Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires school districts to establish policies for school building closures in Michigan.

Highlights:

• Requires the board of a school district or intermediate school district or board of directors of a public school academy to adopt a policy that prescribes procedures that must be adhered to before closing a school building (Sec. 1258).

• Specifies that the newly adopted policy regarding the closing of school buildings must address the following (Sec. 1258): 

• Reporting of data to the department;

• Transfer of the students and the students’ records; 

• The selection of a records repository and the submission of students records to that depository; 

• Timely notification of the parents and legal guardians of students enrolled in the school and employees working at the school;

• The distribution of assets and the proper securement of the closed school building within 60 days after the school is closed if it is not anticipated to be leased or sold within a timely manner;

• That if the decision to close the school is the result of financial projections made during normal budget development for the fiscal year starting July 1, the closure decision must be stated no later than the next July 1;

• That if the decision to close the school is the result of non-financial factors, the decision must be made no later than the end of the fiscal year; and

• That the closure of a school building during the school year is only allowed if there are extenuating circumstances that would endanger the health of the students. 

• Specifies that the notification procedures regarding the closing of a school building must (Sec. 1258): 

• Be made at least 1 month in advance and at least 1 public meeting;

• Include information regarding the reassignment of students for school districts or intermediate school districts;

• Include options for reassignment along with important timelines for a public school academy;

• Include information regarding the storage of student records; and

• Be made by first-class mail unless that method of notice is not financially feasible.

• Specifies that this policy must be adopted on or before July 31, 2026 (Sec. 1258). 

Full Bill Text
Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text
Full Bill Text