AP Sources: Whitmer Wants K-12 Schools Reopened By March 1

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will on Friday strongly encourage all K-12 schools in Michigan to reopen for in-person instruction by March 1 as the state starts offering the coronavirus vaccine to teachers, The Associated Press has learned.

Two education officials briefed on the governor's planned announcement disclosed it to the AP. They spoke on the condition of anonymity ahead of an afternoon news conference.

Many schools have been fully remote during the pandemic. The governor will not seek to require in-person classes — her unilateral emergency powers were curbed by a court ruling — but wants face-to-face instruction to at least be offered.

Whitmer recently lifted her administration's ban on in-person learning in high schools after a surge in COVID-19 cases waned. Her office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on her announcement.

Under a 2020 law, Michigan schools that deem it safe to provide in-person classes during the virus outbreak must prioritize the option for K-5 students.

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• Coronavirus
• Michigan