Transparency Reporting

Section 18 (2) of the Public Act 94 of 1979, The State School Aid Act, has been amended, which requires each School District and Intermediate School District to post certain information on its website within 30 days after a board adopts its annual operating budget and/or subsequent revision to that budget. The Annual Budget & Transparency Reporting is an opportunity to communicate to our community on how we utilize the resources that are provided to us.

Intermediate School Districts, in compliance with Section 620 of the Revised School Code, are also required to post an annual report on their web site.

K–5 Literacy Curriculum

In accordance with Section 164k(e) of the State School Aid Act, Shiawassee RESD is issuing this notice regarding its K–5 literacy curriculum.  The district’s current K–5 literacy curriculum is not included on the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Recommended Literacy Materials List.  Under Michigan's Section 164k(e), curricula not included on this list are not designated by MDE as “evidence-based or aligned to state standards” through the recommended list process, “which could negatively impact student academic outcomes”.  Michigan law and MDE guidance (MDE Memo), does not require districts to select a curriculum from the MDE list. The list is not exhaustive and represents one method for demonstrating alignment.    Under federal law districts are required to provide instruction as aligned to a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and ensure that the necessary accommodations or equipment are provided to pupils as required under Section 504 of Title V of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 USC 794, and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 USC 12131 to 12165.    The district will continue to monitor literacy instruction, student data, and guidance from the MDE and any future curriculum changes will be communicated to families.

Annual Notices

10/1/2026

Michigan law requires schools to provide a variety of annual notices. Several of these notifications are included in our student handbooks. Today, I am sharing three additional notifications required by Michigan law: information about the importance of safe firearm storage, post-secondary opportunities, and the use of detection dogs.

Safe Firearm Storage

This notification is part of a statewide effort to promote student safety and comply with MCL 28.435 (Public Act 17 of 2023). Please review the resources provided by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) at: Safe Storage Resources for Families.

These materials explain safe storage practices and provide guidance to help ensure firearms are secured properly, reducing the risk of accidental injury. Ensuring the safety of our students and community is a shared responsibility. The MDHHS informational notices are available at the following links:

•What is the Secure Storage Law in Michigan?
•Safe Storage Notice

The Revised School Code also requires public school districts, intermediate school districts, and public school academies to post on their websites a link to the MDHHS webpage that hosts multiple language versions of the safe storage notices listed above. See MCL 380.1313b(3). The MDHHS webpage hosting the multiple language versions of the notices is located at: Safe Storage Resources for Families Multiple Language Versions.

Post-Graduation Opportunities

As required by law (MCL 380.1293), post-graduation information packets are shared with all students in grades 8-12. The packet is designed to provide valuable information and resources to help students plan for their future after high school. The packet includes information about:

• College Information
• Financial Aid
• Career exploration and job search strategies
• Early college credit in high school
• Additional training resources

The full packet can be accessed by clicking the link: Michigan Career Pathfinder Resources.

Use of Detection Dogs 

The District may use detection dogs, without a warrant or consent, to sniff property in an effort to locate illegal drugs or contraband according to Board Policy 3107's protocol. Detection dogs will not be used to search a person unless the search is otherwise authorized by law or Policy.

The District will inform students and personnel over the public address system when a detection dog is being used and may direct students and personnel to remain in place or relocate.

A detection dog alerting on a person's property constitutes reasonable suspicion for a District administrator to search the property. Anything found during a search that violates Policy, school rules, school handbook, or state or federal law may be seized and used as evidence in a disciplinary proceeding. Any illegal drugs, dangerous weapons, and other illegal items found during a search will be tagged and identified by a District administrator and turned over to law enforcement.