Whitmer announces return of in-person classes for K-12 schools this fall

(6/17/2020) - All K-12 schools will be allowed to resume in-person classes this fall with a strict coronavirus safety measures in place for areas of Michigan at Phase 4 or higher of the MI Safe Start plan.

That currently includes the entire state, so as long as coronavirus restrictions aren't increased in Michigan this summer the schools can reopen.

Most of the Lower Peninsula is at Phase 4 while the northern Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula are at Phase 5. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer still hopes to place the entire state at Phase 5 by Fourth of July.

Whitmer announced the change for schools Wednesday after schools closed in mid-March as coronavirus began spreading widely in Michigan. Most schools switched to remote and at-home learning to close out the 2019-2020 school year.

Whitmer plans to issue an order on June 30 that includes a "robust" document called "Michigan's Return to School Roadmap" with details on specific recommendations and requirements for schools.

The roadmap document will apply to all K-12 public, charter, private and parochial schools.

“Our students and educators have made incredible sacrifices these past few months to protect themselves and their families from the spread of COVID-19,” Whitmer said. “Thanks to our aggressive action against this virus, those who have done their part to flatten the curve, and the heroes on the front lines, I am optimistic that we will return to in-person learning in the fall."

Whitmer created the Return to Learn Advisory Council on May 15, comprised of school, health and community leaders who are discussing safety and health practices for schools to enact. They are helping to develop the roadmap coming on June 30.

“Our number one goal on this advisory council is the health and safety of our students and educators,” said Tonya Allen, President and CEO of the Skillman Foundation and chairwoman of the Return to Learn Advisory Council. “We will remain vigilant and flexible and closely examine the data as we continue to make recommendations to the governor.”

Whitmer did not discuss specifics in the plan on Wednesday, but she said it will be flexible for the 800 school districts and their unique circumstances. A reduction in class sizes could be a possibility to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

However, paying for additional health and safety measures like reducing class sizes will be difficult for cash-strapped schools at current funding levels. They are bracing for significant cuts based on reduced state tax revenue, which partially funds education.

Whitmer said she remains "hopeful and somewhat confident" that Congress and President Donald Trump will approve a financial aid package for states, which would help fund schools.

She has spoken with other governors around the Midwest and across the United States, who all are concerned about major budgetary challenges.

"Every single one of us is confronting the same issues,” Whitmer said.

She also is concerned about the amount of learning loss students will experience over the extra-long summer break, especially in urban and low-income areas. Whitmer and school officials are bracing for "serious needs" for some students.

"They are going to have serious needs for wraparound services," she said.