North Michigan News

State Representative Cam Cavitt, representing Cheboygan, presented his case to the House Education and Workforce Committee on Tuesday for a legislative proposal aimed at preventing mandatory summer school due to ice storm-related school closures. Northern Michigan experienced massive disruptions with many schools forced to shut down for extended periods following a severe ice storm in late March.

During his testimony, Rep. Cavitt highlighted the storm's impact, citing that over 300,000 residents lost power. "We had a once-in-a-generation ice storm in Northern Michigan that put over 300,000 people out of power," Cavitt said. He also shared his personal experience, revealing he endured an eight-day power outage. He emphasized the challenges posed by the storm, stating some families remain without power 20 days later.

House Bill 4345, Cavitt's proposal, targets the 2024-2025 academic year and seeks to exempt certain school districts from meeting the standard minimum school hours and days. This exemption would apply to districts in counties declared to be in a state of emergency by the governor. The affected counties include Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Isle.

"This is a fair and practical solution to an extraordinary situation," Cavitt said, emphasizing the bill's intention not to penalize schools due to the natural disaster. Cavitt stressed that local school districts should have the autonomy to determine what is best for their students. With limited days left in the school year, he urged prompt action to pass the bill.