105 ILCS 5/ School Code.

(105 ILCS 5/27-24) (from Ch. 122, par. 27-24)

Sec. 27-24. Short title. Sections 27-24 through 27-24.10 of this Article are known and may be cited as the Driver Education Act.

(Source: P.A. 98-756, eff. 7-16-14.)

(105 ILCS 5/27-24.1) (from Ch. 122, par. 27-24.1)

Sec. 27-24.1. Definitions. As used in the Driver Education Act unless the context otherwise requires:

"State Board" means the State Board of Education;

"Driver education course" and "course" means a course of instruction in the use and operation of cars, including instruction in the safe operation of cars and rules of the road and the laws of this State relating to motor vehicles, which meets the minimum requirements of this Act and the rules and regulations issued thereunder by the State Board and has been approved by the State Board as meeting such requirements;

"Car" means a motor vehicle of the first Division as defined in The Illinois Vehicle Code;

"Motorcycle" or "motor driven cycle" means such a vehicle as defined in The Illinois Vehicle Code;

"Driver's license" means any license or permit issued by the Secretary of State under Chapter 6 of The Illinois Vehicle Code.

With reference to persons, the singular number includes the plural and vice versa, and the masculine gender includes the feminine.

(Source: P.A. 81-1508.)

(105 ILCS 5/27-24.2) (from Ch. 122, par. 27-24.2)

Sec. 27-24.2. Safety education; driver education course. Instruction shall be given in safety education in each of grades one through 8, equivalent to one class period each week, and any school district which maintains grades 9 through 12 shall offer a driver education course in any such school which it operates. Its curriculum shall include content dealing with Chapters 11, 12, 13, 15, and 16 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, the rules adopted pursuant to those Chapters insofar as they pertain to the operation of motor vehicles, and the portions of the Litter Control Act relating to the operation of motor vehicles. The course of instruction given in grades 10 through 12 shall include an emphasis on the development of knowledge, attitudes, habits, and skills necessary for the safe operation of motor vehicles, including motorcycles insofar as they can be taught in the classroom, and instruction on distracted driving as a major traffic safety issue. In addition, the course shall include instruction on special hazards existing at and required safety and driving precautions that must be observed at emergency situations, highway construction and maintenance zones, and railroad crossings and the approaches thereto. Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, the course shall also include instruction concerning law enforcement procedures for traffic stops, including a demonstration of the proper actions to be taken during a traffic stop and appropriate interactions with law enforcement. The course of instruction required of each eligible student at the high school level shall consist of a minimum of 30 clock hours of classroom instruction and a minimum of 6 clock hours of individual behind-the-wheel instruction in a dual control car on public roadways taught by a driver education instructor endorsed by the State Board of Education. Both the classroom instruction part and the practice driving part of such driver education course shall be open to a resident or non-resident student attending a non-public school in the district wherein the course is offered. Each student attending any public or non-public high school in the district must receive a passing grade in at least 8 courses during the previous 2 semesters prior to enrolling in a driver education course, or the student shall not be permitted to enroll in the course; provided that the local superintendent of schools (with respect to a student attending a public high school in the district) or chief school administrator (with respect to a student attending a non-public high school in the district) may waive the requirement if the superintendent or chief school administrator, as the case may be, deems it to be in the best interest of the student. A student may be allowed to commence the classroom instruction part of such driver education course prior to reaching age 15 if such student then will be eligible to complete the entire course within 12 months after being allowed to commence such classroom instruction.

A school district may offer a driver education course in a school by contracting with a commercial driver training school to provide both the classroom instruction part and the practice driving part or either one without having to request a modification or waiver of administrative rules of the State Board of Education if the school district approves the action during a public hearing on whether to enter into a contract with a commercial driver training school. The public hearing shall be held at a regular or special school board meeting prior to entering into such a contract. If a school district chooses to approve a contract with a commercial driver training school, then the district must provide evidence to the State Board of Education that the commercial driver training school with which it will contract holds a license issued by the Secretary of State under Article IV of Chapter 6 of the Illinois Vehicle Code and that each instructor employed by the commercial driver training school to provide instruction to students served by the school district holds a valid teaching license issued under the requirements of this Code and rules of the State Board of Education. Such evidence must include, but need not be limited to, a list of each instructor assigned to teach students served by the school district, which list shall include the instructor's name, personal identification number as required by the State Board of Education, birth date, and driver's license number. Once the contract is entered into, the school district shall notify the State Board of Education of any changes in the personnel providing instruction either (i) within 15 calendar days after an instructor leaves the program or (ii) before a new instructor is hired. Such notification shall include the instructor's name, personal identification number as required by the State Board of Education, birth date, and driver's license number. If the school district maintains an Internet website, then the district shall post a copy of the final contract between the district and the commercial driver training school on the district's Internet website. If no Internet website exists, then the school district shall make available the contract upon request. A record of all materials in relation to the contract must be maintained by the school district and made available to parents and guardians upon request. The instructor's date of birth and driver's license number and any other personally identifying information as deemed by the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act of 1994 must be redacted from any public materials.

Such a course may be commenced immediately after the completion of a prior course. Teachers of such courses shall meet the licensure requirements of this Code and regulations of the State Board as to qualifications.

Subject to rules of the State Board of Education, the school district may charge a reasonable fee, not to exceed $50, to students who participate in the course, unless a student is unable to pay for such a course, in which event the fee for such a student must be waived. However, the district may increase this fee to an amount not to exceed $250 by school board resolution following a public hearing on the increase, which increased fee must be waived for students who participate in the course and are unable to pay for the course. The total amount from driver education fees and reimbursement from the State for driver education must not exceed the total cost of the driver education program in any year and must be deposited into the school district's driver education fund as a separate line item budget entry. All moneys deposited into the school district's driver education fund must be used solely for the funding of a high school driver education program approved by the State Board of Education that uses driver education instructors endorsed by the State Board of Education.

(Source: P.A. 99-642, eff. 7-28-16; 99-720, eff. 1-1-17; 100-465, eff. 8-31-17.)

(105 ILCS 5/27-24.2a)

Sec. 27-24.2a. Non-public school driver education course. Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, any non-public school's driver education course shall include instruction concerning law enforcement procedures for traffic stops, including a demonstration of the proper actions to be taken during a traffic stop and appropriate interactions with law enforcement.

(Source: P.A. 99-720, eff. 1-1-17.)

(105 ILCS 5/27-24.3) (from Ch. 122, par. 27-24.3)

Sec. 27-24.3. Reimbursement. In order for the school district to receive reimbursement from the State as hereinafter provided, the driver education course offered in its schools shall consist of at least 30 clock hours of classroom instruction and, subject to modification as hereinafter allowed, at least 6 clock hours of practice driving in a car having dual operating controls under direct individual instruction.

(Source: P.A. 95-310, eff. 7-1-08.)

(105 ILCS 5/27-24.4) (from Ch. 122, par. 27-24.4)

Sec. 27-24.4. Reimbursement amount.

(a) Each school district shall be entitled to reimbursement for each student who finishes either the classroom instruction part or the practice driving part of a driver education course that meets the minimum requirements of this Act. Reimbursement under this Act is payable from the Drivers Education Fund in the State treasury.

Each year all funds appropriated from the Drivers Education Fund to the State Board of Education, with the exception of those funds necessary for administrative purposes of the State Board of Education, shall be distributed in the manner provided in this paragraph to school districts by the State Board of Education for reimbursement of claims from the previous school year. As soon as may be after each quarter of the year, if moneys are available in the Drivers Education Fund in the State treasury for payments under this Section, the State Comptroller shall draw his or her warrants upon the State Treasurer as directed by the State Board of Education. The warrant for each quarter shall be in an amount equal to one-fourth of the total amount to be distributed to school districts for the year. Payments shall be made to school districts as soon as may be after receipt of the warrants.

