Legal News & Updates
We monitor legal developments to provide timely, insightful guidance, keeping our clients informed of the latest changes in laws, regulations, and industry trends. Our team stays engaged in the evolution of the law, enabling us to proactively address emerging issues and offer strategic counsel for both current and future challenges.
Latest Updates & News
Gov. Pritzker Renews His Call to Ban Cell Phones in Illinois Classrooms
During his annual State of the State address, Governor Pritzker renewed his call to ban cell phone use during school hours, stating, “It’s time to get cell phones out of the classroom.” The Governor’s office cited research showing that “72% of high school teachers identified cell phone distraction as a ‘major problem’ in their classroom.”
ISSRA, Not FOIA: Clarifying Parents’ Avenue to Access Educational Records
Parents have the right to access their student’s educational records. However, there can be confusion as to which avenue under the law they can or should pursue for access to these student records.
Illinois PAC Issues Binding Opinion on Improper Restrictions on Public Comment
The Illinois PAC issued binding opinion 26-001, finding that the Village of Sauk Village violated the Open Meetings Act by impermissibly restricting a member of the public from addressing the Village Board during a committee meeting.
| In Brief
U.S. Department of Education Releases Final Title IX Rules
On May 6, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education released its final Rules governing how educational institutions must address allegations of sexual harassment and assault under Title IX of the…
| COVID-19, In Brief
Stay‐at‐Home Orders Extend into May, Despite Lawsuits
On April 30, Governor Pritzker issued a new stay‐at‐home order, Executive Order 2020‐32, extending from May 1 to May 29, despite lawsuits challenging his authority to do so. In addition,…
| Firm News
Join Us as We Present at the LUDA 2020 Spring Digital Conference, June 3-5
Join our attorneys Caroline A. Roselli, Joseph J. Perkoski, Laura M. Sinars, Frank B. Garrett III, and Todd K. Hayden at the LUDA 2020 Spring Digital Conference, June 3-5 as they…
| In Brief
Illinois Department of Human Rights Publishes Model Sexual Harassment Prevention Training
On April 28, 2020, the Illinois Department of Human Rights (“IDHR”) released its model Sexual Harassment Prevention Training program under the Workplace Transparency Act (“WTA”) signed into law in August 2019.
| COVID-19, Education
ISBE Issues Emergency Rules to Modify State-Mandated Graduation Requirements
On April 27, following Governor Pritzker’s April 24, 2020 Executive Order 2020-31, the Illinois State Board of Education (“ISBE”) released Emergency Rules temporarily modifying the State-mandated graduation requirements. According to…
| In Brief
Illinois Supreme Court Rules Contractor Can Recover for Services Even Without a Board-Approved Contract and a Failure to Go to Bid
On April 16, 2020, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that a contractor could recover outstanding sums for emergency repair and reconstruction work performed on behalf of a school district despite the district’s failure to follow the bidding requirements for contracts under the School Code and the district’s failure to have the contract approved by a formal board vote.
| COVID-19, In Brief
Managing School Finances During Uncertain Times: What Should I Be Doing Now?
Revenues and expenses are always difficult to predict, so preparing a viable budget and keeping it in balance are among the most challenging demands school financial officials will face.
| Law Alerts
Illinois Supreme Court Confirms School Districts’ Right to Limit Use of Sick Days Following Birth
On April 16, 2020, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that the Illinois School Code did not entitle a teacher who gave birth at the end of one school year to…
| COVID-19, In Brief
Electronic Bidding Requirements in Light of COVID-19 Shutdown
Due to language in the Governor’s Executive Order 2020‐15, issued March 27, 2020, many school districts and contractors have had questions regarding whether electronic bid openings are permissible for construction…
| COVID-19, In Brief
Department of Labor Issues Rules for New Federal Leave Laws
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), requires private employers with less than 500 employees and all public sector employers to provide eligible employees with new paid leave benefits for…