Higher Education Institutions Board Governance | Robbins Schwartz

Upward view of glass and steel skyscrapers converging toward a pale blue sky in a dense urban financial district

Board Governance

Robbins Schwartz assists colleges with Open Meetings Act (OMA) and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) compliance, providing guidance on meeting protocols, public records requests, and responding to legal challenges. We also support colleges in developing clear, legally compliant board policies, navigating ethics and tort immunity issues, and addressing governance and crisis communication needs.

Open Meetings Act (OMA)

Robbins Schwartz has a deep bench of attorneys who advise on various aspects of meeting management and Open Meetings Act (“OMA”) compliance.

page modern interior office rooms

Practice Areas

Blank white image with no visible content

Meet our Education Law Attorneys

Our firm is built on the experience, insight, and dedication of skilled attorneys and professional committed to delivering exception legal services.

Keeping You Informed

Higher Education Updates

All News »

Tenured Teacher Remediation Warnings Now Subject to Arbitration

A new Illinois law is reshaping how school districts issue remediation warnings to tenured teachers. Public Act 104-0647, effective immediately, gives teachers a right to respond before a warning is approved and for the first time allows warnings to be challenged through binding arbitration. Here’s what districts need to know.
Section 17-2A Interfund Transfer Extension Legislation Awaiting Governor Action

With June 30 fast approaching, Illinois school districts should be aware that the less restrictive interfund transfer authority under Section 17-2A of the School Code is set to expire — and the extension isn’t law yet.
Seventh Circuit and Special Education: C.T. v. Galesburg Community Unit Sch. Dist. No. 205, Considerations for Determining Least Restrictive Environment

Seventh Circuit rules on important considerations for determining least restrictive environment for students with disabilities. Read more here.
Major Student Bills Passed and More to Watch

The Illinois General Assembly wrapped up the spring legislative session on Monday, June 1, 2026. As the legislature’s final actions shook out, several major initiatives passed that will impact students, and there is another to watch for the fall veto session. These are bills that school districts should be aware of.
Two Labor and Employment Bills to Watch

The Illinois legislature is currently considering two bills that would have a significant impact on school districts throughout the State. While neither bill is certain to become law, school districts should closely monitor their status moving forward.
2026 Refresher on Educational Support Personnel RIF Procedures and Teacher Non-Renewal/RIF Deadlines

As we head into the second half of the 2025-26 school year, school districts must begin to make important decisions about their staffing needs for the 2026-2027 school year.