The base reimbursement amount shall be calculated by the State Board by dividing the total amount appropriated for distribution by the total of: (a) the number of students who have completed the classroom instruction part for whom valid claims have been made times 0.2; plus (b) the number of students who have completed the practice driving instruction part for whom valid claims have been made times 0.8.

The amount of reimbursement to be distributed on each claim shall be 0.2 times the base reimbursement amount for each validly claimed student who has completed the classroom instruction part, plus 0.8 times the base reimbursement amount for each validly claimed student who has completed the practice driving instruction part.

(b) The school district which is the residence of a student who attends a nonpublic school in another district that has furnished the driver education course shall reimburse the district offering the course, the difference between the actual per capita cost of giving the course the previous school year and the amount reimbursed by the State, which, for purposes of this subsection (b), shall be referred to as "course cost". If the course cost offered by the student's resident district is less than the course cost of the course in the district where the nonpublic school is located, then the student is responsible for paying the district that furnished the course the difference between the 2 amounts. If a nonpublic school student chooses to attend a driver's education course in a school district besides the district where the nonpublic school is located, then the student is wholly responsible for the course cost; however, the nonpublic school student may take the course in his or her resident district on the same basis as public school students who are enrolled in that district.

By April 1 the nonpublic school shall notify the district offering the course of the names and district numbers of the nonresident students desiring to take such course the next school year. The district offering such course shall notify the district of residence of those students affected by April 15. The school district furnishing the course may claim the nonresident student for the purpose of making a claim for State reimbursement under this Act.

(Source: P.A. 96-734, eff. 8-25-09; 97-1025, eff. 1-1-13.)

(105 ILCS 5/27-24.5) (from Ch. 122, par. 27-24.5)

Sec. 27-24.5. Submission of claims. The district shall report on forms prescribed by the State Board, on an ongoing basis, a list of students by name, birth date and sex, with the date the behind-the-wheel instruction or the classroom instruction or both were completed and with the status of the course completion.

The State shall not reimburse any district for any student who has repeated any part of the course more than once or who did not meet the age requirements of this Act during the period that the student was instructed in any part of the drivers education course.

(Source: P.A. 96-734, eff. 8-25-09.)

(105 ILCS 5/27-24.6) (from Ch. 122, par. 27-24.6)

Sec. 27-24.6. Attendance records. The school board shall require the teachers of drivers education courses to keep daily attendance records for students attending such courses in the same manner as is prescribed in Section 24-18 of this Act and such records shall be used to prepare and certify claims made under the Driver Education Act. Claims for reimbursement shall be made under oath or affirmation of the chief school administrator for the district employed by the school board or authorized driver education personnel employed by the school board.

Whoever submits a false claim under the Driver Education Act or makes a false record upon which a claim is based shall be fined in an amount equal to the sum falsely claimed.

(Source: P.A. 96-734, eff. 8-25-09.)

(105 ILCS 5/27-24.7) (from Ch. 122, par. 27-24.7)

Sec. 27-24.7. School code to apply.

The provisions of this Act not inconsistent with the provisions of the Driver Education Act shall apply to the conduct of instruction offered by a school district under the provisions of the Driver Education Act.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/27-24.8) (from Ch. 122, par. 27-24.8)

Sec. 27-24.8. Rules and regulations. The State Board may promulgate rules and regulations not inconsistent with the provisions of the Driver Education Act for the administration of the Driver Education Act.

(Source: P.A. 81-1508.)

(105 ILCS 5/27-24.9)

Sec. 27-24.9. Driver education standards. The State Board of Education, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall adopt course content standards for driver education for those persons under the age of 18 years, which shall include the operation and equipment of motor vehicles.

(Source: P.A. 97-1025, eff. 1-1-13.)

(105 ILCS 5/27-24.10)

Sec. 27-24.10. Cost report. The State Board of Education shall annually prepare a report to be posted on the State Board's Internet website that indicates the approximate per capita driver education cost for each school district required to provide driver education. This report, compiled each spring from data reported the previous school year, shall be computed from expenditure data for driver education submitted by school districts on the annual financial statements required pursuant to Section 3-15.1 of this Code and the number of students provided driver education for that school year, as required to be reported under Section 27-24.5 of this Code.

(Source: P.A. 97-1025, eff. 1-1-13.)

(105 ILCS 5/prec. Sec. 27-25 heading)

NUCLEAR ENERGY EDUCATION ACT (Repealed)(Source: Repealed by P.A. 95-793, eff. 1-1-09.)

(105 ILCS 5/27-25)

Sec. 27-25. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 76-1835. Repealed by P.A. 95-793, eff. 1-1-09.)

(105 ILCS 5/27-25.1)

Sec. 27-25.1. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 81-1508. Repealed by P.A. 95-793, eff. 1-1-09.)

(105 ILCS 5/27-25.2)

Sec. 27-25.2. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 81-1508. Repealed by P.A. 95-793, eff. 1-1-09.)

(105 ILCS 5/27-25.3)

Sec. 27-25.3. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 81-1508. Repealed by P.A. 95-793, eff. 1-1-09.)

(105 ILCS 5/27-25.4)

Sec. 27-25.4. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 81-1508. Repealed by P.A. 95-793, eff. 1-1-09.)

(105 ILCS 5/27-26)

Sec. 27-26. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 78-1245. Repealed by P.A. 94-600, eff. 8-16-05.)

(105 ILCS 5/27-27) (from Ch. 122, par. 27-27)

Sec. 27-27. When school districts use a system of categorizing classes of instruction by degree of difficulty and issues grades in accordance therewith, identification of said system shall be reflected in the affected students' class ranking and permanent records.

(Source: P.A. 81-707.)

(105 ILCS 5/Art. 27A heading) ARTICLE 27A CHARTER SCHOOLS

(105 ILCS 5/27A-1)

Sec. 27A-1. Short title and application. This Article may be cited as the Charter Schools Law. This Article applies in all school districts, including special charter districts and school districts located in cities having a population of more than 500,000.

(Source: P.A. 89-450, eff. 4-10-96.)

(105 ILCS 5/27A-2)

Sec. 27A-2. Legislative declaration.

(a) The General Assembly finds and declares as follows:

(1) Encouraging educational excellence is in the best interests of the people of this State.

(2) There are educators, community members, and parents in Illinois who can offer flexible and innovative educational techniques and programs, but who lack an avenue through which to provide them within the public school system.

(3) The enactment of legislation authorizing charter schools to operate in Illinois will promote new options within the public school system and will provide pupils, educators, community members, and parents with the stimulus to strive for educational excellence.

(b) The General Assembly further finds and declares that this Article is enacted for the following purposes:

(1) To improve pupil learning by creating schools with high, rigorous standards for pupil performance.

(2) To increase learning opportunities for all pupils, with special emphasis on expanded learning experiences for at-risk pupils, consistent, however, with an equal commitment to increase learning opportunities for all other groups of pupils in a manner that does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, gender, national origin, religion, ancestry, marital status, or need for special education services.

(3) To encourage the use of teaching methods that may be different in some respects than others regularly used in the public school system.

(4) To allow the development of new, different, or alternative forms of measuring pupil learning and achievement.

(5) To create new professional opportunities for teachers, including the opportunity to be responsible for the learning program at the school site.

(6) To provide parents and pupils with expanded choices within the public school system.

(7) To encourage parental and community involvement with public schools.

(8) To hold charter schools accountable for meeting rigorous school content standards and to provide those schools with the opportunity to improve accountability.

(c) In authorizing charter schools, it is the intent of the General Assembly to create a legitimate avenue for parents, teachers, and community members to take responsible risks and create new, innovative, and more flexible ways of educating children within the public school system. The General Assembly seeks to create opportunities within the public school system of Illinois for development of innovative and accountable teaching techniques. The provisions of this Article should be interpreted liberally to support the findings and goals of this Section and to advance a renewed commitment by the State of Illinois to the mission, goals, and diversity of public education.

