News
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News
Better Late than Never? Joint Statement on Teacher Evaluations Released
By Maritza Guevara |
One area of anticipation going into the new school year was how districts would conduct teacher evaluations in the variety of remote learning scenarios that have played out since ISBE issued its return to school guidance this past summer.
Available Now: Title IX Toolkit for K-12 Schools
By Maritza Guevara |
On May 6, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education released its final Rules governing how higher education institutions must address allegations of sexual harassment under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”).
New Election Day Requirements for Schools and Local Governments Are Here
By Maritza Guevara |
In June, Governor Pritzker signed Public Act 101-0642 into law, creating a number of requirements aimed at helping the state prepare for holding the 2020 General Election in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Available Now: Title IX Toolkit for Higher Education Institutions
By Maritza Guevara |
On May 6, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education released its final Rules governing how higher education institutions must address allegations of sexual harassment under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”).
DOL Updates to FFCRA Eligibility Considering Children Returning to School
By Maritza Guevara |
On August 27th, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) updated its Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) guidance to address nagging questions on the applicability of the leave in remote learning variations as students return to school in the fall.
ISBE is Breaking Down Barriers—That is, Previous Physical Barrier Requirements
By Maritza Guevara |
Amid the flurry of its recent updates, ISBE modified previously issued requirements regarding the division of large rooms such as cafeterias, libraries, and gyms.
Appellate Court Reverses PTAB on Erroneous Interpretation of Law: Taxpayer will have to reimburse impacted taxing districts
By Maritza Guevara |
On August 17, 2020, the Third District Appellate Court reversed a decision of the Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB) that had previously required taxing districts to pay a substantial refund.
Delayed Cook County Property Tax Payments Result in Delayed Distributions
By Maritza Guevara |
While technically due on August 3, 2020, Cook County taxpayers have until October 1, 2020 to pay their tax bill before late interest starts to accrue. At the beginning of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Cook County, like many others, imposed this extension to support taxpayers who have been struggling financially during the economic downturn.
RECENT IDPH AND ISBE PUBLICATIONS ADD NEW GUIDANCE, RESTRICTIONS, AND A FAIR AMOUNT OF CONFUSION
By Maritza Guevara |
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.
FOIA’S Reach Extends to Certain Records on Personal Devices of Officials and Employees
By Maritza Guevara |
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.