Ice Storm-Ravaged Up North Schools Get A Break On School Days

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 06/02/2025) Schools in 12 northern Michigan counties won't have to make up to 15 days of school due to an ice storm in late March that closed roads and knocked out power for weeks, under legislation signed into law Monday.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed HB 4345 Monday, which was sponsored by Rep. Cam Cavitt (R-Cheboygan), to give a waiver for the 2024-2025 school year from the law that requires school districts to have a minimum of 1,098 hours and 180 days of student instruction. Cavitt argued school would be going until mid-July to make up for the ice storms that blew through the area.

"Schools don't budget for facility costs in July. Teachers and students line up summer work well before the school year ends. Districts plan regular facility maintenance for the summer because students aren't supposed to be there," Cavitt said.

Cavitt and Sen. John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs) were glad to see the bill signed and Damoose said it was a heavy lift to move the bill through, but it was worth the effort.

"Had we not passed this legislation, the financial burden to our schools would have been yet another blow to our communities, which have already been struggling following the disastrous ice storm," Damoose said.

Whitmer said the ice storms were still having an impact on people living in northern Michigan.

"I've been committed to supporting recovery efforts, protecting Michigan families from additional disruptions to their daily routines. That's why I'm proud to sign this bill that will remove unnecessary penalties and obstacles for students and schools who are just trying to get by," Whitmer said.

This brings the tally of Public Acts signed this year up to five.