(Source: P.A. 89-450, eff. 4-10-96; 90-548, eff. 1-1-98.)

(105 ILCS 5/27A-3)

Sec. 27A-3. Definitions. For purposes of this Article:

"At-risk pupil" means a pupil who, because of physical, emotional, socioeconomic, or cultural factors, is less likely to succeed in a conventional educational environment.

"Authorizer" means an entity authorized under this Article to review applications, decide whether to approve or reject applications, enter into charter contracts with applicants, oversee charter schools, and decide whether to renew, not renew, or revoke a charter.

"Commission" means the State Charter School Commission established under Section 27A-7.5 of this Code.

"Local school board" means the duly elected or appointed school board or board of education of a public school district, including special charter districts and school districts located in cities having a population of more than 500,000, organized under the laws of this State.

"State Board" means the State Board of Education.

(Source: P.A. 97-152, eff. 7-20-11.)

(105 ILCS 5/27A-4)

Sec. 27A-4. General provisions.

(a) The General Assembly does not intend to alter or amend the provisions of any court-ordered desegregation plan in effect for any school district. A charter school shall be subject to all federal and State laws and constitutional provisions prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, gender, national origin, religion, ancestry, marital status, or need for special education services.

(b) The total number of charter schools operating under this Article at any one time shall not exceed 120. Not more than 70 charter schools shall operate at any one time in any city having a population exceeding 500,000, with at least 5 charter schools devoted exclusively to students from low-performing or overcrowded schools operating at any one time in that city; and not more than 45 charter schools shall operate at any one time in the remainder of the State, with not more than one charter school that has been initiated by a board of education, or by an intergovernmental agreement between or among boards of education, operating at any one time in the school district where the charter school is located. In addition to these charter schools, up to but no more than 5 charter schools devoted exclusively to re-enrolled high school dropouts and/or students 16 or 15 years old at risk of dropping out may operate at any one time in any city having a population exceeding 500,000. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in subsection (b) of Section 27A-5 of this Code, each such dropout charter may operate up to 15 campuses within the city. Any of these dropout charters may have a maximum of 1,875 enrollment seats, any one of the campuses of the dropout charter may have a maximum of 165 enrollment seats, and each campus of the dropout charter must be operated, through a contract or payroll, by the same legal entity as that for which the charter is approved and certified.

For purposes of implementing this Section, the State Board shall assign a number to each charter submission it receives under Section 27A-6 for its review and certification, based on the chronological order in which the submission is received by it. The State Board shall promptly notify local school boards when the maximum numbers of certified charter schools authorized to operate have been reached.

(c) No charter shall be granted under this Article that would convert any existing private, parochial, or non-public school to a charter school.

(d) Enrollment in a charter school shall be open to any pupil who resides within the geographic boundaries of the area served by the local school board, provided that the board of education in a city having a population exceeding 500,000 may designate attendance boundaries for no more than one-third of the charter schools permitted in the city if the board of education determines that attendance boundaries are needed to relieve overcrowding or to better serve low-income and at-risk students. Students residing within an attendance boundary may be given priority for enrollment, but must not be required to attend the charter school.

(e) Nothing in this Article shall prevent 2 or more local school boards from jointly issuing a charter to a single shared charter school, provided that all of the provisions of this Article are met as to those local school boards.

(f) No local school board shall require any employee of the school district to be employed in a charter school.

(g) No local school board shall require any pupil residing within the geographic boundary of its district to enroll in a charter school.

(h) If there are more eligible applicants for enrollment in a charter school than there are spaces available, successful applicants shall be selected by lottery. However, priority shall be given to siblings of pupils enrolled in the charter school and to pupils who were enrolled in the charter school the previous school year, unless expelled for cause, and priority may be given to pupils residing within the charter school's attendance boundary, if a boundary has been designated by the board of education in a city having a population exceeding 500,000.

Beginning with student enrollment for the 2015-2016 school year, any lottery required under this subsection (h) must be administered and videotaped by the charter school. The authorizer or its designee must be allowed to be present or view the lottery in real time. The charter school must maintain a videotaped record of the lottery, including a time/date stamp. The charter school shall transmit copies of the videotape and all records relating to the lottery to the authorizer on or before September 1 of each year.

Subject to the requirements for priority applicant groups set forth in paragraph (1) of this subsection (h), any lottery required under this subsection (h) must be administered in a way that provides each student an equal chance at admission. If an authorizer makes a determination that a charter school's lottery is in violation of this subsection (h), it may administer the lottery directly. After a lottery, each student randomly selected for admission to the charter school must be notified. Charter schools may not create an admissions process subsequent to a lottery that may operate as a barrier to registration or enrollment.

Charter schools may undertake additional intake activities, including without limitation student essays, school-parent compacts, or open houses, but in no event may a charter school require participation in these activities as a condition of enrollment. A charter school must submit an updated waitlist to the authorizer on a quarterly basis. A waitlist must be submitted to the authorizer at the same time as quarterly financial statements, if quarterly financial statements are required by the authorizer.

Dual enrollment at both a charter school and a public school or non-public school shall not be allowed. A pupil who is suspended or expelled from a charter school shall be deemed to be suspended or expelled from the public schools of the school district in which the pupil resides. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this subsection (h):

(1) any charter school with a mission exclusive to educating high school dropouts may grant priority admission to students who are high school dropouts and/or students 16 or 15 years old at risk of dropping out and any charter school with a mission exclusive to educating students from low-performing or overcrowded schools may restrict admission to students who are from low-performing or overcrowded schools; "priority admission" for charter schools exclusively devoted to re-enrolled dropouts or students at risk of dropping out means a minimum of 90% of students enrolled shall be high school dropouts; and

(2) any charter school located in a school district that contains all or part of a federal military base may set aside up to 33% of its current charter enrollment to students with parents assigned to the federal military base, with the remaining 67% subject to the general enrollment and lottery requirements of subsection (d) of this Section and this subsection (h); if a student with a parent assigned to the federal military base withdraws from the charter school during the course of a school year for reasons other than grade promotion, those students with parents assigned to the federal military base shall have preference in filling the vacancy.

(i) (Blank).

(j) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a school district in a city having a population exceeding 500,000 shall not have a duty to collectively bargain with an exclusive representative of its employees over decisions to grant or deny a charter school proposal under Section 27A-8 of this Code, decisions to renew or revoke a charter under Section 27A-9 of this Code, and the impact of these decisions, provided that nothing in this Section shall have the effect of negating, abrogating, replacing, reducing, diminishing, or limiting in any way employee rights, guarantees, or privileges granted in Sections 2, 3, 7, 8, 10, 14, and 15 of the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act.

(k) In this Section:

"Low-performing school" means a public school in a school district organized under Article 34 of this Code that enrolls students in any of grades kindergarten through 8 and that is ranked within the lowest 10% of schools in that district in terms of the percentage of students meeting or exceeding standards on the assessments required under Section 2-3.64a-5 of this Code.

"Overcrowded school" means a public school in a school district organized under Article 34 of this Code that (i) enrolls students in any of grades kindergarten through 8, (ii) has a percentage of low-income students of 70% or more, as identified in the most recently available School Report Card published by the State Board of Education, and (iii) is determined by the Chicago Board of Education to be in the most severely overcrowded 5% of schools in the district. On or before November 1 of each year, the Chicago Board of Education shall file a report with the State Board of Education on which schools in the district meet the definition of "overcrowded school". "Students at risk of dropping out" means students 16 or 15 years old in a public school in a district organized under Article 34 of this Code that enrolls students in any grades 9-12 who have been absent at least 90 school attendance days of the previous 180 school attendance days.

