SCHOOL DISTRICT

Lawmakers in 10 different states are pushing for legislation that would eliminate relicensing requirements for teachers moving across state lines.

ANN ARBOR, MI - Icy road conditions on some roads and poor visibility due to fog caused some Washtenaw County school districts to close Tuesday, Jan. 17. Dexter Community Schools closed Tuesday due to “icy dirt roads,” with many of the dirt roads throughout the community still “complete sheets of ice” Superintendent Chris Timmis said in a message to the district Tuesday. “The roads are better than they were last night but still need many hours of the higher temperatures to thaw,” Timmis said. Along with Dexter, Chelsea School District also closed Tuesday, “due to poor visibility and icy conditions of the dirt and rural roads,” the district announced. “The fog is very dense and visibility will be an issue for even the most seasoned drivers.

More than 45,000 customers in Moore County lost power over the weekend after one or more people damaged electric substations with gunfire.

JACKSON COUNTY, MI - With Tuesday’s election in the books, school boards across Jackson County are ready to welcome new members. They are Columbia School District trustee Garrick Zuver, Hanover-Horton School District trustee Diane Anderson and Michigan Center Public Schools trustee Travis Barnett. Two additional districts, Concord Community Schools and East Jackson Community Schools, didn’t have enough candidates to fill out its entire board, with each district receiving two candidates filing for three open seats. Here’s a look at who won election to the boards of Jackson County districts. Sheets 2,563 (incumbent)Taryn Watterson 2,425READ MORE:Former Jackson mayor among 2 elected to Jackson School BoardHere’s who voters picked in the contested Jackson County commission races on Nov. 8Some districts turn from red to blue in Jackson County state House, Senate districts

Attorneys representing the family of a Black fifth grader in Utah who died by suicide alerted a northern Utah school district on Wednesday they plan to file a lawsuit seeking damages for their inadequate response to bullying.

JACKSON COUNTY, MI - A pair of Jackson County school districts are looking to ensure they can collect the entire 18 mills on all non-homestead property in operating millage proposal before voters in November. The estimate of the revenue the school district will will collect if the millage is approved and levied in 2023 is approximately $47,781. The rollback reduces a district’s millage rate on non-homestead properties permanently unless the millage is approved by voters. School districts can never levy more than 18 mills on non-homestead properties. Voters in the Springport Public Schools also will vote on an operating millage renewal that will allow the district to collect all its state per-student funding.

The Texas school district said it's suspending its police department, citing "recent developments." An investigation is looking into the police response to the Robb Elementary shooting in May.

CHELSEA, MI - Mike Kapolka didn’t mince words when asked to describe his biggest concern about filling the Chelsea School District’s vacant superintendent position..“I don’t have a concern stepping back into a community I love and want to serve in,” said Kapolka, who spent 14 years of his career in education in Chelsea until last fall. “I know it’s the right decision for me and my family when every step along the way, I get more excited about the end result.

CHELSEA, MI - The Chelsea School District is searching for a new superintendent after its current district leader Julie Helber announced she would retire effective Aug. 1. Helber, who has been the district’s superintendent for six years, announced her retirement during a recent Chelsea School Board meeting. “The past six years here in the Chelsea School District have been the highlight of my career,” Helber said. The school board has hired Michigan Leadership Institute to assist with the search process for a new superintendent, with consultant and former Chelsea superintendent Andy Ingall leading the search process. Under Helber’s direction, Chelsea School District voters approved an $81-million school bond proposal in 2019, allowing the district to address deferred maintenance, building and grounds renovations and modern learning initiatives.

The district is one of few in Michigan that have required weekly COVID testing for students and staff this school year.

BROOKLYN, MI - Columbia School District officials are investigating concerns raised by parents regarding the conduct and leadership of Columbia Central High School boys basketball coach Troy Stewart. Parents of basketball players have described the third-year varsity coach’s behavior as demeaning and bullying toward players, including Stewart’s son, prompting the investigation after allegations were shared with the Columbia School Board during recent meetings.

