Tenured Teacher Remediation Warnings Now Subject to Arbitration

Governor Pritzker signed Senate Bill 2914 into law on July 24, 2026, and it went into effect immediately. Now codified as Public Act 104-0647, this law enacts significant changes to Section 24-12 of the School Code, which governs the written warning that a tenured teacher must receive before being dismissed for reasons that are considered remediable.

The law establishes additional procedural requirements both before and after a school board issues such a warning, often referred to as a “notice of remedial warning” or “notice to remedy.” For example, the teacher must have the opportunity to respond to the findings in writing or in person before the school board approves the warning, and the written warning can be taken to binding arbitration. These amendments represent a notable departure from longstanding law and practice, under which such warnings were not subject to arbitration because their issuance fell within school boards’ statutory authority. School districts should review and, as appropriate, revise their procedures to ensure compliance with the new requirements. For a more detailed review of the bill, please see our May 2026 Law Alert. Contact your Robbins Schwartz attorney with any questions regarding potential impacts of this legislation on your institution.