Lansing, Mich. –– Today Senate Democratic Leader Mark Schauer joined his colleagues in voting to approve House Bill 5963, which will enter Michigan into the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. The purpose of the compact is to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families because of their frequent moves and the deployment of their parents. The bill passed with unanimous bipartisan support.

“Military families change locations frequently and it’s important to address the challenges that come with switching schools,” said Sen. Schauer. “Students often face eligibility and enrollment problems, and in some cases haven’t been able to graduate on time. This legislation aims to eliminate these obstacles so students can reach their full educational potential.”

The compact allows students to continue their enrollment at grade level, provides for the transfer of records, grants additional excused absences for a student to visit with his or her parent, and designates a liaison to assist military families and states with the compact’s implementation. The compact also establishes standards for student placement in courses, and standards for enrollment, extracurricular participation and graduation.

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