JACKSON, MI – Slick and snowy roads are resulting in another day off for students in some Jackson-area schools on Friday, Feb. 4. This is the third day off for students since a storm dumped up to 13 inches of snow in some parts of southern Michigan since Wednesday, Feb. 2. Related: Snowstorm wrap-up: Up to 13 inches across southern MichiganHere’s the list of Friday’s closings so far. It will be updated as more come in. Columbia School District -- child care is openHanover-Horton School DistrictHudson Area SchoolsMorenci Area SchoolsOnsted Community SchoolsReading Community Schools

The Shelby County School board puts Memphis back in its name and votes to close two schools, merge two others, and relocate three schools.

Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) and Wayne Health are teaming up and will host a vaccine clinic at Cody High School.

Walgreens is partnering with the University of Michigan, expanding access to the COVID-19 booster and flu shots.

A family is seeking answers six years after Darrin Wyatt was shot and killed in his home in 2016.

BROOKLYN, MI - Columbia School District voters have approved a sinking fund that will raise $5.2 million toward refreshing the district’s technology for students and help replace school building roofs. $20 million Leslie Public Schools bond proposal voted downLeslie Public Schools’ bid to approve a $20-million bond proposal to help upgrade its facilities and add air conditioning to its buildings was voted down by a 646-540 margin Tuesday. The bond proposal asked voters to levy a 3-mill net increase - or $3 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation. The non-homestead millage proposal was approved with 447 voting in favor and 129 against. Marshall Public Schools’ $45.8M bond voted downA $45.8-million bond proposal that would’ve helped build a new elementary school in Albion and remodel other school buildings was voted down Tuesday.

AAPS Superintendent Jeanice Swift spoke with A4 about the district's ongoing staff shortage.

The lawsuit against Broward County School District alleged negligence was a "contributing factor" that led to the massacre.

The lawsuit against Broward County School District alleged negligence was a "contributing factor" that led to the massacre.

School educators and administrators are becoming more troubled by students attempting TikTok challenges.

The vice president of the State Board of Education and Superintendent is calling on Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration to issue a mask mandate for schools.

The sudden resignation of two bus drivers has forced Grosse Ile Township Schools to eliminate general education transportation to start the year.

Monday marked the first day of school in the Wayne-Westland Community School District.

CHELSEA, MI - The Chelsea School District will require all students and staff to wear masks during periods of substantial and high COVID-19 transmission levels this school year. When transmission levels in Washtenaw County are moderate, masks are required for students in grades preK-6. Masks are highly recommended but not required for all students when COVID-19 transmission in the county is low. The Washtenaw County Health Department has “strongly recommended” schools require students and staff to wear masks in the classroom. READ MORE:All students, staff will mask up in Dexter schools unless COVID transmission is lowLeft in the lurch: Michigan schools desperate for clear mask guidance while dealing with angry parentsThese are the mask plans for Washtenaw County schools

The Paris ISD board of trustees altered the district’s dress code to require masks.

Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has prohibited Florida public schools from requiring students and staff to wear masks.

The Eagle County School District urged people who disagree with the mask mandate to protest at "locations other than schools" to avoid disruption.

CHELSEA, MI - The Chelsea School District is getting more than $800,000 in federal funding tied to offering more face-to-face classes last spring, despite not providing at least 20 hours of in-person instruction at the time. Initially, the equalization payment was tied to Michigan school districts’ ability to provide at least 20 hours of in-person instruction by March 22. Helber said she plans to present plans to the community and school board in August to get input before plans for the funds are finalized. Overall, Helber said Chelsea will receive another $2.02 million, due to another equalization payment of federal funds. READ MORE:Chelsea School Board member’s recall appeal delays signature collectionPushing back in-person learning increase met with resistance from some Chelsea parentsLanguage to recall Chelsea School Board president clear enough to move forward, commission rules

A school district in Okeechobee County, Florida, had three staff members die by suicide this past year.

