Mich. Education-Code Overhaul Shifts Power

By Lonnie Harp

Michigan lawmakers have approved the first major changes in the state's education code in two decades, drastically recasting the relationship between state officials and local school districts.

Senate Bill 679 would give school boards and superintendents authority to set their own course without having to search through state laws to determine whether they can launch a new program or revamp local procedures. Districts would face a wide range of new options under a law that narrowly spells out what is off limits, rather than listing what districts can do.

Aides said last week that Gov. John Engler would sign...