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
Department of Education Releases Guidance on Photos and Videos as Student Education Records
The Family Policy Compliance Office of the U.S. Department of Education recently issued a guidance document entitled, “FAQs on Photos and Videos under FERPA” (“FAQ”). According to the FAQ, a photo…
| Law Alerts
Lease-Purchase Agreements for School Districts
Meeting Your School District’s Needs Within a Tight Budget: Don’t Forget About Lease-Purchase and Installment Contracts Expensive personal property acquisitions can challenge even the most disciplined fiscal planners, especially when unanticipated…
| Law Alerts
School Construction from Start to Finish: A Project Checklist
Partner Kenneth M. Florey, Partner Howard A. Metz and Associate Matthew J. Gardner co-authored “School Construction from Start to Finish: A Project Checklist,” for the Association of School Business Officials…
| Law Alerts
Seventh Circuit Affirms Former College President’s Right to Proceed with Constitutional Due Process and Breach of Contract Claims
On April 17, 2018, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the District Court Judge’s decision denying the College of DuPage’s motion to dismiss former President, Robert Breuder’s claims that…
| Firm News
Prevailing Wage 101: A Five Minute Refresher
Summer construction season is almost upon us, and as our public sector clients ready their construction projects for commencement, we offer a quick refresher on an important statute, The Prevailing…
| Law Alerts
Fifth District Appellate Court’s Decision Requiring the State of Illinois to Continue Employee Step Increases during Contract Negotiations Let Stand by Illinois Supreme Court
The Illinois Fifth District Appellate Court’s 2017 ruling in American Federation of State, County, & Municipal Employees, Council 31 v. Illinois Labor Relations Board, State Panel, that refusal to pay step…
| Law Alerts
School District Boundary Changes – Annexation/Detachment Update
The Second Judicial District has issued the first Illinois Appellate Court decision interpreting School Code Section 7-6’s requirements for deciding annexation/detachment petitions, as altered by Public Act 99-475 effective January…
| Law Alerts
New FOIA Guidance Regarding a Vendor’s Proprietary Information
Most public bodies utilize statutory bidding and requests for proposals (“RFPs”) to procure supplies, materials, equipment, and services needed for operations. These bid documents are often the subject of FOIA…
| Law Alerts
Judge Rejects Age Discrimination Lawsuit filed by SURS Annuitants
Robbins Schwartz Achieves Important Victory for Oakton Community College in Class Action Lawsuit On February 27, 2018, Judge Kennelly of the United States District Court for the Northern District of…
| Law Alerts
School Walkouts, Marches and Protests – Legal Considerations for School Districts
In the aftermath of the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida and other recent events involving gun violence, school communities across the country are organizing…