Continuing Implementation of the Changes in the Bullying Statute
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Illinois Education Law
Teacher Resignations
As of August 11, 2023, the prior teacher resignation law that could impact teachers' licensure for resigning during the term received updates to gain some additional teeth as Districts face staffing shortages. While we see most resignations where this process comes into play at the beginning of the school year, it applies throughout the school year.
U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Prayer
On June 27, 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States issued an opinion in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, in which a football coach challenged discipline after he disregarded directives not to pray at mid-field.
Loudermill Hearings
Unfortunately, a return to normal probably means some employers are increasingly having to contemplate the uncomfortable process of terminating employees not meeting expectations or engaging in certain misbehaviors. Before terminating an employee with a reasonable expectation of continued employment, an employer must schedule, notice, and conduct a Loudermill hearing.
Criminal Background Checks - New Requirements
As you continue your hiring processes for the coming school year, please pay close attention to the changes related to criminal background checks pursuant to PA 101-656, which was effective March 23, 2021. PA 101-656 amended the Illinois Human Rights Act to add “conviction record” as a protected class akin to race, ethnicity, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, or – as previously provided in the act – arrest record.
What Comes Next in Special Ed?
Over the past several months, many have asked what comes next in the field of special education, especially in the areas of child find, compensatory services, and the availability of COVID relief programs.
President Biden’s Executive Order Affecting Title IX
The executive order directs the Secretary of Education to provide the findings of the review to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget within 100 days.
Governor Pritzker signed PA 101-643 on June 18, 2020, As Well as Others New Laws
Continuing Discussion on the Implementation of HB3586/PA 101-515
As school districts continue to work out the details of implementing PA 101-515, it serves as a moment to review each district's RTI plan.
Evaluation Appeals Bill Signed
Governor Pritzker signed, in August, a bill requiring the development of an appeals process for Unsatisfactory evaluation ratings, to wit: