GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY — Traverse City Area Public Schools has joined multiple districts around the state in a lawsuit against the state of Michigan.
The lawsuit regards clarification into the fine print of using funding for mental health and security regarding waiving ‘full privilege” from any point in time.
TCAPS Board of Education President Scott Newman-Bale says the district is not against the nature of the legislation, but it is just too vague.
According to a letter from seven schools to the state, the requirement that districts “Waive any privilege” in the event of a “Mass casualty event” could extend to attorney-client, investigator-client, and work product protections.
They add the term “Mass casualty event” could also encompass routine but serious incidents-such as multiple injuries at athletic events or bus accidents.
Newman-Bale says he has spoken to legislators and attorneys regarding the meaning behind the requirement, and is hearing different responses from both sides.
He adds the requirement was not in the proposal draft.
Newman-Bale says he hopes that this will be a quick process, as they have to agree to the clause before November 30th.
Funds will have to be disbursed by the end of the year.