Michigan school year expected to end with students being promoted due to pandemic

FOX 2 - Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is expected to officially end the school year with an executive order soon, according to a published report. 

All seniors would graduate and students would move onto the next grade in fall as long as they were on course to pass their current grade according to Bridge Magazine. 

The order would allow all schools to remain closed amid the COVID-19 pandemic, while no third-grade students will be flunked for failure to read. Remote learning online is expected to continue.

A spokesperson from the state declined to comment.

Southeast Michigan has been a national hotspot for the coronavirus with nearly 6,500 cases and 184 deaths. In the last two days there have been 73 deaths alone.

FOX 2's Tim Skubick reports that Republican state lawmakers are not on board yet with ending the school year, but wish for students to eventually have a summer school type of program, if the pandemic threat is over by then.

Skubick said that based on what he knows, Republican leaders will present the summer school plan sometime this week. The plan could start in July or August if not sooner, in June. 

"It is all in play," Skubick said there is a potential disagreement brewing over it. 

RELATED: Frequently asked questions about Michigan's 'Stay Home, Stay Safe' order

RELATED: Is it the flu, a cold or COVID-19? Different viruses present similar symptoms

Symptoms for coronavirus COVID-19 include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. 

To protect yourself, wash your hands well and often, keep them away from your face, and avoid crowds and standing close to people.

Are you showing symptoms? Try Beaumont's virtual screening tool