State Reps. Ken Borton, Cam Cavitt, Joseph Fox, Mike Hoadley, and John Roth today celebrated the successful House vote on a bill that would excuse school days that were cancelled across Northern Michigan due to severe storms in March. 

House Bill 5797, introduced by Rep. Parker Fairbairn, would allow certain school districts to excuse four days of cancelled instruction that were caused by conditions outside of the district’s control. These four days would be in addition to the six days of cancelled instruction districts are already allowed due to external circumstances.  

“This is an important win for families across Northern Michigan,” said Cavitt (R-Cheboygan). “When the storms came through, people lost power and couldn’t leave their homes. There was significant damage to local infrastructure, and the melting snow led to severe flooding. Families should not have to have their school year extended for a situation that was entirely outside of this control.” 

The days for excusal could only be counted for the dates of March 12, 13, 16, and 17. 

“These were extraordinary circumstances,” said Borton (R-Gaylord). “Our communities should not be penalized for the damage caused by unforeseen weather. School districts clearly could not operate in these conditions.” 

The bill covers numerous counties across Northern Michigan, including Alcona, Alpena, Arenac, Cheboygan, Gladwin, Grand Traverse, Houghton, Lake, Mason, Osceola, and Roscommon. 

“This will be a welcome relief for many,” said Roth (R-Interlochen). “Allowing grace in the wake of these storms is the only way to support students, parents, and educators.” 

During the March storms, more than 100,000 residents and businesses across Northern Michigan lost power. More than 3 feet of snow fell in some areas, causing impassable roads and hundreds of broken power poles. 

“People need this,” said Hoadley (R-Au Gres). “Dismissing these missing school days removes a burden from these families who have already dealt with enough. I’m proud to take action.” 

Following the snowfall, Gov. Whitmer declared a state of emergency on March 17 to address the damage caused by the storm. 

“This really is common sense,” said Fox (R-Fremont). “The weather made school attendance impossible, and the state of Michigan has to recognize that fact. Teachers can only educate our children if they’re able to actually attend school.”   

The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.