(l) For advertisements created after January 1, 2015 (the effective date of Public Act 98-783), any advertisement, including a radio, television, print, Internet, social media, or billboard advertisement, purchased by a school district or public school, including a charter school, with public funds must include a disclaimer stating that the advertisement was paid for using public funds.

This disclaimer requirement does not extend to materials created by the charter school, including, but not limited to, a school website, informational pamphlets or leaflets, or clothing with affixed school logos.

(Source: P.A. 98-474, eff. 8-16-13; 98-783, eff. 1-1-15; 98-972, eff. 8-15-14; 99-78, eff. 7-20-15.)

(105 ILCS 5/27A-5)

(Text of Section from P.A. 100-726)

Sec. 27A-5. Charter school; legal entity; requirements.

(a) A charter school shall be a public, nonsectarian, nonreligious, non-home based, and non-profit school. A charter school shall be organized and operated as a nonprofit corporation or other discrete, legal, nonprofit entity authorized under the laws of the State of Illinois.

(b) A charter school may be established under this Article by creating a new school or by converting an existing public school or attendance center to charter school status. Beginning on April 16, 2003 (the effective date of Public Act 93-3), in all new applications to establish a charter school in a city having a population exceeding 500,000, operation of the charter school shall be limited to one campus. The changes made to this Section by Public Act 93-3 do not apply to charter schools existing or approved on or before April 16, 2003 (the effective date of Public Act 93-3).

(b-5) In this subsection (b-5), "virtual-schooling" means a cyber school where students engage in online curriculum and instruction via the Internet and electronic communication with their teachers at remote locations and with students participating at different times.

From April 1, 2013 through December 31, 2016, there is a moratorium on the establishment of charter schools with virtual-schooling components in school districts other than a school district organized under Article 34 of this Code. This moratorium does not apply to a charter school with virtual-schooling components existing or approved prior to April 1, 2013 or to the renewal of the charter of a charter school with virtual-schooling components already approved prior to April 1, 2013.

On or before March 1, 2014, the Commission shall submit to the General Assembly a report on the effect of virtual-schooling, including without limitation the effect on student performance, the costs associated with virtual-schooling, and issues with oversight. The report shall include policy recommendations for virtual-schooling.

(c) A charter school shall be administered and governed by its board of directors or other governing body in the manner provided in its charter. The governing body of a charter school shall be subject to the Freedom of Information Act and the Open Meetings Act.

(d) For purposes of this subsection (d), "non-curricular health and safety requirement" means any health and safety requirement created by statute or rule to provide, maintain, preserve, or safeguard safe or healthful conditions for students and school personnel or to eliminate, reduce, or prevent threats to the health and safety of students and school personnel. "Non-curricular health and safety requirement" does not include any course of study or specialized instructional requirement for which the State Board has established goals and learning standards or which is designed primarily to impart knowledge and skills for students to master and apply as an outcome of their education.

A charter school shall comply with all non-curricular health and safety requirements applicable to public schools under the laws of the State of Illinois. On or before September 1, 2015, the State Board shall promulgate and post on its Internet website a list of non-curricular health and safety requirements that a charter school must meet. The list shall be updated annually no later than September 1. Any charter contract between a charter school and its authorizer must contain a provision that requires the charter school to follow the list of all non-curricular health and safety requirements promulgated by the State Board and any non-curricular health and safety requirements added by the State Board to such list during the term of the charter. Nothing in this subsection (d) precludes an authorizer from including non-curricular health and safety requirements in a charter school contract that are not contained in the list promulgated by the State Board, including non-curricular health and safety requirements of the authorizing local school board.

(e) Except as otherwise provided in the School Code, a charter school shall not charge tuition; provided that a charter school may charge reasonable fees for textbooks, instructional materials, and student activities.

(f) A charter school shall be responsible for the management and operation of its fiscal affairs including, but not limited to, the preparation of its budget. An audit of each charter school's finances shall be conducted annually by an outside, independent contractor retained by the charter school. To ensure financial accountability for the use of public funds, on or before December 1 of every year of operation, each charter school shall submit to its authorizer and the State Board a copy of its audit and a copy of the Form 990 the charter school filed that year with the federal Internal Revenue Service. In addition, if deemed necessary for proper financial oversight of the charter school, an authorizer may require quarterly financial statements from each charter school.

(g) A charter school shall comply with all provisions of this Article, the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act, all federal and State laws and rules applicable to public schools that pertain to special education and the instruction of English learners, and its charter. A charter school is exempt from all other State laws and regulations in this Code governing public schools and local school board policies; however, a charter school is not exempt from the following:

(1) Sections 10-21.9 and 34-18.5 of this Code regarding criminal history records checks and checks of the Statewide Sex Offender Database and Statewide Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Database of applicants for employment;

(2) Sections 10-20.14, 10-22.6, 24-24, 34-19, and 34-84a of this Code regarding discipline of students;

(3) the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act;

(4) Section 108.75 of the General Not For Profit Corporation Act of 1986 regarding indemnification of officers, directors, employees, and agents;

(5) the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act;

(5.5) subsection (b) of Section 10-23.12 and subsection (b) of Section 34-18.6 of this Code;

(6) the Illinois School Student Records Act;

(7) Section 10-17a of this Code regarding school report cards;

(8) the P-20 Longitudinal Education Data System Act;

(9) Section 27-23.7 of this Code regarding bullying prevention;

(10) Section 2-3.162 of this Code regarding student discipline reporting;

(11) Sections 22-80 and 27-8.1 of this Code;

(12) Sections 10-20.60 and 34-18.53 of this Code;

(13) Sections 10-20.63 and 34-18.56 of this Code;

(14) Section 26-18 of this Code; and

(15) Section 22-30 of this Code.

The change made by Public Act 96-104 to this subsection (g) is declaratory of existing law.

(h) A charter school may negotiate and contract with a school district, the governing body of a State college or university or public community college, or any other public or for-profit or nonprofit private entity for: (i) the use of a school building and grounds or any other real property or facilities that the charter school desires to use or convert for use as a charter school site, (ii) the operation and maintenance thereof, and (iii) the provision of any service, activity, or undertaking that the charter school is required to perform in order to carry out the terms of its charter. However, a charter school that is established on or after April 16, 2003 (the effective date of Public Act 93-3) and that operates in a city having a population exceeding 500,000 may not contract with a for-profit entity to manage or operate the school during the period that commences on April 16, 2003 (the effective date of Public Act 93-3) and concludes at the end of the 2004-2005 school year. Except as provided in subsection (i) of this Section, a school district may charge a charter school reasonable rent for the use of the district's buildings, grounds, and facilities. Any services for which a charter school contracts with a school district shall be provided by the district at cost. Any services for which a charter school contracts with a local school board or with the governing body of a State college or university or public community college shall be provided by the public entity at cost.

(i) In no event shall a charter school that is established by converting an existing school or attendance center to charter school status be required to pay rent for space that is deemed available, as negotiated and provided in the charter agreement, in school district facilities. However, all other costs for the operation and maintenance of school district facilities that are used by the charter school shall be subject to negotiation between the charter school and the local school board and shall be set forth in the charter.

(j) A charter school may limit student enrollment by age or grade level.

(k) If the charter school is approved by the Commission, then the Commission charter school is its own local education agency.

(Source: P.A. 99-30, eff. 7-10-15; 99-78, eff. 7-20-15; 99-245, eff. 8-3-15; 99-325, eff. 8-10-15; 99-456, eff. 9-15-16; 99-642, eff. 7-28-16; 99-927, eff. 6-1-17; 100-29, eff. 1-1-18; 100-156, eff. 1-1-18; 100-163, eff. 1-1-18; 100-413, eff. 1-1-18; 100-468, eff. 6-1-18; 100-726, eff. 1-1-19.)