A school district in Okeechobee County, Florida, had three staff members die by suicide this past year.

CHELSEA, MI - Language on a petition seeking the recall a Chelsea School District board member is ready to be submitted to voters, the Washtenaw County Elections Commission ruled Tuesday. The commission voted 3-0 on June 29 that the reasons proposed by resident Michele Balaka for the recall of Chelsea School Board President Kristin van Reesema are factual and clear. van Reesema, whose school board term expires in 2022, could not be reached for comment Tuesday. An election in this case would not specifically ask voters to recall van Reesema. READ MORE:Parent pushes for recall of Chelsea School Board president over in-person classes debatePushing back in-person learning increase met with resistance from some Chelsea parentsSome Washtenaw County schools will miss out on funding for not offering enough in-person instruction

An Iowa man has been sentenced to 10 years behind bars for assaulting a man who asked that he adjust his face mask. Shane Wayne Michael, 42, was sentenced on June 9 after physically attacking and spitting on a man at a Vision 4 Less eyewear on Nov. 11, per Des Moines Register. According to the complaint, Michael of Saylor Township, followed Mark Dinning out of the retail store located at 3945 Merle Hay Road after the man asked him to properly adjust his face mask as it sat below his nose.

A special election will be held May 4, 2021 in certain Michigan communities.

A suburban Detroit school official who was paid $6,500 after her district bought education materials from a vendor has pleaded guilty.

ANN ARBOR – Local parent Nick Bagley has penned an open letter to the Michigan legislature and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer calling for legislation that would ensure children return to school full time this fall. “I think a lot of parents are feeling kind of hopeless about this school year,” said Bagley. Ann Arbor Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeanice Kerr Swift has publicly said that school will be back full time in the fall. “They’ve shredded the trust they had in the community.”He criticized the state’s decision to leave school openings during the pandemic up to the districts.

Here’s what you missed on Local 4 News at 4:How one school district is managing COVID clusterHow do local schools manage COVID-safety and prevent panic from spreading when infections are reported? One school district is educating everyone on the difference between an outbreak that requires a closure and a cluster that can be managed.

ANN ARBOR – A GoFundMe organized by parent group Ann Arbor Reasonable Return has surpassed its $30,000 goal in under 24 hours. “Ann Arbor Reasonable Return is exploring all options to get relief for families in the Ann Arbor Public Schools who have been in virtual only learning since March 13, 2020,” reads the GoFundMe page. “We are raising funds for establishing a political action committee (PAC) that can then take steps like retain professional legal and lobbying counsel. According to the Board of Education, if they vote to keep school virtual, children with the greatest needs will be able to return to buildings at the end of March. AdCo-founder of Ann Arbor Reasonable Return Lena Kauffman said that the group is currently in the process of signing with the firm.

JACKSON, MI – Snow, slippery roads and wind are causing Jackson-area schools to close on Friday, Feb. 5. Here’s the list. It will be updated as more closings come in. Columbia School DistrictConcord Community Schoolsda Vinci InstituteEast Jackson Community SchoolsFelician Childrens Center -- Montessori classroom only. child care openGrass Lake Community Schools -- child care openHanover-Horton School DistrictHillsdale AcademyHillsdale Community SchoolsHillsdale Preparatory AcademyHomer Community SchoolsHudson Area SchoolsJackson Area Career Center -- no remote learningJackson Catholic SchoolsJackson Christian SchoolJackson Public SchoolsJonesville Community SchoolsLeslie Public SchoolsLitchfield Community SchoolsMar Lee SchoolMarshall Public SchoolsMichigan Center Schools -- child care openNapoleon Community Schools -- child care openNorth Adams-Jerome Public SchoolsOnsted Community SchoolsReading Community SchoolsSpringport Community Schools -- childcare is openStockbridge Community SchoolsTrinity Lutheran SchoolVandercook Lake Public Schools -- child care also closedWestern School District -- child care openWhite Pine AcademyWill Carleton Academy

Skokie officials have said they hope to move on from phase 1a after this week. At least one Skokie school district has begun vaccinating teachers. School District 68 Superintendent James Garwood said the first day for its educators to get the shot was Tuesday, and he hopes all of his district’s eligible staffers under 1b who want the vaccine can get it by the end of March.

