Monroe board votes to join statewide lawsuit challenging 31AA funding conditions

The Monroe Public Schools Board voted to join a statewide lawsuit challenging a provision in the recently passed state budget that conditions distribution of 31AA school safety and mental‑health funds on districts waiving certain privileges. Administration recommended joining Macomb ISD and others in court to seek relief.

Board President Mister Heck summarized the concern: "In the budget that was passed very late in October... the governor put in there a requirement contingency that if we take the 31AA grant... we would have to give up all our privileges, which would include client attorney client privilege... in the case of what they called a mass casualty event." He and other administrators said the statutory language defining "mass casualty" could be broad and include incidents such as a bus accident or other events that are not shootings, creating legal uncertainty and potential liability and insurance consequences.

Board members debated whether they had enough information but ultimately voted to join the lawsuit to seek an injunction and legislative correction. One board member said, "I don't feel like I have all the information necessary to make a decision on this," while another argued districts can withdraw later if needed; administration said joining could help obtain an injunction that pauses disbursements and gives the legislature time to amend the budget.

The board recorded the roll call: Yes—Jenkins, Ferrazzi, Vincent, Hutt; No—Myers, Cappadini, Williams. After the vote the chair confirmed the motion carried. Administration said dozens of ISDs and districts had already joined the suit and that next steps would be coordinated with counsel and the ISD.