School Closing Tallies Rise with Sustained Harsh Weather

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Winter's icy grip on Michigan has some in the Legislature arguing once again that the state should allow schools more days for weather-related closures before they must add extra days to the end of the school year.

Schools can be closed for up to six days before they must make up time to receive full funding from the state. But Michigan's 852 school districts missed an average of 9.5 school days in the 2013-2014 school year. And this winter is shaping up to be harsh as well.

A bill introduced this month by Cadillac Republican Representative Phil Potvin would increase the number of days that can be missed from six to nine.

Potvin said his goal is to provide more safety for students.