Michigan Schools Get a Pass on Snow Days — What’s Changing This Year?

Some Michigan schools are about to catch a break when it comes to making up for snow days, but that doesn't mean everyone is off the hook.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed a new bill into law that allows several Michigan school districts to skip making up days missed due to severe winter weather and other emergencies. The law provides relief for schools that faced extended closures earlier this year.

What the New Law Means for Schools

The legislation helps districts that missed more than the state’s allowed number of "forgiven" days because of multiple weather emergencies and infrastructure issues that made it unsafe for students to attend school. Until now, those districts would have been forced to extend their academic calendars, as schools are required to meet a minimum of 1,098 hours and 180 days of education.

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After exceeding their allotted number of weather days, several Michigan schools risked having to extend the academic year into the summer months.

Why the Bill Was Introduced

House Bill 4645 will help families recovering from the devastating ice storms that left tens of thousands of Northern Michigan residents without power for extended periods earlier this spring.

Which Districts Are Affected

According to UpNorthLive, those counties include Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Isle.

“This is about fairness,” Whitmer said. “Students and teachers shouldn’t be penalized for emergencies beyond their control.”

What This Could Mean for the Future

While the change currently affects only a specific list of school districts — mostly in rural areas hit hard by snow and flooding — it sets a precedent that could impact other parts of the state in future extreme weather events.

The law takes effect immediately, and affected districts no longer need to add days to the end of the school year.

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