voluntary "public innovative programs" in Michigan schools

The House Education and Workforce Committee heard bipartisan testimony backing House Bills 5983 and 5984, which would add a statutory structure to the Revised School Code and the State School Aid Act allowing Michigan public school districts to create voluntary "public innovative programs." Supporters said the bills would let districts pilot competency-based instruction, career and technical education and expanded work-based learning without losing state aid.

Former Governor Rick Snyder, appearing in support, said the bills "recognize local control" and are voluntary. He told the committee the legislation would allow districts to request waivers from traditional "seat time" rules so innovative approaches can be tested locally and scaled if successful.

Former State Senator and economist Doug Ross, introduced by the chair as a colleague and educator, described the bills as an "equity measure" that can help mid- and low-resource districts innovate. "If we don't give it to them, we really cut them off from any way to substantially increase the support for their children," Ross said, urging lawmakers to let local districts "open up the window so that our schools and our children can fly." (Doug Ross, former state senator.)

Dan Bem, executive director of Education Advocates of West Michigan, described an "engagement crisis" in schools and argued the bills remove regulatory barriers that now prevent teachers and communities from combining academic content with real-world skills. "When we've created those types of programs, kids thrive," Bem said. (Dan Bem, executive director, Education Advocates of West Michigan.)

Superintendents testifying — Dr. Elena Zachary Ross of Ypsilanti Community Schools, Dr. Tim Hayno of Lake City Area Schools, and Dr. Rebecca Hutchinson of Concord Community Schools — described local competency-based, project-based and CTE programs, including hydroponics, robotics, culinary programs and adventure learning. They said current seat-time rules and bell schedules can interrupt deep learning and that statutory clarity and explicit waiver language would let districts document mastery through portfolios, credentialing, or work-based assessments.

Committee members raised equity and implementation questions. Representative Colazar and others asked how under-resourced districts would access the staffing and supports required to apply for and operate an innovative program. Ross and Dr. Hayno responded the bills are designed to be a tool for districts that need flexibility and that peer networks such as the Future Learning Council (which witnesses said includes dozens of districts) and Michigan Department of Education (MDE) oversight would provide support and monitoring; the bills set a five-year review window after which MDE can require correction plans if goals are not met.

Witnesses gave concrete details the committee can use for drafting implementation language: testimony referenced seat-time waivers and the practical scale of current requirements (witnesses stated high school seat-time in Michigan is about 4,400 hours and approximately 6,600 hours when middle school time is included), described a required local sign-off process involving school boards and teachers' unions, and said innovation proposals would include intended outcomes, measures of success and transparent reporting.

The committee did not take a final vote on HB5983 or HB5984 at this hearing; members moved to questions after the testimony and then proceeded to consider and vote on other bills on the agenda. The hearing included multiple written support cards read into the record from business groups, education organizations and MDE representatives.