The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals recently held that two elementary school principals in Texas are immune from liability for allegedly preventing students from distributing religious gifts on school grounds. In Morgan v. Swanson, – the so-called “Candy Cane case” – a […]
In a recent case, Bronx Household of Faith v. Board of Education of the City of New York, a church filed suit against the board of education of New York alleging that its refusal to permit a church to use school […]
2011 Education Legislation Summary
The following is a summary of the 2011 legislative changes affecting school districts. Click here for a pdf of the entire summary or click the links below to review the specific topics. To discuss these changes in more detail, contact any Franczek education […]
Senate Bill 1831 Signed Into Law; IMRF Releases Initial Guidance
Senate Bill 1831 was set to impose a penalty on employers that contribute to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) for certain end-of-career salary increases for IMRF-covered employees. On August 26, 2011, the Governor signed Senate Bill 1831 into law […]
Illinois School Code is Amended Regarding Home and Hospital Instruction for Students
On July 14, 2011, Public Act 97-0123 was enacted, effective immediately, amending Section 5/14-13.01 of the Illinois School Code regarding home and hospital instruction for students. The amended Act redefines the standards for determining when a student is eligible to receive home or hospital […]
Governor Signs Charter School Quality Law
Governor Quinn recently signed the Charter School Quality Law, Public Act 097-0152, effective immediately. Amending Section 27A of the School Code, this new Law creates the State Charter School Commission (“Commission”), an independent state agency with statewide chartering jurisdiction and authority. […]
Amendment to Illinois Vehicle Code Imposes New Requirements on School Buses and Drivers
Effective July 28, 2011, Public Act 97-0224, amends the Illinois Vehicle Code, and imposes several requirements for school buses and drivers. The amendment provides that school districts must maintain copies of school bus driver permits for each driver. This includes taxi […]
New Law Requires Promotion of One Hour of Reading Opportunities for Students Reading Below Grade Level
On July 8, 2011, Governor Quinn signed HB2397 (Public Act 97-88), which adds a new Section 10-20.53 to the Illinois School Code. The new law requires school boards to promote 60 minutes of minimum reading opportunities each day for students […]