LANSING, Mich. (Feb. 4, 2021) — Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia) has released the following statement after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer today signed Executive Order 2021-02 to create the Student Recovery Advisory Council of Michigan that will provide guidance and recommendations to ensure Michigan students have the tools and resources they need to get back on track:

“I’m thankful that Gov. Whitmer continues to prioritize the health and well-being of Michigan’s teachers and students as we continue to navigate the challenges that have been created as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m looking forward to serving on the newly created Student Recovery Advisory Council and not only participating in the important conversations that must be had about the road ahead for Michigan’s education system, but in developing the necessary solutions we need to strengthen supports in place for our teachers and staff and ensure that every single student has an opportunity to succeed.”

Housed within the Department of Technology Management and Budget, the council will be composed of 29 members from diverse backgrounds who are appointed by the governor, and tasked with:

  • Developing and submitting recommendations to the governor, state superintendent, and state budget director regarding student recovery.
  • Recommending actions to develop and improve systems for academic support for students who experienced learning loss due to COVID-19.
  • Recommending actions to develop and improve systems for mental and physical health for students impacted by COVID-19.
  • Recommending actions to develop and improve systems to support high school students transitioning into postsecondary education.
  • Recommending actions to develop and improve out-of-school time supports, including, but not limited to, summer school, before and after school programs, and extended school years.
  • Assembling critical voices from the education and public health communities to assist in identifying key challenges students face due to the pandemic.
  • Providing other information or advice or take other actions as requested by the governor.
  • Reporting regularly to the governor on its activities and make recommendations on an ongoing basis.

Last summer, Whitmer launched the Return to School Advisory Council to develop a framework to inform K-12 districts planning for the 2020-2021 school year, and Sen. Polehanki was a member of that body as well.

###