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Included as part of phase 4 of the MI Safe Start Plan, Michigan K-12 schools can begin in-person learning while adhering to strict guidelines, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a press conference Wednesday. She also announced the future release of “Michigan’s Return to School Roadmap,” a document detailing the recommended guidelines for schools.
The MI Safe Start Plan utilized the eight Michigan Economic Recovery Council reporting regions and had six phases to gradually reopen Michigan. The Roadmap is expected to follow closely by evaluating the eight regions to determine where in-person instruction is feasible. According to a press release, schools must remain flexible and prepare to move online should the virus spread once again.
“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 said. “Schools must make sure to enact strict safety measures to continue protecting educators, students, and their families.”
According to the press release, The Roadmap will set minimum health and safety standards for all types of schools to follow, including private, charter and public schools, among others.
Whitmer also noted the importance of support from the federal government while balancing the reopening of schools and the health of the students.
“This crisis has had serious implications on our budget, and we need federal support if we’re going to get this right for our kids,” Whitmer said.
Summer Managing News Editor Francesca Duong can be reached at fduong@umich.edu.