Although most schools are back to in-person instruction, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic led many school officials (and parents) to consider virtual learning. Special education students typically have the same right to participate in virtual programming as their non-disabled peers if the virtual placement provides the student a free appropriate public educa­tion (FAPE). Before placing a special education student in a virtual program, the following questions should be reviewed:

The Ingham County Circuit Court recently denied a parent’s attempt to stop the enforcement of a school mask rule issued by the school’s superintendent. Holland v DeWitt Pub Schs, Ingham County Circuit Court Case No. 21-12099-CZ (2022). Although not binding on other Michigan circuit courts, the decision may provide persuasive authority in challenges to similar rules issued by school superintendents.

The school’s mask rule required students and staff to wear masks at school....

FOIA, while a hallmark of transparency, can overwhelm school officials with its strict response timelines, potential for large record requests, and cryp­tic exemptions. As members of the community and media seek to understand policies, track expenses, and unearth communications involving schools, school officials – particularly FOIA coordinators – should be familiar with the contours of FOIA. Misapplying an exemption and improperly withholding records can subject the school to an appeal in...

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is now implementing the 2022 Michigan Clean Diesel Program. This program seeks to subsidize the replacement of diesel vehicles, engines, and/or equipment with either (1) zero tailpipe emission vehicles, engines, or equipment or (2) hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles, engines, or equipment.

The program funds may be used to decommission and replace diesel school buses. To be eligible, a bus must be operational, have...