Legislative Input

The Washtenaw Intermediate School District held a “Legislative Breakfast” today. Board of Education trustees Kim Van Hoek, David Friese and David Medley and I attended to listen and provide input to State Legislators.

State Senator Randy Richardville, State Representative Kathy Angerer and State Representative Pam Byrnes were in attendance to discuss what is happening in Lansing and what we might expect for the next year. Much of the discussion centered around changing the allowable “drop out” age from 16 years old to 18 years old. This topic tends to be more complex that it initially indicated. Student drop outs at 16 often struggle with the academic structure – altering the age will not change that issue. Due to the Alternative High School here in Saline we have the potential of assisting the students with this issue internally.

Mandatory “All Day” Kindergarten was also a topic. The idea is still in committee at this time.

There was also a discussion about expanding the language around “sinking fund” millages to include technology and school bus purchases.

Below State Representative Pam Byrnes is pictured with (R-L) David Medley, Kim Van Hoek, (Ms. Byrnes) and David Friese.