Chelsea School District approves temporary opt-in to Section 31aa funding

At a special meeting on Dec. 1, 2025, the Chelsea School District Board of Education voted 6-0 to approve 31aa Resolution D, authorizing the district to opt in to Section 31aa funding by the Dec. 4, 2025 deadline. Vice President Glenn Fox called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.; Michelle Craig moved to approve Resolution D and Nicolia Heineman seconded the motion.

Superintendent Kapolka told the board that legal guidance issued Nov. 25, 2025 gives districts a limited window to decide. "To be considered for 31aa funding, district must opt in by December 4th," Kapolka said, and noted districts may rescind an opt-in without penalty through Dec. 30 if courts rule against the plaintiffs. The superintendent also reported that courts have committed to issuing rulings on the merits by Dec. 19, 2025. Board members said they wanted the district to preserve legal privilege while remaining eligible for funding if the lawsuits succeed.

The motion passed unanimously with six votes in favor and one member absent (Erin Hunt-Carter). The board approved Resolution D after agreeing to reorder the agenda so the opt-in authorization was decided before a separate motion to rescind an earlier resolution declining the funding. The board’s action aligns the district with guidance from MASA and the Michigan Department of Education while maintaining the option to rescind if required by court outcomes.

The district now faces two near-term deadlines: opt in by 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 4 to be eligible for potential 31aa funds, and, if needed, rescind any opt-in by 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 30 to preserve privilege protections should courts rule against the plaintiff districts. The board will take further steps as court decisions and legal counsel guidance develop.