Subject Index Schools

The Illinois State Board of Education adopted amendments establishing education protocols to be followed whenever the governor declares a disaster due to a public health emergency. Specifically, the rulemaking addresses the implementation of remote-learning days and “blended” remote-learning days, teacher performance evaluations, and certain graduation requirements.

On Jan. 22, 2021, the Illinois Supreme Court held that the 2011 amendment to section 34-85 of Illinois School Code does not diminish the Chicago Board of Education’s implied power to issue a suspension on a tenured teacher.

The Department of Children and Family Services adopted amendments to Licensing Standards for Day Care Homes, Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers, and Licensing Standards for Group Day Care Homes.

Public Act 101-0643 amends the School Code. Grants for preschool education programs have been altered, and grantees may now serve the children of essential workers if the governor declares a disaster due to a public-health emergency.

On April 16, 2020, the Illinois Supreme Court affirmed the Second District Appellate Court’s holding that section 24-6 of the Illinois School Code does not allow a teacher who gives birth at the end of the school year to use her accumulated paid sick leave at the start of the next school year.

The State Board of Education adopted amendments to the Part titled Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision, replacing the emergency rules previously in effect.

On Dec. 23, 2019, the First District Appellate Court reversed the Chicago Board of Education’s decision to impose a 90-day-time-served suspension on a tenured elementary school teacher who was reinstated after disciplinary hearings.

The General Assembly amended the University of Illinois Act, the Southern Illinois University Management Act, the Chicago State University Law, the Eastern Illinois University Law, the Governors State University Law, the Illinois State University Law, the Northern Illinois University Law, the Western Illinois University Law, and the Public Community College Act, to provide that individuals who are on active military duty or receiving veterans’ education benefits must be deemed Illinois residents for tuition purposes at any public Illinois university.

To proactively address the college-debt crisis and increase access to postsecondary education for Illinois residents, the General Assembly passed the Student Investment Account Act. Lawmakers passed the Act to enable qualified residents to pursue and finance higher education.

The School Code now requires each school district to create, maintain, and implement an age-appropriate policy on sexual harassment.

The Illinois State Board of Education (BOE) adopted amendments to Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision concerning state assessment tests, now known as state accountability assessments.

Textbooks authorized to be purchased under 105 ILCS 5/2-3.155 must include the roles and contributions of all people protected under the Illinois Human Rights Act.

The Illinois General Assembly amended the School Code to require school districts to allow students to self-administer medications if they have specialized health action plans including...

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission adopted an amendment to the Part titled General Provisions, implementing the Higher Education Student Assistance Act, which requires that public universities and community colleges that enroll financial aid-eligible students annually disclosure certain information to students or to their parents or guardians.

On May 10, 2019, the First District Appellate Court affirmed the Chicago Board of Education’s decision to dismiss a teacher based on irremediable conduct. Under 105 ILCS 5/34-85(a),

The School Code has been amended to create an Emotional Intelligence and Social and Emotional Learning Task Force. The task force is created to develop curriculum, create assessment guidelines, and establish best practices on emotional intelligence and social and emotional learning.

The School Code is amended by changing section 14-6.01 regarding the powers and duties of school boards. These new amendments establish how school boards must notify students with disabilities that they may qualify for federal services.

The School Code was amended to provide that a parent or guardian is now able to administer a medical cannabis-infused product to a student on school property as long as it is not disruptive to the school environment.

An extensive provision has been added to the School Code, providing an alternate route to a high school diploma for adult learners.

This rulemaking implements Public Act 99-842, which expands institutional eligibility for the College Illinois! 529 Prepaid Tuition Program by removing certain criteria previously required by the State.

The Fire Protection Code underwent significant changes in regards to how the Office of the State Fire Marshal ("OSFM") qualifies and provides oversight for public school fire inspectors. 41 Ill. Adm. Code 111 (eff. May 20, 2016).

On December 3, 2015, the Fifth District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that a public school teacher should be reinstated after the Board of Education of Murphysboro Community Unit School District No. 186 (the "Board") dismissed her.

The Right to Privacy in the School Setting Act has been amended to require students to provide their passwords to social media sites when certain violations are suspected.

The School Code has been amended to provide for mandatory background checks at state-recognized non-public schools employing student teachers.

For schools receiving payments from the General State Aid Fund, the State Board of Education is to calculate each district's pro-rata share of the minimum $13,600,000 available.

The School Code has been amended to add a section laying out criteria for low-performing school districts to be considered "priority districts" that qualify for further assistance and resources.

A new rulemaking by the State Board of Education allows school support personnel to enter principal preparation programs, so long as they enroll by June 30, 2019.