(Text of Section from P.A. 100-863)

Sec. 27A-5. Charter school; legal entity; requirements.

(a) A charter school shall be a public, nonsectarian, nonreligious, non-home based, and non-profit school. A charter school shall be organized and operated as a nonprofit corporation or other discrete, legal, nonprofit entity authorized under the laws of the State of Illinois.

(b) A charter school may be established under this Article by creating a new school or by converting an existing public school or attendance center to charter school status. Beginning on April 16, 2003 (the effective date of Public Act 93-3), in all new applications to establish a charter school in a city having a population exceeding 500,000, operation of the charter school shall be limited to one campus. The changes made to this Section by Public Act 93-3 do not apply to charter schools existing or approved on or before April 16, 2003 (the effective date of Public Act 93-3).

(b-5) In this subsection (b-5), "virtual-schooling" means a cyber school where students engage in online curriculum and instruction via the Internet and electronic communication with their teachers at remote locations and with students participating at different times.

From April 1, 2013 through December 31, 2016, there is a moratorium on the establishment of charter schools with virtual-schooling components in school districts other than a school district organized under Article 34 of this Code. This moratorium does not apply to a charter school with virtual-schooling components existing or approved prior to April 1, 2013 or to the renewal of the charter of a charter school with virtual-schooling components already approved prior to April 1, 2013.

On or before March 1, 2014, the Commission shall submit to the General Assembly a report on the effect of virtual-schooling, including without limitation the effect on student performance, the costs associated with virtual-schooling, and issues with oversight. The report shall include policy recommendations for virtual-schooling.

(c) A charter school shall be administered and governed by its board of directors or other governing body in the manner provided in its charter. The governing body of a charter school shall be subject to the Freedom of Information Act and the Open Meetings Act.

(d) For purposes of this subsection (d), "non-curricular health and safety requirement" means any health and safety requirement created by statute or rule to provide, maintain, preserve, or safeguard safe or healthful conditions for students and school personnel or to eliminate, reduce, or prevent threats to the health and safety of students and school personnel. "Non-curricular health and safety requirement" does not include any course of study or specialized instructional requirement for which the State Board has established goals and learning standards or which is designed primarily to impart knowledge and skills for students to master and apply as an outcome of their education.

A charter school shall comply with all non-curricular health and safety requirements applicable to public schools under the laws of the State of Illinois. On or before September 1, 2015, the State Board shall promulgate and post on its Internet website a list of non-curricular health and safety requirements that a charter school must meet. The list shall be updated annually no later than September 1. Any charter contract between a charter school and its authorizer must contain a provision that requires the charter school to follow the list of all non-curricular health and safety requirements promulgated by the State Board and any non-curricular health and safety requirements added by the State Board to such list during the term of the charter. Nothing in this subsection (d) precludes an authorizer from including non-curricular health and safety requirements in a charter school contract that are not contained in the list promulgated by the State Board, including non-curricular health and safety requirements of the authorizing local school board.

(e) Except as otherwise provided in the School Code, a charter school shall not charge tuition; provided that a charter school may charge reasonable fees for textbooks, instructional materials, and student activities.

(f) A charter school shall be responsible for the management and operation of its fiscal affairs including, but not limited to, the preparation of its budget. An audit of each charter school's finances shall be conducted annually by an outside, independent contractor retained by the charter school. To ensure financial accountability for the use of public funds, on or before December 1 of every year of operation, each charter school shall submit to its authorizer and the State Board a copy of its audit and a copy of the Form 990 the charter school filed that year with the federal Internal Revenue Service. In addition, if deemed necessary for proper financial oversight of the charter school, an authorizer may require quarterly financial statements from each charter school.

(g) A charter school shall comply with all provisions of this Article, the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act, all federal and State laws and rules applicable to public schools that pertain to special education and the instruction of English learners, and its charter. A charter school is exempt from all other State laws and regulations in this Code governing public schools and local school board policies; however, a charter school is not exempt from the following:

(1) Sections 10-21.9 and 34-18.5 of this Code regarding criminal history records checks and checks of the Statewide Sex Offender Database and Statewide Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Database of applicants for employment;

(2) Sections 10-20.14, 10-22.6, 24-24, 34-19, and 34-84a of this Code regarding discipline of students;

(3) the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act;

(4) Section 108.75 of the General Not For Profit Corporation Act of 1986 regarding indemnification of officers, directors, employees, and agents;

(5) the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act;

(5.5) subsection (b) of Section 10-23.12 and subsection (b) of Section 34-18.6 of this Code;

(6) the Illinois School Student Records Act;

(7) Section 10-17a of this Code regarding school report cards;

(8) the P-20 Longitudinal Education Data System Act;

(9) Section 27-23.7 of this Code regarding bullying prevention;

(10) Section 2-3.162 of this Code regarding student discipline reporting;

(11) Sections 22-80 and 27-8.1 of this Code;

(12) Sections 10-20.60 and 34-18.53 of this Code;

(13) Sections 10-20.63 and 34-18.56 of this Code; and

(14) Section 26-18 of this Code.

The change made by Public Act 96-104 to this subsection (g) is declaratory of existing law.

(h) A charter school may negotiate and contract with a school district, the governing body of a State college or university or public community college, or any other public or for-profit or nonprofit private entity for: (i) the use of a school building and grounds or any other real property or facilities that the charter school desires to use or convert for use as a charter school site, (ii) the operation and maintenance thereof, and (iii) the provision of any service, activity, or undertaking that the charter school is required to perform in order to carry out the terms of its charter. However, a charter school that is established on or after April 16, 2003 (the effective date of Public Act 93-3) and that operates in a city having a population exceeding 500,000 may not contract with a for-profit entity to manage or operate the school during the period that commences on April 16, 2003 (the effective date of Public Act 93-3) and concludes at the end of the 2004-2005 school year. Except as provided in subsection (i) of this Section, a school district may charge a charter school reasonable rent for the use of the district's buildings, grounds, and facilities. Any services for which a charter school contracts with a school district shall be provided by the district at cost. Any services for which a charter school contracts with a local school board or with the governing body of a State college or university or public community college shall be provided by the public entity at cost.

(i) In no event shall a charter school that is established by converting an existing school or attendance center to charter school status be required to pay rent for space that is deemed available, as negotiated and provided in the charter agreement, in school district facilities. However, all other costs for the operation and maintenance of school district facilities that are used by the charter school shall be subject to negotiation between the charter school and the local school board and shall be set forth in the charter.

(j) A charter school may limit student enrollment by age or grade level.

(k) If the charter school is approved by the Commission, then the Commission charter school is its own local education agency.

(Source: P.A. 99-30, eff. 7-10-15; 99-78, eff. 7-20-15; 99-245, eff. 8-3-15; 99-325, eff. 8-10-15; 99-456, eff. 9-15-16; 99-642, eff. 7-28-16; 99-927, eff. 6-1-17; 100-29, eff. 1-1-18; 100-156, eff. 1-1-18; 100-163, eff. 1-1-18; 100-413, eff. 1-1-18; 100-468, eff. 6-1-18; 100-863, eff. 8-14-18.)

(105 ILCS 5/27A-5.5)

Sec. 27A-5.5. Charter school truancy.

(a) A charter school shall comply with all applicable absenteeism and truancy policies and requirements applicable to public schools under the laws of the State of Illinois.

(b) A charter school shall define a truant as a child who is subject to compulsory school attendance and who is absent without valid cause from such attendance for a school day or portion thereof.

(c) A charter school shall define a chronic or habitual truant as a child who is subject to compulsory school attendance and who is absent without valid cause from such attendance for 5% or more of the previous 180 regular attendance days.

