Gov. Whitmer announces school plans. (Photo: State of Michigan)
Students are expected to return to the classroom this fall, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Wednesday. More details come June 30 in a “Michigan’s Return to School Roadmap."
"Schools must make sure to enact strict safety measures to continue protecting educators, students and their families," Whitmer says in a statement. "I will continue working closely with the Return to Learn Advisory Council and leaders in health care to ensure we get this right, but we also need more flexibility and support from the federal government."
Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the state's chief doctor, said: "The most important thing we can do when developing a return to school plan is closely examine the data and remain vigilant in our steps to fight this virus."
Many students finished the school year with lessons on Zoom and other online platforms.
The governor will consider the last two phases of her "safe-start plan" and the Michigan Economic Recover Council’s eight regions of the state to determine when, where, and how face-to-face instruction can resume.
Whitmer Lashes Out
Whitmer chastised Republican lawmakers who have tried to strip her emergency powers during the pandemic.
“We still see attempts to take away my authority to take these actions, which made it all possible in the first place,” the governor said. “I want to be very clear: Any attempt to strip away the powers of the governor during this crisis is irresponsible, dangerous and foolish.”
