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.
| Law Alerts
Principal Evaluation Reminder
All principals with single year contracts, and principals who are currently in the final year of a multi-year contract, must be evaluated no later than March 1, 2011. Failure to…
| Law Alerts
Revised Registration Requirements for Illinois Substitute Teachers
On December 30, 2010, Public Act 96-1489 was signed into law, which amends Section 10-21.9 of the Illinois School Code by revising registration requirements for substitute teachers. The revised registration…
| Law Alerts
Additional Obligations Placed on Schools Related to Students with Diabetes: “The Care of Students with Diabetes Act” becomes Law in Illinois
On December 1, 2010, the Illinois General Assembly voted to override the Governor’s amendatory veto making the Care of Students with Diabetes Act (“Act”) Illinois law. This Act is effective immediately. The…
| In Brief
Employee Dismissals and RIF Layoff Checklist
This In Brief will summarize school districts’ obligations under The School Code for non-reemployment and dismissal of non-tenured teachers and reduction-in-force (“RIF”) of tenured teachers and educational support staff (“ESP”).…
| In Brief
Pension Changes to Affect Article 3 and Article 4 Pension Funds
On December 30, 2010, Governor Quinn signed Senate Bill 3538 into law (P.A. 96-1495, the “Act” ), completing Illinois’ pension reform for 2010, which has effected changes in all of…
| Law Alerts
Reminder of New Laws Concerning School Districts Effective 1/1/2011
The following laws have an effective date of January 1, 2011. Open Meetings Act Changes Public Act 96-1473 amends the Open Meetings Act in three ways: A public body must approve…
| Firm News
RSNLT Submits Letter to JCAR Opposing Proposed Ban on Employing Interim Superintendents
On December 6, 2010, RSNLT attorneys Philip Gerner and Amanda Tiebert submitted an opposition letter to the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (“JCAR”) on behalf of school districts throughout the…
| Law Alerts
JCAR Rejects ISBE’s Proposed Amendment Banning TRS Annuitants from Working as Interim Superintendents
On December 14, 2010, the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (“JCAR”) rejected the Illinois State Board of Education’s (“ISBE”) proposed amendment to Section 1.310 of the Administrative Code. ISBE’s proposed…
| Law Alerts
DO NOT DISCLOSE: The Personnel Records Review Act Will Now Prohibit the Disclosure of All Employee Performance Evaluations in Response to a FOIA Records Request
As previously reported on July 28, 2010, Governor Quinn amendatorily vetoed House Bill 5154, which would have amended the Personnel Records Review Act (PRRA) to prohibit disclosure of all performance…
| In Brief
Court Rejects Challenge to Sycamore Transfer Tax and Permits Transfer of Tax Revenue to School District
In a victory for Illinois taxing bodies, the Illinois appellate court affirmed dismissal of a challenge to the City of Sycamore’s transfer tax which was enacted to provide additional operating…