A recent decision of the Public Access Counselor reminds public bodies that the OMA applies to gatherings of public bodies even if the meeting is intended to be informal and does not involve any action by the public body. 2020 […]
Category: Board Governance
We have developed the following protocols and accommodation forms to assist with school district’s re-opening plans for the 2020-21 school year. Self-certification Screening Protocol In-person Screening Protocol Isolation, Exclusion, and Return to School Protocol Face Covering Protocol/Face Covering Accommodation […]
Key Elements of ISBE’s Permanent Rules on Isolated Time Out, Time Out, and Physical Restraint
July 15, 2020
Originally posted on our Special Education Law Insights Blog. Schools planning for students to return to campus in person this fall are confronting many significant challenges, including how to support students who may need physical restraint while also maintaining safe practices to minimize […]
School District Insurance May Not Cover COVID-19 Claims
July 14, 2020
We understand that at least one school district insurance cooperative has informed its member school districts that the liability coverage carried by the cooperative excludes coverage for liability claims related to COVID-19. Therefore, according to the cooperative, if an individual […]
COVID-19 Resolution for Approval of Re-Opening Plans + Health and Safety Chart Available from Franczek P.C.
July 6, 2020
We have developed a resolution for adoption by boards of education approving their school district’s re-opening plans for the 2020-21 school year. The resolution is based on the broad discretionary authority which school boards possess under Sections 10-20 and 10-20.5 of […]
Originally posted on our Special Education Law Insights Blog. ISBE and IDPH recently released their guidance related to Starting the 2020-21 School Year. The guidance addresses a broad range of topics, including some suggestions related to special education. The following week ISBE issued an FAQ targeting […]
Cheat Sheet for ISBE’s FAQ for Special Education on the Transition to In-Person Instruction
July 6, 2020
Originally posted on our Special Education Law Insights Blog. On June 30, 2020, ISBE issued an FAQ document with the purpose of assisting school districts in the transition to in-person instruction. This document, which supplements ISBE’s general guidance on return to in-person instruction […]
Governor Declaration Extends Virtual Board Meeting Right, Increases In-Person Meeting Limits
June 29, 2020
On June 26, 2020, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker extended by 30 days, until July 26, 2020, the disaster proclamation relating to COVID-19. As a result, public bodies may continue to hold virtual board meetings pursuant to recent amendments to the […]