LANSING, Mich. The Michigan governor and legislative leadership announced they reached a return-to-school deal just ahead of Saturdays special Senate session. READ: Heres what Michigan school districts have planned for the fall amid the pandemicThe agreement, which does not include state school funding for the state fiscal year that begins in one-and-a-half months, was criticized by superintendents and backed by teacher unions. Schools' funding is based on their number of students. Districts also would have to administer a benchmark assessment to K-8 students twice, including once in the first nine weeks. Michigan is bracing for a $3 billion budget shortfall because of lower tax revenues associated with the virus outbreak.

Gretchen Whitmer and legislative leaders issued a joint statement after reaching a bipartisan deal regarding the upcoming 2020-21 school year. The agreement comes one day before a rare Saturday session meant to tackle the debate centered around forcing school districts to offer an in-person option. READ: Heres what Michigan school districts have planned for the fall amid the pandemicRead the full statement below:Today, we reached a bipartisan deal that will give students, parents, educators, and support staff much needed support, flexibility, and certainty as we approach the new school year. They deserve peace of mind about what the next few months will hold in store, and this legislation will provide it.The joint statement was released by Whitmer, Sen. Mike Shirkey, Sen. Jim Ananich, Rep. Lee Chatfield, and Rep. Christine Greig. READ: More return to school coverage

The bills, which were approved 23-15 and 24-14 by the Senate in a rare Saturday session, reflect a deal announced late Friday by legislative leaders and Gov. The agreement, which does not include state school funding for the state fiscal year that begins in one-and-a-half months, was criticized by superintendents and backed by teacher unions. Many districts, facing pressure from teachers and mixed reaction among parents, are starting with remote-only instruction due to COVID-19. Schools' funding is based on their number of students. Districts also would have to administer a benchmark assessment to K-8 students twice, including once in the first nine weeks.