Digital Choices Expand in MI Today

Senate Bill 619, which expands online learning for public charter schools and gives parents and students greater freedom to choose digital learning options, passed in Michigan today.
“While traditional public schools and school districts in MI enjoyed the freedom to offer a full range of online and blended learning programs for students with no restrictions or caps, the same was not afforded to public charter schools,” says Jeff Kwitowski, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at K12, Inc. “While not perfect, SB 619 takes positive steps to allow equal opportunity for all public schools to offer online and blended learning programs to students, and ensures parents and kids are not blocked from their public schools of choice.”
Brian and Heidi Kevelin, Board Members of the National Coalition for Public School Options (NCPSO) Michigan Chapter, released the following statement following the pass of SB 619:

“For months now, parents and students have faithfully travelled to Lansing to make their voices heard, meeting with their legislators and testifying about the benefits online learning options have delivered for their families. Today, the State House took action to expand access to online learning, and we are grateful.

We are especially grateful to State Representatives Lisa Lyons and Tom McMillin, current and past chairs of the House Education Committee, for their work on behalf of families, and to State Senators Phil Pavlov and Patrick Colbeck for their relentless leadership and commitment to passing Senate Bill 619.

While it is very unfortunate that partisanship stood in the way of allowing this bill to take effect immediately offering help to families this coming school year, more options for a great education are coming soon to Michigan, and for thousands of families across our state that brings excitement, relief and the opportunity.”