Registration now open for our Annual Firm Seminar and Legal Update!
Miller, Tracy, Braun, Funk & Miller, Ltd. Presents:
Illinois School Law
Remember the Accelerated Tenure Rules Post-PERA
As we approach the season to consider dismissals and non-renewals of probationary teachers, keep in mind that PERA altered the probationary period based upon performance evaluation ratings.
Bidding Cooperatives
Pursuant to Section 10-20.21 of the School Code, school districts must let for competitive bidding any contract in excess of $25,000, subject to certain exceptions provided in the statute. However, there is not currently a valid exception which allows for bidding cooperatives to be exempt from these bidding requirements.
Pension Case Worth Watching
Recognizing and Responding to Discrimination and Harassment Complaints Consistent with Board Policy
Increasingly, issues of legally-compliant responses to discrimination claims turn on the school district's initial recognition that the alleged conduct falls under the umbrella of discrimination. Too often, a school district's informal and poorly documented response to a situation (even a situation where there is insufficient evidence to support a finding of discrimination) is problematic due
3% Cap Rules Now Final
Lawsuit Alleging Gender Discrimination Settles
Fair Share Fees Ruled Unconstitutional
Responding to Organized Protests at School
In the wake of a number of recent violence and threats of violence at schools around the country, schools may be fielding concerns about organized protests and other responses to tragedies. While concerns over disruption and practical matters over how to implement the educational program are ongoing, schools should be careful to consider the Constitutional rights of students and staff who may choose to participate in organized action, protests, or other speech. Particularly in Illinois, where, in addition to the constitutionally protect rights of individuals to engage in peaceful protest,
Client Alert--7th Circuit Holds Indiana Reduction in Force Law Unconstitutional
The 7th Circuit Federal Court has upheld a lower court opinion finding that an Indiana law which is very similar to Illinois' law on reductions in force (known as "SB7" or "Public Act 97-8") is unconstitutional. In Elliott v. Board of School Trustees of Madison Consolidated Schools, No. 16-4168 (7th Cir.