Legislation that would encourage schools in Michigan to go year-round has cleared a state House panel.
The bill would create a $2 million pilot program to help schools add air conditioning and other things that would allow them to operate in the summer. It would affect schools in mostly low-income areas of the state.
“I think there’s a lot of interest in year-round school,” said bill sponsor state Rep. Andy Schor, D-Lansing. “I’ve heard of a lot of interest. And now, schools will have the resources to be able to convert the buildings and have a balanced calendar throughout the year.”
Gov. Rick Snyder urged lawmakers to pass the proposal in his budget address earlier this month. He says students lose much of what they learn during the school year after long summer breaks.
Students would still have to attend school for the same number of days. They would just be spread out more throughout the year.
The bill now goes to the full state House.