(d) A charter school shall define a truant minor as a chronic truant to whom supportive services, including prevention, diagnostic, intervention, and remedial services, alternative programs, and other school and community resources have been provided and have failed to result in the cessation of chronic truancy or have been offered and refused.

(e) A charter school shall define a dropout as any child enrolled in grades 9 through 12 whose name has been removed from the charter school enrollment roster for any reason other than the student's death, extended illness, removal for medical non-compliance, expulsion, aging out, graduation, or completion of a program of studies and who has not transferred to another public or private school and is not known to be home-schooled by his or her parents or guardians or continuing school in another country.

(Source: P.A. 99-596, eff. 6-22-16.)

(105 ILCS 5/27A-6)

Sec. 27A-6. Contract contents; applicability of laws and regulations.

(a) A certified charter shall constitute a binding contract and agreement between the charter school and a local school board under the terms of which the local school board authorizes the governing body of the charter school to operate the charter school on the terms specified in the contract.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article, the certified charter may not waive or release the charter school from the State goals, standards, and assessments established pursuant to Section 2-3.64a-5 of this Code. Beginning with the 2003-2004 school year, the certified charter for a charter school operating in a city having a population exceeding 500,000 shall require the charter school to administer any other nationally recognized standardized tests to its students that the chartering entity administers to other students, and the results on such tests shall be included in the chartering entity's assessment reports.

(c) Subject to the provisions of subsection (e), a material revision to a previously certified contract or a renewal shall be made with the approval of both the local school board and the governing body of the charter school.

(c-5) The proposed contract shall include a provision on how both parties will address minor violations of the contract.

(d) The proposed contract between the governing body of a proposed charter school and the local school board as described in Section 27A-7 must be submitted to and certified by the State Board before it can take effect. If the State Board recommends that the proposed contract be modified for consistency with this Article before it can be certified, the modifications must be consented to by both the governing body of the charter school and the local school board, and resubmitted to the State Board for its certification. If the proposed contract is resubmitted in a form that is not consistent with this Article, the State Board may refuse to certify the charter.

The State Board shall assign a number to each submission or resubmission in chronological order of receipt, and shall determine whether the proposed contract is consistent with the provisions of this Article. If the proposed contract complies, the State Board shall so certify.

(e) No renewal of a previously certified contract is effective unless and until the State Board certifies that the renewal is consistent with the provisions of this Article. A material revision to a previously certified contract may go into effect immediately upon approval of both the local school board and the governing body of the charter school, unless either party requests in writing that the State Board certify that the material revision is consistent with the provisions of this Article. If such a request is made, the proposed material revision is not effective unless and until the State Board so certifies.

(Source: P.A. 98-972, eff. 8-15-14; 98-1048, eff. 8-25-14; 99-78, eff. 7-20-15.)

(105 ILCS 5/27A-6.5)

Sec. 27A-6.5. Charter school referendum.

(a) No charter shall go into effect under this Section that would convert any existing private, parochial, or non-public school to a charter school or whose proposal has not been certified by the State Board.

(b) A local school board shall, whenever petitioned to do so by 5% or more of the voters of a school district or districts identified in a charter school proposal, order submitted to the voters thereof at a regularly scheduled election the question of whether a new charter school shall be established, which proposal has been found by the Commission to be in compliance with the provisions of this Article, and the secretary shall certify the proposition to the proper election authorities for submission in accordance with the general election law. The proposition shall be in substantially the following form:

"FOR the establishment of (name of proposed charter school) under charter school proposal (charter school proposal number).

AGAINST the establishment of (name of proposed charter school) under charter school proposal (charter school proposal number)".

(c) Before circulating a petition to submit the question of whether to establish a charter school to the voters under subsection (b) of this Section, the governing body of a proposed charter school that desires to establish a new charter school by referendum shall submit the charter school proposal to the Commission in the form of a proposed contract to be entered into between the Commission and the governing body of the proposed charter school, together with written notice of the intent to have a new charter school established by referendum. The contract shall comply with the provisions of this Article.

If the Commission finds that the proposed contract complies with the provisions of this Article, it shall immediately direct the local school board to notify the proper election authorities that the question of whether to establish a new charter school shall be submitted for referendum.

(d) If the Commission finds that the proposal fails to comply with the provisions of this Article, it shall provide written explanation, detailing its reasons for refusal, to the local school board and to the individuals or organizations submitting the proposal. The Commission shall also notify the local school board and the individuals or organizations submitting the proposal that the proposal may be amended and resubmitted under the same provisions required for an original submission.

(e) If a majority of the votes cast upon the proposition in each school district designated in the charter school proposal is in favor of establishing a charter school, the local school board shall notify the State Board and the Commission of the passage of the proposition in favor of establishing a charter school and the Commission shall approve the charter within 7 days after the State Board of Elections has certified that a majority of the votes cast upon the proposition is in favor of establishing a charter school. The Commission shall be the chartering entity for charter schools established by referendum under this Section.

(f) The State Board shall determine whether the charter proposal approved by the Commission is consistent with the provisions of this Article and, if the approved proposal complies, certify the proposal pursuant to this Article.

(Source: P.A. 98-739, eff. 7-16-14.)

(105 ILCS 5/27A-7)

Sec. 27A-7. Charter submission.

(a) A proposal to establish a charter school shall be submitted to the local school board and the State Board for certification under Section 27A-6 of this Code in the form of a proposed contract entered into between the local school board and the governing body of a proposed charter school. The charter school proposal shall include:

(1) The name of the proposed charter school, which must include the words "Charter School".

(2) The age or grade range, areas of focus, minimum and maximum numbers of pupils to be enrolled in the charter school, and any other admission criteria that would be legal if used by a school district.

(3) A description of and address for the physical plant in which the charter school will be located; provided that nothing in the Article shall be deemed to justify delaying or withholding favorable action on or approval of a charter school proposal because the building or buildings in which the charter school is to be located have not been acquired or rented at the time a charter school proposal is submitted or approved or a charter school contract is entered into or submitted for certification or certified, so long as the proposal or submission identifies and names at least 2 sites that are potentially available as a charter school facility by the time the charter school is to open.

(4) The mission statement of the charter school, which must be consistent with the General Assembly's declared purposes; provided that nothing in this Article shall be construed to require that, in order to receive favorable consideration and approval, a charter school proposal demonstrate unequivocally that the charter school will be able to meet each of those declared purposes, it being the intention of the Charter Schools Law that those purposes be recognized as goals that charter schools must aspire to attain.

(5) The goals, objectives, and pupil performance standards to be achieved by the charter school.

(6) In the case of a proposal to establish a charter school by converting an existing public school or attendance center to charter school status, evidence that the proposed formation of the charter school has received the approval of certified teachers, parents and guardians, and, if applicable, a local school council as provided in subsection (b) of Section 27A-8.

(7) A description of the charter school's educational program, pupil performance standards, curriculum, school year, school days, and hours of operation.

(8) A description of the charter school's plan for evaluating pupil performance, the types of assessments that will be used to measure pupil progress towards achievement of the school's pupil performance standards, the timeline for achievement of those standards, and the procedures for taking corrective action in the event that pupil performance at the charter school falls below those standards.

(9) Evidence that the terms of the charter as proposed are economically sound for both the charter school and the school district, a proposed budget for the term of the charter, a description of the manner in which an annual audit of the financial and administrative operations of the charter school, including any services provided by the school district, are to be conducted, and a plan for the displacement of pupils, teachers, and other employees who will not attend or be employed in the charter school.

(10) A description of the governance and operation of the charter school, including the nature and extent of parental, professional educator, and community involvement in the governance and operation of the charter school.

(11) An explanation of the relationship that will exist between the charter school and its employees, including evidence that the terms and conditions of employment have been addressed with affected employees and their recognized representative, if any. However, a bargaining unit of charter school employees shall be separate and distinct from any bargaining units formed from employees of a school district in which the charter school is located.

