Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Funding topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Saginaw board delays decision on 31AA mental-health funds, schedules Dec. 3 special meeting
Summary
Superintendent R. Roberts told the board it "must act by December 4th to opt into this funding," but legal concerns about certification requirements and a reported waiver of attorney‑client privilege led the board to postpone a final decision to a Dec. 3 special meeting for more legal clarity.
The Saginaw School District board on Nov. 19 delayed a decision on whether to opt into the state’s 31AA mental‑health funding program, citing looming deadlines and unresolved legal questions.
"The board must act by December 4th to opt into this funding," Superintendent R. Roberts said, while explaining that acceptance carries new certification requirements and other legal implications. District staff described the anticipated award for 31AA as "around $700,000." Dr. Roberts also summarized concerns that have been raised about a reported "requirement for school districts to waive attorney‑client privilege in mass casualty situations," a point the board said needs legal clarification before committing.
Jennifer Nichols, who presented the program details, said staff brought the proposal to the board because the Michigan Department of Education set a funding deadline tied to certifications districts would need to meet. Trustees discussed whether the district could opt in and later rescind the decision depending on court rulings; legal counsel warned that not deciding could expose the district to lawsuits.
The board set a special meeting for Dec. 3, 2025, to review updated legal guidance and make a final determination before the Dec. 4 deadline. The item was removed from the Nov. 19 consent agenda at Trustee Nash’s request so members could consider it separately.
