As the 2020–2021 school year draws closer or, for some, is already here, ISBE and IDPH continue to publish new and updated COVID-19 guidance directed at Pre-K through 12 schools.

On August 5, 2020, the Appellate Court in Better Government Association v. City of Chicago Office of Mayor, 2020 IL App (1st) 190038, held that text messages and emails that pertain to public business on personal devices or accounts of public officials may subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The Appellate Court further held that defendants’ refusal to inquire with their respective officials as to whether their personal accounts contained responsive records was not reasonable. 2020 IL App (1st) 190038.

On August 13, 2020, the University Professionals of Illinois (the “Union”) announced its filing of unfair labor practice charges with the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board (“IELRB”) against Eastern and Western Illinois Universities relative to the institutions’ back-to-campus in-person learning plans.

Tax increment financing (“TIF”) is a legal mechanism which helps municipalities redevelop a “blighted area” by using property taxes from properties in a defined area (the TIF district) that are redirected away from other taxing districts.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”) rules, which go into effect on August 14, 2020, require significant revisions to school districts’ policies and grievance procedures, as well as training for district personnel who are involved in the Title IX investigation and grievance process. To assist your school district in preparing for implementation of the new Rules, our attorneys have developed a Toolkit of required forms and notices for use by districts in processing Title IX sexual harassment reports and complaints. Our team is also offering a comprehensive, three-hour in-service training for your school district Title IX personnel.

UPDATED Supply Kit: Our attorneys have developed a COVID-19 Return to Campus Supply Kit for higher education institutions as of November 23, 2020. The Supply Kit contains various forms, notices and other documents for use by higher education institutions.

We have been closely monitoring the guidance from ISBE, IDPH and the CDC. In light of the new guidance received over the last week from ISBE, IDPH and the CDC, we have updated several of our forms to ensure you have the most current and up-to-date information for your school community.

UPDATED 8/3/2020: We are pleased to continue to provide COVID-19 resources to our Robbins Schwartz community.

We are excited to announce that Robbins Schwartz achieved the “Be Safe. Chicago” badge of approval for our reopening business plan in line with the City of Chicago guidelines put…