Schools in Grand Traverse County can now waive up to four additional make-up days after Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a bipartisan relief bill into law on Wednesday.
The legislation addresses disruptions caused by severe winter storms and flooding that hit Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula this year. Traverse City is in Grand Traverse County, one of 47 counties eligible for the waiver.
Which Counties Qualify
According to the governor's office, the following counties can excuse additional school days:
- Grand Traverse County
- Antrim County
- Leelanau County
- Benzie County
- Mason County
- Lake County
- Osceola County
- Clare County
- Gladwin County
- Arenac County
- Manistee County
- Wexford County
- Missaukee County
- Roscommon County
- Ogemaw County
- Iosco County
- Kalkaska County
- Crawford County
- Oscoda County
- Alcona County
- Emmet County
- Otsego County
- Montmorency County
- Alpena County
- Charlevoix County
- Cheboygan County
- Presque Isle County
- Gogebic County
- Ontonagon County
- Houghton County
- Iron County
- Baraga County
- Marquette County
- Dickinson County
- Menominee County
- Alger County
- Delta County
- Schoolcraft County
- Luce County
- Chippewa County
- Mackinac County
- Keweenaw County
The bill also includes counties downstate that experienced flooding from a water main break earlier this year.
What the Bill Means for Families
School districts in eligible counties can forgive up to four additional weather-related closure days without requiring students to make them up. This means schools may avoid extending the academic year into summer or scheduling make-up days on weekends.
"This bill removes unnecessary penalties on students and schools whose routines were disrupted," Governor Whitmer said. "I'm focused on securing funds to help Michiganders rebuild their communities. In the meantime, I'm proud to sign a bill that provides relief to schools and communities who were hit hard by these storms."
Who Sponsored the Legislation
The bill was sponsored by State Rep. Parker Fairbairn, a Republican representing Harbor Springs. Fairbairn said the extreme weather created a "problematic situation" for schools that required swift legislative action.
"Unpredictable and extreme winter weather across Northern Michigan and the UP this year created a problematic situation for schools that required quick action from lawmakers," Fairbairn said. "I'm grateful to see the governor sign the bill I sponsored to address this difficult situation, allowing local school boards a little leeway in managing their calendar after a second straight year of extreme weather."
This is the second consecutive year Northern Michigan schools have faced severe weather disruptions, according to Fairbairn.
What Comes Next
Local school boards in Grand Traverse County will decide whether to use the waiver. Districts are not required to waive any days. The relief applies only to schools that canceled instruction days due to winter storms and flooding during the current school year.
The bill was reported by UpNorthLive on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.