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MI education says state should plan now for post-COVID schools

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State superintendent Michael Rice delivered a report today to the Michigan State Board of Education. He offered some recommendations on handling in-class and remote learning in the new school year.

       Rice recommends the Legislature rely on last year’s student count and funding formula when setting a state school budget. Rice says he has not given up hope on another round of financial assistance from Washington.

       Rice says he’s aware that leaves a lot of gaps and uncertainty. But, he says, the situation is unprecedented.

       “I just don’t know what perfect in a pandemic is.”

       Rice says a divide in resources – especially tablets, phones, and access to high-speed internet – makes the challenge bigger in many rural and urban districts, and that’s a challenge that can no longer be ignored. The Legislature plans special Saturday and Monday sessions to adopt a back-to-school plan.