Fraser Board flags "waiver" clause in $660,000 state mental-health grant; decision delayed

At its Nov. 10 regular meeting, the Fraser Board of Education learned the state's 31aa grant for school mental health, safety and emergency preparedness carries a "waiver of privilege and cooperation" clause that district staff say represents a material change in the state's legal relationship with local districts.

Superintendent Carrie Wozniak told the board the district's share is estimated at about $660,000 and that the waiver language could affect protections under Michigan's Governmental Tort Liability Act (MCL 691.1407). She said the board will be asked at the next meeting to decide whether to accept the funds under those conditions.

Why it matters: 31aa funds are intended to expand mental-health supports, safety improvements and emergency-preparedness work in schools. Board members must weigh the program benefits against potential legal and privacy implications of the waiver language, especially because the district's traditional governmental-immunity protections are governed by statute.

What the board heard: Dr. Wozniak summarized the grant purpose and the district's estimated allocation and highlighted concern about the specific clause requiring a "waiver of privilege and cooperation." The minutes record her framing of the clause as a material change in the state's relationship with local districts; no formal vote on acceptance occurred that night.

Next steps: The board will revisit the 31aa grant at its next regular meeting, when members can propose conditions, request legal review, or vote to accept or reject the award. The minutes do not record any motion, amendment or deadline for that decision.

Provenance: The topic was introduced and discussed in the superintendent's report on Nov. 10 (see meeting transcript segment SEG 009).