Governor Gretchen Whitmer signs a bill. (State of Michigan photo)

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. – On Tuesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a bipartisan bill to forgive school makeup days, supporting dozens of communities across the state that were impacted by severe weather following unprecedented snow melt, spring storms, and flooding.

“Michigan families are still feeling the impacts of the severe weather that devastated many of our communities,” said Whitmer. “This bill removes unnecessary penalties on students and schools whose routines were disrupted. I’m focused on securing funds to help Michiganders rebuild their communities. In the meantime, I’m proud to sign a bill that provides relief to schools and communities who were hit hard by these storms.”

Forty-two counties, including all of the Upper Peninsula, are included. Prior to the passage of the bill, some schools were due to add extra school days to the end of the year because they’d used more closures than the calendar had built in.

“Unpredictable and extreme winter weather across Northern Michigan and the U.P. this year created a problematic situation for schools that required quick action from lawmakers,” said state Rep. Parker Fairbairn (R-Harbor Springs). “I’m grateful to see the Governor sign the bill I sponsored to address this difficult situation, allowing local school boards a little leeway in managing their calendar after a second straight year of extreme weather.”

Escanaba Area School issued a statement yesterday, issuing thanks to Representative Dave Prestin and Senator Ed McBroom for proposing and supporting the legislation.

“Schools and families across my district are pleased to see the extraordinary circumstances of this winter recognized by the forgiveness of these days,” said state Sen. Ed McBroom (R-Waucedah Township). “Our schools and teachers have already worked hard to make up the lost classroom time so that students and families can keep their work and summer plans in place.”

House Bill 5797, sponsored by Fairbairn, provides excusals for Michigan schools who canceled instruction days due to storms and flooding. The legislation provides relief to schools in northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, which experienced severe winter storms and spring flooding, as well as counties downstate who endured unprecedented flooding from a water main break in May. Counties described in previous executive orders 2026-7, 2026-9, and 2026-11 following the devastating storms and water main break can waive additional school days.

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The Daily Press added to this report, which initially was distributed as a press release by the State of Michigan.