Law Alerts

We cultivate a collaborative, inclusive culture where our team shares knowledge and stays informed on legal developments. We value diversity, as different perspectives strengthen our ability to solve problems and advocate effectively. Beyond our legal services, we prioritize building relationships through internal events that promote camaraderie and a positive environment. This culture empowers us to deliver exceptional legal services and contributions to our clients and communities.

Law Alerts

Public Access Counselor Opines on the Release of Settlement Agreements under FOIA

The Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”)[1], as amended on January 1, 2010, grants the Public Access Counselor (“PAC”) authority to issue binding opinions which a public body must either comply…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Quiet Down Now: The “Moment of Silence” is Back

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit Court has reversed a 2008 federal district court ruling which prohibited Illinois public schools from observing a “moment of silence” at…

Recent FOIA Request for “Legal Opinions of the ISBE”

Many Illinois school districts have recently received a Freedom of Information Act request, titled “FOIA Request for Legal Opinions of the ISBE”. The four-page request seeks copies of opinions issued…

Accommodating Filings For The 2011 Consolidated Election

This Law Alert supplements the firm’s 2011 Election Calendar (posted on www.rsnlt.com) with guidance concerning the business hours of local election officials during the last weeks of December 2010 –…
News & Publications