HORTON, MI - A positive COVID-19 case in an elementary school staff member is requiring some other Hanover-Horton School District staff and students to quarantine. Based on recommendations from the Jackson County Health Department, several students and two staff members will need to quarantine as a result of this positive case, Superintendent John Denney said. In a letter to families on Friday, Oct. 23, Denney said staff are in the process of contacting the parents of the students being required to quarantine. The quarantined students can continue their studies online and return to class upon the completion of their quarantine period, Denney said. The district is working with the health department and the staff member to begin contact tracing to determine the best course of action moving forward, Denney said.

BROOKLYN, MI - Two Columbia School District buildings have moved to remote learning this week after two staff members tested positive for COVID-19. The two individuals who tested positive will continue to quarantine for “the rest of the week,” she said. Moving to remote learning allows staff members who are quarantining to teach online, Campbell said, noting that there is a shortage in the substitute teacher pool to draw from. The Columbia School District is providing a choice between face-to-face daily instruction and virtual learning from home for all grades this fall. Jackson County schools offer a choiceMichigan Center schools move online after 2 employees test positive for coronavirus

BLACKMAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) – A Michigan school district has launched a GoFundMe-style fundraising campaign for school upgrades after residents voted against a bond proposal in 2018. MLive reports that Northwest Community Schools District started the Invest in Northwest portal in January. The district hopes to encourage people to give by sharing success stories on the website. The online portal does not have a timeline or total price tag. Some projects have money goals, while others don’t.

(Reuters) - Active shooter drills, a routine in American schools for the last two decades, tend to traumatize students and have not been proven to save lives, according to a report released on Tuesday. REUTERS/Joshua Lott/File PhotoThe report by gun safety group Everytown and several parent, student and teacher organizations recommended that schools move away from conducting unannounced drills and drills that mimic gun violence. Its now clear that unannounced active shooter drills are scaring Americas students without making them any safer, said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown. A total of 40 states now require schools to conduct routine drills, according to the report. Active shooter drills vary widely across the country.

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Mount Clemens Community Schools is a hometown district that provides a hometown feel. “Our school district is almost 200 years old, so we have strong roots here,” parents Thomas Barnes said. “You come here and everybody knows your name,” Macomb County Comunity Schools board member Jeanine Walker said. “You’re not a number.”Walker said the classes are smaller, so students get individualized attention. She said students work better in smaller group settings.

Dad sues Grosse Pointe school district over banPublished: January 8, 2020, 7:01 pmA father is suing the Grosse Pointe school district after he said he was banned.

(CBS DETROIT/CNN) A School District in Pennsylvania sent out hundreds of letters this week telling parents who had lunch debt to pay or their children could go into foster care. Your child has been sent to school every day without money and without a breakfast and/or lunch, the letter read. CNN has reached out to Wyoming Valley West School District, but has not heard back. Joseph Muth, the director of federal programs for the school district, was identified by WNEP as the man who wrote the letter. Muth also told the affiliate the school district was considering serving students with delinquent accounts peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Teachers in Chester, Pennsylvania, are beginning school without knowing when they will get paid. The school district is $22 million dollars in the red and is currently unable to pay the teachers. CBS News correspondent Jericka Duncan reports

A school district in Missouri may step away from teaching students how to write in cursive. The school district is considering not making cursive a priority because it believes technology has made writing in cursive obsolete. Students have mixed opinions about moving away from cursive. "I think they should teach it cause then we'll have a second way to write," said sixth-grader Logan Jennings. "I like writing my name in cursive and I wouldn't be able to know how if it weren't for my 3rd and 4th grade teachers," said sixth-grade student Jay Zimmerman.