CLK latest district to push for local control

The week began with the Hancock Public Schools Board of Education pushing for local control over in-person instruction and extracurricular activities. It is ending with the Public Schools of Calumet, Laurium, and the Keweenaw doing the same. At a special meeting of the CLK Board of Education Thursday, the organization unanimously passed a resolution and action item saying that winter sports should be allowed to return before February 21st.

Superintendents from across the state have spoken out against the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services decision to delay winter contact sports again. Even officials from the City of Detroit, a Democratic stronghold where Governor Whitmer enjoys strong support, have been vocal about the move being a mistake. CLK entertained joining a lawsuit from an organization called Let Them Play Michigan Inc. Legal counsel advised against that course of action.

The issue has exploded at the state level as well in recent days. In an effort to get kids playing again, the GOP in Lansing is resorting to very different tactics. The Republican majority in the State House is threatening to block $2.1 billion from the United States Department of Education earmarked for local districts until the governor relinquishes her authority, along with the Department of Health and Human Services, to make decisions on closing schools or halting extracurricular activities.

The GOP majority in the State Senate blocked over a dozen appointments for various agencies this week, in effect until Whitmer makes similar concessions. In the end, disparate and unconnected parties through a confluence of events, have placed incredible pressure on the governor. That will continue tomorrow as students participate in “Let Them Play” rallies. One will happen in Houghton at 11 AM. The main gathering will be at the capitol in Lansing.