Education: school districts; policy and procedures regarding closure of a school building; require. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1258.
Impact
The implications of this bill are significant as it seeks to provide a structured framework for school closures, thereby ensuring that the interests of students and their families are prioritized during such transitions. By requiring thorough reporting and procedures accompanying school closures, the bill is designed to minimize disruption in students' education and maintain the integrity of their academic records. Furthermore, it mandates that notifications are done promptly, which is crucial for parents to make informed decisions about their children's education. The bill's provisions on asset distribution also ensure accountability in how school resources are managed post-closure.
Summary
Senate Bill 204 aims to amend the Revised School Code of 1976 by introducing a new section, 1258, which establishes mandatory policies and procedures that school districts and public school academies must adopt prior to closing a school building. The bill stipulates that by July 31, 2026, each board is required to create and implement a policy that addresses essential elements such as the appropriate reporting of data, transitioning of students' academic and medical records, and timely notifications to students' parents and staff. The law emphasizes the importance of communication regarding school closures and necessitates at least one public meeting to discuss the matter before implementation.
Contention
While the bill has clear intentions to create a systematic approach to school closures, some contention may arise over the practicality of these mandates, particularly for financially strapped districts. Critics may argue that additional administrative burdens in terms of resource allocation and compliance could divert attention and resources from educational priorities. Moreover, determining what constitutes an 'extenuating circumstance' for emergency closures could lead to debates and challenges in implementation. The balance between state requirements and local control in education management is likely to be a focal point during discussions and deliberations surrounding the bill.
Education: school districts; letter grade system for ranking public schools; eliminate. Amends secs. 392, 502, 503, 507, 522, 528, 552 & 561 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.392 et seq.) & repeals sec. 1280g of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1280g).
Education: teachers and administrators; performance evaluation systems for public school teachers and school administrators; modify. Amends secs. 1248, 1249, 1249a, 1249b & 1280f of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1248 et seq.) & adds secs. 1250a, 1531l & 1531m. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0798'24
Education: teachers and administrators; performance evaluation systems for public school teachers and school administrators; modify. Amends secs. 1249, 1249a, 1249b & 1280f of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1249 et seq.) & repeals secs. 1250, 1531j & 1531k of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1250 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0396'23
Education: school districts; information regarding the safe storage of firearms; require districts to provide to parents and legal guardians. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1313b.
Education: public school academies; additional requirements for oversight of public school academies by authorizing bodies; provide for. Amends secs. 507, 528 & 561 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.507 et seq.).
Education: safety; annual inspections of all public and nonpublic schools for health and safety violations; require. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1263a.
Education: public school academies; certain authorizer and educational management organization information on school signage, advertising, and promotional materials; require. Amends sec. 523 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.523).
Education: school districts; panic alarm; require that each school building is equipped with at least 1. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1308c. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4242'23
Education: safety; behavioral threat assessment and management program; require department to create and implement. Amends title of 2018 PA 548 (MCL 28.801 - 28.809) by adding sec. 4. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0471'25
Education: safety; behavioral threat assessment and management program; require department to create and implement. Amends title of 2018 PA 548 (MCL 28.801 - 28.809) & adds sec. 6. TIE BAR WITH: SB 1176'24
Fire: other; requirements for certain child care organizations and procedures for certain investigations; modify and make other revisions to 1973 PA 116. Amends secs. 2, 3, 5n, 10 & 11c of 1973 PA 116 (MCL 722.112 et seq.).
Fire: other; requirements for certain child care organizations and procedures for certain investigations; modify and make other revisions to 1973 PA 116. Amends secs. 2, 3, 5n, 10 & 11c of 1973 PA 116 (MCL 722.112 et seq.).
Fire: other; requirements for certain child care organizations and procedures for certain investigations; modify and make other revisions to 1973 PA 116. Amends secs. 2, 3, 5n, 10 & 11c of 1973 PA 116 (MCL 722.112 et seq.).
Education: teachers and administrators; performance evaluation systems for public school teachers and school administrators; modify. Amends secs. 1249, 1249a, 1249b & 1280f of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1249 et seq.) & repeals secs. 1250, 1531j & 1531k of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1250 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0396'23