(12) An agreement between the parties regarding their respective legal liability and applicable insurance coverage.

(13) A description of how the charter school plans to meet the transportation needs of its pupils, and a plan for addressing the transportation needs of low-income and at-risk pupils.

(14) The proposed effective date and term of the charter; provided that the first day of the first academic year shall be no earlier than August 15 and no later than September 15 of a calendar year, and the first day of the fiscal year shall be July 1.

(14.5) Disclosure of any known active civil or criminal investigation by a local, state, or federal law enforcement agency into an organization submitting the charter school proposal or a criminal investigation by a local, state, or federal law enforcement agency into any member of the governing body of that organization. For the purposes of this subdivision (14.5), a known investigation means a request for an interview by a law enforcement agency, a subpoena, an arrest, or an indictment. Such disclosure is required for a period from the initial application submission through 10 business days prior to the authorizer's scheduled decision date.

(15) Any other information reasonably required by the State Board of Education.

(b) A proposal to establish a charter school may be initiated by individuals or organizations that will have majority representation on the board of directors or other governing body of the corporation or other discrete legal entity that is to be established to operate the proposed charter school, by a board of education or an intergovernmental agreement between or among boards of education, or by the board of directors or other governing body of a discrete legal entity already existing or established to operate the proposed charter school. The individuals or organizations referred to in this subsection may be school teachers, school administrators, local school councils, colleges or universities or their faculty members, public community colleges or their instructors or other representatives, corporations, or other entities or their representatives. The proposal shall be submitted to the local school board for consideration and, if appropriate, for development of a proposed contract to be submitted to the State Board for certification under Section 27A-6.

(c) The local school board may not without the consent of the governing body of the charter school condition its approval of a charter school proposal on acceptance of an agreement to operate under State laws and regulations and local school board policies from which the charter school is otherwise exempted under this Article.

(Source: P.A. 98-739, eff. 7-16-14; 98-1048, eff. 8-25-14; 99-78, eff. 7-20-15; 99-334, eff. 8-10-15.)

(105 ILCS 5/27A-7.5)

Sec. 27A-7.5. State Charter School Commission.

(a) A State Charter School Commission is established as an independent commission with statewide chartering jurisdiction and authority. The Commission shall be under the State Board for administrative purposes only.

(a-5) The State Board shall provide administrative support to the Commission as needed.

(b) The Commission is responsible for authorizing high-quality charter schools throughout this State, particularly schools designed to expand opportunities for at-risk students, consistent with the purposes of this Article.

(c) The Commission shall consist of 9 members, appointed by the State Board. The State Board shall make these appointments from a slate of candidates proposed by the Governor, within 60 days after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 97th General Assembly with respect to the initial Commission members. In making the appointments, the State Board shall ensure statewide geographic diversity among Commission members. The Governor shall propose a slate of candidates to the State Board within 60 days after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 97th General Assembly and 60 days prior to the expiration of the term of a member thereafter. If the Governor fails to timely propose a slate of candidates according to the provisions of this subsection (c), then the State Board may appoint the member or members of the Commission.

(d) Members appointed to the Commission shall collectively possess strong experience and expertise in public and nonprofit governance, management and finance, public school leadership, higher education, assessments, curriculum and instruction, and public education law. All members of the Commission shall have demonstrated understanding of and a commitment to public education, including without limitation charter schooling. At least 3 members must have past experience with urban charter schools.

(e) To establish staggered terms of office, the initial term of office for 3 Commission members shall be 4 years and thereafter shall be 4 years; the initial term of office for another 3 members shall be 3 years and thereafter shall be 4 years; and the initial term of office for the remaining 3 members shall be 2 years and thereafter shall be 4 years. The initial appointments must be made no later than October 1, 2011.

(f) Whenever a vacancy on the Commission exists, the State Board shall appoint a member for the remaining portion of the term.

(g) Subject to the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act, the Commission is authorized to receive and expend gifts, grants, and donations of any kind from any public or private entity to carry out the purposes of this Article, subject to the terms and conditions under which they are given, provided that all such terms and conditions are permissible under law. Funds received under this subsection (g) must be deposited into the State Charter School Commission Fund.

The State Charter School Commission Fund is created as a special fund in the State treasury. All money in the Fund shall be used, subject to appropriation, by the State Board, acting on behalf and with the consent of the Commission, for operational and administrative costs of the Commission.

Subject to appropriation, any funds appropriated for use by the State Board, acting on behalf and with the consent of the Commission, may be used for the following purposes, without limitation: personal services, contractual services, and other operational and administrative costs. The State Board is further authorized to make expenditures with respect to any other amounts deposited in accordance with law into the State Charter School Commission Fund.

(g-5) Funds or spending authority for the operation and administrative costs of the Commission shall be appropriated to the State Board in a separate line item. The State Superintendent of Education may not reduce or modify the budget of the Commission or use funds appropriated to the Commission without the approval of the Commission.

(h) The Commission shall operate with dedicated resources and staff qualified to execute the day-to-day responsibilities of charter school authorizing in accordance with this Article. The Commission may employ and fix the compensation of such employees and technical assistants as it deems necessary to carry out its powers and duties under this Article, without regard to the requirements of any civil service or personnel statute; and may establish and administer standards of classification of all such persons with respect to their compensation, duties, performance, and tenure and enter into contracts of employment with such persons for such periods and on such terms as the Commission deems desirable.

(i) Every 2 years, the Commission shall provide to the State Board and local school boards a report on best practices in charter school authorizing, including without limitation evaluating applications, oversight of charters, and renewal of charter schools.

(j) The Commission may charge a charter school that it authorizes a fee, not to exceed 3% of the revenue provided to the school, to cover the cost of undertaking the ongoing administrative responsibilities of the eligible chartering authority with respect to the school. This fee must be deposited into the State Charter School Commission Fund.

(k) Any charter school authorized by the State Board prior to this amendatory Act of the 97th General Assembly shall have its authorization transferred to the Commission upon a vote of the State Board, which shall then become the school's authorizer for all purposes under this Article. However, in no case shall such transfer take place later than July 1, 2012. At this time, all of the powers, duties, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, records, and pending business of the State Board as the school's authorizer must be transferred to the Commission. Any charter school authorized by a local school board or boards may seek transfer of authorization to the Commission during its current term only with the approval of the local school board or boards. At the end of its charter term, a charter school authorized by a local school board or boards must reapply to the board or boards before it may apply for authorization to the Commission under the terms of this amendatory Act of the 97th General Assembly.

On the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 97th General Assembly, all rules of the State Board applicable to matters falling within the responsibility of the Commission shall be applicable to the actions of the Commission. The Commission shall thereafter have the authority to propose to the State Board modifications to all rules applicable to matters falling within the responsibility of the Commission. The State Board shall retain rulemaking authority for the Commission, but shall work jointly with the Commission on any proposed modifications. Upon recommendation of proposed rule modifications by the Commission and pursuant to the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act, the State Board shall consider such changes within the intent of this amendatory Act of the 97th General Assembly and grant any and all changes consistent with that intent.

(l) The Commission shall have the responsibility to consider appeals under this Article immediately upon appointment of the initial members of the Commission under subsection (c) of this Section. Appeals pending at the time of initial appointment shall be determined by the Commission; the Commission may extend the time for review as necessary for thorough review, but in no case shall the extension exceed the time that would have been available had the appeal been submitted to the Commission on the date of appointment of its initial members. In any appeal filed with the Commission under this Article, both the applicant and the school district in which the charter school plans to locate shall have the right to request a hearing before the Commission. If more than one entity requests a hearing, then the Commission may hold only one hearing, wherein the applicant and the school district shall have an equal opportunity to present their respective positions.

