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October 2016
Issue No. 3
MANS Legislative e-News
In the News
MANS 
510 S. Capitol Avenue
Lansing, Michigan 48933
5173729315
Greetings!

Please review the legislative and public policy updates below on several important issues impacting faith-based schools in Michigan. 
 
MANS and MCC staff are making great progress with MDE in developing the process for claiming a reimbursement for state health and safety mandates required of schools.  More information will be coming soon.
 
Please answer our poll question on whether your school is seeking reimbursement for water testing efforts conducted since July 1, 2016. Click here to visit the poll. 
 
The election season is winding down (most would say thankfully, I believe).  Do take the time to study the issues and exercise your right and duty to vote.  While the noise from the Presidential election can be deafening and discouraging, there are many other critical races on the ballot and your vote can have an impact.

Sincerely,

Brian Broderick
Michigan Association of Non-public Schools
Quick Policy Update
 
UPDATE: Mandate Reimbursement  
The Michigan Supreme Court denied Governor Snyder request for an advisory opinion on the constitutionality of a $2.5 million appropriation to reimburse non-public schools for state imposed health and safety mandates.

UPDATE: Teacher Evaluations
In order for a teacher to progress from a provisional certificate to a professional or advanced pro fessional certificate the teacher must be evaluated on an annual basis that meets the criteria of MCL 380.1531.
READ MORE


UPDATE: Shared Time 
MANS successfully advocated for the removal of a cap on shared time reimbursement in the 2016-17 budget. The following language was inserted in the budget to address a lingering issue in shared time - that is, what qualifies as a non-essential course.
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UPDATE: Restraint & Seclusion Legislative Packaging 
The House Education Committee passed a package of bills addressing restraint and seclusion of students who act out in school. HB 5418 mandates that Non-public Schools must adopt and implement a policy that is consistent with a state policy. 
READ MORE

UPDATE: Electric Choice 
Legislative efforts to curb electric choice continue to march on with the possibility of action in the lame duck session of the legislature.
READ MORE

UPDATE: Water Testing at Non-Public Schools 
Non-public schools are included as eligible recipients of reimbursements for water testing at schools throughout the state. The final budget negotiations settled reimbursement to schools up to $950 per school. 
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UPDATE: Michigan State Police Competitive School Safety Grants 
The Michigan State Police budget provides grant funding for schools to purchase equipment and/or technology to improve the safety and security of school buildings, students, and staff. A House/Senate Conference Committee settled on $2 million.  
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UPDATE: LGBTQ Voluntary Guidelines for Public Schools 
Michigan's public schools are being advised to allow transgender students to use the bathroom and locker room corresponding to their gender identity under a guidance document the State Board of Education (SBE) approved along party lines.  
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State Representative
Amanda Price (R-Holland)
 
Spotlight Interview
 
Representative Amanda Price was elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 to represent the 89th district, which includes the townships of Grand Haven, Olive, Park, Port Sheldon, Robinson, Blendon, Crockery and Spring Lake, and the cities of Ferrysburg and Grand Haven.

Since the 6th grade, Representative Price has been intrigued with the legislative process. Over the years, she ran her friend's campaigns for the House and Senate and finally had the opportunity to work in the Michigan Legislature in 2003. She particularly likes the development of policy.

When asked about specific issues of interest, Representative Price notes that "fifty percent (50%) of Michigan's third graders are proficient in reading. It has been my personal hope to improve these statistics through the introduction of House Bill 4822." She believes that "private school education provides parents a quality choice for children throughout Michigan."

MANS member schools in the 89th district include Borculo Christian/Zeeland, Grand Haven Christian, St. John's Lutheran/Grand Haven, and St. Mary's Catholic/Spring Lake.  

Representative Price serves as Chair of the House Education Committee, Vice Chair of the Local Government committee and is a member of the Communications and Technology, Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, and Workforce and Talent Development committees.
 
She and her husband Rodger have two sons, Nate and Collin, and three grandchildren, Evelyn, Braxton, and Camden.
MANS is dedicated to advancing the cause of faith-based schools in Michigan. Our work in Lansing is only valuable if we have support from knowledgeable stakeholders involved.  Join us! Together with parents, educators, pastors and friends, we can make a difference for Michigan's children.
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