Michigan Senate Bill SB0212

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/17/25
• Refer: 4/17/25

Caption

School aid: penalties; exception to minimum days of pupil instruction requirement for district closure during a declared state of emergency; provide for. Amends sec. 101 of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1701).

Impact

The implications of SB0212 are significant for local school districts across Michigan, as it mandates that failure to comply with reporting requirements could result in the withholding of state aid. Specifically, if a district does not submit accurate attendance data on time, it may face financial penalties which could affect the overall budget and resources available for educational programs. The bill also tasks intermediate districts with similar requirements, enhancing accountability at both the local and intermediate levels.

Summary

Senate Bill 212 (SB0212) amends the State School Aid Act of 1979 and is primarily focused on the requirements for pupil attendance and the reporting of student enrollment data by school districts. One of the key provisions includes stipulating strict deadlines for school district superintendents to submit and certify pupil enrollment numbers, which are crucial for determining state aid allocations. This ensures that the state has up-to-date information on school populations, allowing for more efficient distribution of funds based on actual district needs and pupil headcount.

Contention

Despite the benefits of improved data accuracy for state funding, there are concerns regarding the pressure this places on school districts, particularly those in areas facing challenges such as high student mobility or limited administrative capacity. Critics argue that the stringent reporting requirements could disproportionately affect lower-resourced districts, potentially leading to financial instability in these vulnerable educational environments. Additionally, the bill provides a framework for exceptional cases where schools may adjust their pupil instruction days due to emergencies, although concerns remain about the adequacy of these allowances in crisis situations.