As we detailed in a prior alert, Section 10-20.21 of the School Code was amended to increase the competitive bidding threshold from $25,000 to $35,000. The amendments went into effect January 1, 2024. Therefore, school districts are now required to […]
Category: Education
2023 Legislative Update: Summary of Changes in School Law
As we approach the new year, Franczek is pleased to recap the new legislation applicable to K-12 schools that passed in 2023. Below you will find our compilation of this year’s legislative changes. A PDF version of the 2023 School […]
Franczek Attorney Jennifer Dunn Named Notable Leader in Employment and Labor Law by Crain’s Chicago
Franczek P.C. is pleased to announce that partner Jennifer Dunn has been recognized as a Notable Leader in Employment and Labor Law by Crain’s Chicago Business. Crain’s is honoring 40 Employment and Labor attorneys for their demonstrated legal skills; dedication to their clients; and […]
OCR Releases “Dear Colleague Letter” on School Responsibilities to Address Title VI Discrimination and Harassment
On November 7, 2023, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released a “Dear Colleague Letter” (DCL) that reminds schools of their Title VI obligations to provide all students with a learning environment free from discrimination. The DCL […]
Franczek’s Bullying Response Toolkit Now Available
As a follow up to our recent on-line training on amendments to the Illinois bullying prevention statute, “Responding to Bullying: New and Old Requirements for Legally Compliant Responses”, we have created a set of forms to assist public and non-public […]
PAC Finds OMA Violation Where Public Comment Impermissibly Limited
In a recent binding opinion, the PAC found a public body in violation of the Open Meetings Act (OMA) for restricting the content of public comment where a member of the public attempted to discuss the District’s hiring policies. Before […]
Hospital Charitable Tax Exemption Upheld by Illinois Appellate Court
Last month, in the case Carle Foundation v. Dept. of Revenue, the Fourth District Court of Appeals issued its latest decision regarding hospital property tax exemptions. The Court upheld a trial court judgment awarding the Carle Foundation Hospital system charitable […]
Biden Administration Answers Questions About Diversity and Race Based Admissions after Students for Fair Admissions
Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision on race-based admissions standards in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. Harvard College and University of North Carolina (“SFFA”), the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights and Department of Justice’s Equal […]