Novi Times

State Rep. Kathy Crawford (R-Novi) received bipartisan support in a key piece of legislation designed to aid Michigan public schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The proposal, which also received support from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, closes school statewide for the remainder of the academic year and forgives days already missed.

“Given the unique situation of the public health emergency we find ourselves in, as a state and local community, it’s important we work together to adapt to the challenge before us and craft unique solutions to proceed forward through this difficult time,” Crawford said on the Michigan House Republicans website.

Schools have been closed for weeks in a concerted effort to keep administrators, staff members and students safe from exposure to the novel coronavirus, so school districts have resorted to online learning to ensure students don’t fall behind heading into the 2020-2021 school year.

Despite the bipartisan support of her colleagues, Crawford said that she has received mixed reactions, both for and against school closure.

“No matter where you fall on this spectrum, the agreement between the governor and the Legislature strikes a good balance. Oakland County school districts will have enough flexibility to create thorough at-home learning programs that are tailored to students’ needs to ensure learning is still front and center outside of the classroom,” Crawford told the Michigan House Republicans.

Campuses statewide will be inspected and thoroughly sanitized while they are closed, to ensure they are prepared for the start of the next academic year, which begins in August.

Crawford said that while this is hardly a perfect solution, she agrees that a number of concerns will begin emanating from the various school districts about online or distance learning related to COVID-19.

 “A great deal of clarity will be needed from the governor regarding many lingering concerns over the planning and implementation of remote learning, additional training for educators adapting to remote teaching, the amount of flexibility and leverage school districts have to administer these learning programs, and guidance for parents as they navigate how to fill the role of educators at home,” Crawford said to Michigan House Republicans. “The continuity of education must be a priority, and I remain confident in our school officials, educators and parents in Oakland County to meet the educational needs of their students during these trying times.”