Whitmer To Discuss Allocation Of Federal Funds To MI Schools

MICHIGAN — Officials from the state of Michigan and the state board of education will hold a news conference at 2 p.m. Tuesday to discuss the allocation of federal funds to Michigan schools.

The news conference will include Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Attorney General Dana Nessel and Michigan Superintendent Michael Rice.

The news conference is expected to be streamed on the Michigan AG's Facebook page here.

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The state of Michigan schools has been discussed often lately, as Whitmer in recent weeks announced steps schools would need to take for in-person instruction in the fall in her MI Safe Schools Roadmap.

The Roadmap outlines a number of safety protocols for schools to implement in each phase of the governor's MI Safe Start Plan. In addition to releasing the back-to-school plan, Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-142, which provides a structure to support all schools in Michigan as they plan for a return of PreK-12 education in the fall.

The plan is broken into six phases:

• During the first three phases, schools will be closed to in-person instruction, but can continue to be used for other purposes. School employees are able to enter the building for non instruction purposes. Athletics and after school activities are also canceled during these phases.
• In Phase 4, schools can open to in-person instruction but face masks are required to be worn by staff members and students. Desks inside classrooms are required to be spread 6-feet apart. Schools are required to work with local health departments on screening staff. Indoor assemblies would be prohibited. Athletics would be required to follow MHSAA guidance and rules. Spectators would be allowed to watch games if they are wearing face masks.
• Many requirements become recommendations in Phase 5 of the plan, which changes the requirement to wear face masks into a recommendation.
• Most safety recommendations and guidelines are removed in Phase 6, which includes standard protocols such as having soap and hygiene tools. Safety requirements would be lifted for athletics and other school facets.

To view the governor's MI Safe Schools Roadmap in its entirety, click here.