News
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.
News
OCR Reminds Districts That They must Provide Disabled Students with Equal Opportunities in Athletics
By Robbins Schwartz |
On January 25, 2013 the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (“OCR”) issued a “Dear Colleague” letter reminding public school districts of their existing obligation to provide disabled…
Amendment to the Governmental Joint Purchasing Act Allows Governmental Units to Conduct Joint Purchases by Competitive Solicitation
By Robbins Schwartz |
The Governmental Joint Purchasing Act[1] (the “Act”) was amended in late 2012 by Public Act 97-895, and it now allows joint purchases with in-state or out-of-state cooperatives to be conducted by competitive…
Educational Support Staff RIF Checklist
By Robbins Schwartz |
A RIF of ESPs occurs whenever a district decides to decrease the number of ESPs employed by the school board or to discontinue a particular type of support service. A…
New Laws Effective 1.1.2013
By Robbins Schwartz |
The following laws have an effective date of January 1, 2013. School Districts Public Act 97‐0704 – Requires ISBE to coordinate, adapt and develop middle and high school mathematics curriculum models to…
Federal Court of Appeals Determines That Village May Be Liable for $80 Million for Placing Personally Identifiable Information on Parking Tickets
By Robbins Schwartz |
The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Senne v. Village of Palatine, Illinois, 695 F.3d 597 (7th Cir. 2012) (en banc), determined that the Village of Palatine may have violated the…
Correction to 2013 Consolidated Election Calendar
By Robbins Schwartz |
The 2013 Consolidated Election Calendar incorrectly identified Thursday, February 7, 2013 as the last day for local election officials to certify to the election authority all public questions to be…
Illinois Supreme Court Rejects Latest Challenge to the Illinois Public School Funding System
By Robbins Schwartz |
In February 2012, we issued a Law Alert regarding the Illinois Supreme Court’s decision to hear an appeal in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state’s education funding system. On November…
Public Act 97-1134 Relieves Local Government Clerks and School and College Board Secretaries of Election Duties on Christmas Eve
By Robbins Schwartz |
On December 3, 2012, Governor Quinn signed into law Public Act 97-1134, amending Section 1-4 of the Illinois Election Code to provide much sought-after relief to school and college board…
“Addressing Students Facing Criminal Charges for Off-Campus Misconduct”
By Robbins Schwartz |
Maryam T. Brontine authored “Addressing Students Facing Criminal Charges for Off-Campus Misconduct” published in the November 2012 issue of National School Boards Association’s (NSBA) Inquiry & Analysis. Maryam discusses that…
Compliance Reminder: Training Requirements for FOIA Officers, OMA Designees, and Elected Officials
By Robbins Schwartz |
The Open Meetings Act (OMA) and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) mandate training for FOIA Officers, OMA Designees, and elected/appointed officials. With a new year on the horizon, the various training requirements are…