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Chelsea School Board votes 6–1 to decline Section 31aa state funds
Summary
The Chelsea School District board voted 6–1 on Nov. 17, 2025 to decline Section 31aa funds now while preserving authority to accept them later if legal conditions change; one trustee, Eric Wilkinson, opposed the motion.
The Chelsea School District Board voted 6–1 on Nov. 17 to decline state Section 31aa funds while preserving the option to accept the money later if the legal waiver tied to the allocation is resolved. Glenn Fox moved "Motion to approve the 31 aa resolution to decline the funding as presented at the November 3, 2025 regular Board meeting," and the motion passed with Eric Wilkinson the lone dissenting vote.
Superintendent's materials noted that about 30 Michigan districts and regional agencies have filed suits challenging the waiver attached to the state's $321 million Section 31aa allocation. The board considered a revised Thrun-drafted resolution that adds language giving the district flexibility to decline the funds now yet authorize the superintendent to accept them later should the waiver be removed or modified; the revision was described as a way to preserve attorney–client privilege and legal flexibility. The resolution was approved at the meeting by recorded roll call: Michelle Craig (Yea), Glenn Fox (Yea), Nicolia Heineman (Yea), Erin Hunt-Carter (Yea), Heidi Reyst (Yea), Sara Tracy (Yea), Eric Wilkinson (Nay).
The board did not direct immediate additional action beyond the passage of the resolution; meeting minutes record the formal decline and the retained authority for future acceptance depending on legal developments.
