EAA Expansion Bill Passes House

Late Thursday  afternoon, the House amended and passed House Bill 4369, which allows for expansion of the Education Achievement Authority.  The bill  very narrowly passed by a vote of 56-54.  House Bill 4369 was amended to include a phased in cap of 50 schools, Freedom of Information Act and audit requirements, an exit strategy and an Intermediate School District option.  The exit strategy language was a first step but did not go far enough in giving our schools an ability to return to their district or seek a different turnaround model if the EAA proved unsuccessful. 

Even more concerning was the ISD option.  It does not give ISD’s the same timelines and powers of the EAA.  This is problematic, if they are able to take over a struggling school building, the local ISD should have the same requirements of it to turn that building around.

We expect the Senate to take final action on the bill next week so look for more information soon.

-Michigan Association of School Boards