United States Supreme Court Rules on Prayer at Public Meetings
On May 5, 2014 the Supreme Court of the United States issued an opinion in Town of Greece v.
Workshop Materials Now Online
Workshop materials for the Miller, Tracy, Braun, Funk & Miller, Ltd. Annual Firm Seminar and Legal Workshop are now posted online. Find them HERE.
Education Reform Act Trailer Bill Signed into Law
On August 20, 2013, Governor Quinn signed into law the long-awaited "trailer bill" to SB7 (the Education Reform Act). Previously known as SB1762, Public Act 98-513 accomplishes several important changes to the rules for reduction in force
Special Education Update: Title II Requirements for Students with Hearing Impairments
A recent Ninth Circuit decision has made a distinction between a school district's provision of a "basic floor of opportunity" to students with disabilities under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and the satisfactory requirements of Title II of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). Title II requires districts to take appropriate steps to ensure that communications with individuals with disabilities are "as effective as communications with othe
Illinois Updates: New Statutes of Note
Concealed Carry and District Duties: Public Act 98-0063 allows for the concealed carry of firearms with specified restrictions. It specifically prohibits carrying a concealed firearm in "any building, real property, and parking area under the control of a public or private elementary or secondary school". It also contains a provision that states that it is the duty of the principal to report to the Department of State Police "when a student is det
Fourth District Appellate Court Update: FOIA and Personal Electronic Communications
You may remember the guidance issued in 2011, in which the Office of the Attorney General issued an opinion holding that electronic records relating to the transaction of public business are "public records" within the meaning of the Freedom of Information Act - even then they are generated on a public official's private equipment and/or maintained on personal electronic accounts.
6 Tasks to Complete before the End of the School Year
As your administrations and boards are wrapping up the year and preparing for next year, we wanted to give you a quick run-down of new and nearly new tasks created by the law that should not be forgotten for next year:
Reminder on Open Meetings Act Posting Requirements
Public Act 97-827 amended the Open Meetings Act to make clear the requirements for posting an agenda at least 48 hours prior to the meeting, adding specifically:
OCR Issues New Guidance on Extra-Curricular Athletic Programs
The United States Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a new Dear Colleague Letter