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The Michigan Finance Authority (MFA) recently released the August 2026 state aid note (SAN) program materials, including the loan application, cash flow workbook, instructions, and financing schedule. Typically, SAN program materials are posted to the MFA website. But this year, due to technical issues, the MFA distributed all materials by email on May 6, 2026.…

Subject to limited exceptions, the Michigan Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) requires Michigan schools to provide earned sick time to employees. ESTA does not directly address attendance bonus structures that discourage employees from using earned sick time, and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), which enforces ESTA, has not published written guidance…

On May 26, 2026, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 5797 of 2026 into law with immediate effect, granting certain school districts primarily in Northern Michigan and Oakland County additional exemptions from the minimum days of pupil instruction required under the State School Aid Act. House Bill 5797 applies to this 2025-26 school year only…

Every successful school construction project begins with a strong conceptual foundation.  Understanding the nuts and bolts of architect requirements, independent supervision, competitive bidding, and construction delivery methods will help school officials build that foundation and navigate their project with confidence. Use of Architect/Engineer Regardless of the selected delivery method, under both the School Building Construction…

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) includes a series of procedural requirements to help Individualized Education Program (IEP) Teams and special educators develop and implement legally compliant IEPs. These procedural requirements can seem unnecessary or tedious, but when faced with a state complaint or due process hearing, full compliance helps protect against liability. The…

On March 27, 2026, the Michigan Department of Treasury notified all public employers of the “hard cap” contribution limits under the Publicly Funded Health Insurance Contribution Act (PA 152) for medical benefit plans renewing on or after January 1, 2027. The 2026 cap amounts were increased by 3.0%. The adjustment is based on the change…

As schools begin planning for bond elections to finance large construction projects, architectural or construction management firms may offer pre-bond agreements. These agreements can provide valuable guidance in planning, estimating costs, and preparing for bond elections and projects, but they also carry potential pitfalls if not negotiated carefully. Scope of Services Pre-bond agreements typically outline…