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Robbins Schwartz has pioneered defining the practice of education law as a singular discipline. As we continue to expand our services, we stay involved in the ongoing development and evolution of the law.

News

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…

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”).…

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…

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…

Robbins Schwartz Names New Partner

Robbins Schwartz is pleased to announce that Caroline A. Roselli has been named a partner in the firm’s Chicago office. Since joining the firm, Caroline has made significant contributions to…

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…

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…

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…

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…