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
Additional Obligations Placed on Schools Related to Students with Diabetes: “The Care of Students with Diabetes Act” becomes Law in Illinois
By Robbins Schwartz |
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
By Robbins Schwartz |
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
By Robbins Schwartz |
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
By Robbins Schwartz |
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…
RSNLT Submits Letter to JCAR Opposing Proposed Ban on Employing Interim Superintendents
By Robbins Schwartz |
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
By Robbins Schwartz |
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
By Robbins Schwartz |
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
By Robbins Schwartz |
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
By Robbins Schwartz |
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”
By Robbins Schwartz |
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…