(Source: P.A. 97-152, eff. 7-20-11; 97-641, eff. 12-19-11; 97-1156, eff. 1-25-13.)

(105 ILCS 5/27A-7.10)

Sec. 27A-7.10. Authorizer powers and duties; immunity; principles and standards.

(a) Authorizers are responsible for executing, in accordance with this Article, all of the following powers and duties:

(1) Soliciting and evaluating charter applications.

(2) Approving quality charter applications that meet identified educational needs and promote a diversity of educational choices.

(3) Declining to approve weak or inadequate charter applications.

(4) Negotiating and executing sound charter contracts with each approved charter school.

(5) Monitoring, in accordance with charter contract terms, the performance and legal compliance of charter schools.

(6) Determining whether each charter contract merits renewal, nonrenewal, or revocation.

(b) An authorizing entity may delegate its duties to officers, employees, and contractors.

(c) Regulation by authorizers is limited to the powers and duties set forth in subsection (a) of this Section and must be consistent with the spirit and intent of this Article.

(d) An authorizing entity, members of the local school board, or the Commission, in their official capacity, and employees of an authorizer are immune from civil and criminal liability with respect to all activities related to a charter school that they authorize, except for willful or wanton misconduct.

(e) The Commission and all local school boards that have a charter school operating are required to develop and maintain chartering policies and practices consistent with recognized principles and standards for quality charter authorizing in all major areas of authorizing responsibility, including all of the following:

(1) Organizational capacity and infrastructure.

(2) Soliciting and evaluating charter applications.

(3) Performance contracting.

(4) Ongoing charter school oversight and evaluation.

(5) Charter renewal decision-making.

Authorizers shall carry out all their duties under this Article in a manner consistent with nationally recognized principles and standards and with the spirit and intent of this Article.

(Source: P.A. 97-152, eff. 7-20-11.)

(105 ILCS 5/27A-8)

Sec. 27A-8. Evaluation of charter proposals.

(a) This Section does not apply to a charter school established by referendum under Section 27A-6.5. In evaluating any charter school proposal submitted to it, the local school board and the Commission shall give preference to proposals that:

(1) demonstrate a high level of local pupil, parental, community, business, and school personnel support;

(2) set rigorous levels of expected pupil achievement and demonstrate feasible plans for attaining those levels of achievement; and

(3) are designed to enroll and serve a substantial proportion of at-risk children; provided that nothing in the Charter Schools Law shall be construed as intended to limit the establishment of charter schools to those that serve a substantial portion of at-risk children or to in any manner restrict, limit, or discourage the establishment of charter schools that enroll and serve other pupil populations under a nonexclusive, nondiscriminatory admissions policy.

(b) In the case of a proposal to establish a charter school by converting an existing public school or attendance center to charter school status, evidence that the proposed formation of the charter school has received majority support from certified teachers and from parents and guardians in the school or attendance center affected by the proposed charter, and, if applicable, from a local school council, shall be demonstrated by a petition in support of the charter school signed by certified teachers and a petition in support of the charter school signed by parents and guardians and, if applicable, by a vote of the local school council held at a public meeting. In the case of all other proposals to establish a charter school, evidence of sufficient support to fill the number of pupil seats set forth in the proposal may be demonstrated by a petition in support of the charter school signed by parents and guardians of students eligible to attend the charter school. In all cases, the individuals, organizations, or entities who initiate the proposal to establish a charter school may elect, in lieu of including any petition referred to in this subsection as a part of the proposal submitted to the local school board, to demonstrate that the charter school has received the support referred to in this subsection by other evidence and information presented at the public meeting that the local school board is required to convene under this Section.

(c) Within 45 days of receipt of a charter school proposal, the local school board shall convene a public meeting to obtain information to assist the board in its decision to grant or deny the charter school proposal. A local school board may develop its own process for receiving charter school proposals on an annual basis that follows the same timeframes as set forth in this Article. Only after the local school board process is followed may a charter school applicant appeal to the Commission.

(d) Notice of the public meeting required by this Section shall be published in a community newspaper published in the school district in which the proposed charter is located and, if there is no such newspaper, then in a newspaper published in the county and having circulation in the school district. The notices shall be published not more than 10 days nor less than 5 days before the meeting and shall state that information regarding a charter school proposal will be heard at the meeting. Copies of the notice shall also be posted at appropriate locations in the school or attendance center proposed to be established as a charter school, the public schools in the school district, and the local school board office. If 45 days pass without the local school board holding a public meeting, then the charter applicant may submit the proposal to the Commission, where it must be addressed in accordance with the provisions set forth in subsection (g) of this Section.

(e) Within 30 days of the public meeting, the local school board shall vote, in a public meeting, to either grant or deny the charter school proposal. If the local school board has not voted in a public meeting within 30 days after the public meeting, then the charter applicant may submit the proposal to the Commission, where it must be addressed in accordance with the provisions set forth in subsection (g) of this Section.

(f) Within 7 days of the public meeting required under subsection (e) of this Section, the local school board shall file a report with the State Board granting or denying the proposal. If the local school board has approved the proposal, within 30 days of receipt of the local school board's report, the State Board shall determine whether the approved charter proposal is consistent with the provisions of this Article and, if the approved proposal complies, certify the proposal pursuant to Section 27A-6.

(g) If the local school board votes to deny the proposal, then the charter school applicant has 30 days from the date of that vote to submit an appeal to the Commission. In such instances or in those instances referenced in subsections (d) and (e) of this Section, the Commission shall follow the same process and be subject to the same timelines for review as the local school board.

(h) The Commission may reverse a local school board's decision to deny a charter school proposal if the Commission finds that the proposal (i) is in compliance with this Article and (ii) is in the best interests of the students the charter school is designed to serve. Final decisions of the Commission are subject to judicial review under the Administrative Review Law.

(i) In the case of a charter school proposed to be jointly authorized by 2 or more school districts, the local school boards may unanimously deny the charter school proposal with a statement that the local school boards are not opposed to the charter school, but that they yield to the Commission in light of the complexities of joint administration.

(Source: P.A. 96-105, eff. 7-30-09; 96-734, eff. 8-25-09; 96-1000, eff. 7-2-10; 97-152, eff. 7-20-11.)

(105 ILCS 5/27A-9)

Sec. 27A-9. Term of charter; renewal.

(a) For charters granted before January 1, 2017 (the effective date of Public Act 99-840), a charter may be granted for a period not less than 5 and not more than 10 school years. For charters granted on or after January 1, 2017 (the effective date of Public Act 99-840), a charter shall be granted for a period of 5 school years. For charters renewed before January 1, 2017 (the effective date of Public Act 99-840), a charter may be renewed in incremental periods not to exceed 5 school years. For charters renewed on or after January 1, 2017 (the effective date of Public Act 99-840), a charter may be renewed in incremental periods not to exceed 10 school years; however, the Commission may renew a charter only in incremental periods not to exceed 5 years. Authorizers shall ensure that every charter granted on or after January 1, 2017 (the effective date of Public Act 99-840) includes standards and goals for academic, organizational, and financial performance. A charter must meet all standards and goals for academic, organizational, and financial performance set forth by the authorizer in order to be renewed for a term in excess of 5 years but not more than 10 years. If an authorizer fails to establish standards and goals, a charter shall not be renewed for a term in excess of 5 years. Nothing contained in this Section shall require an authorizer to grant a full 10-year renewal term to any particular charter school, but an authorizer may award a full 10-year renewal term to charter schools that have a demonstrated track record of improving student performance.

(b) A charter school renewal proposal submitted to the local school board or the Commission, as the chartering entity, shall contain:

(1) A report on the progress of the charter school in achieving the goals, objectives, pupil performance standards, content standards, and other terms of the initial approved charter proposal; and

(2) A financial statement that discloses the costs of administration, instruction, and other spending categories for the charter school that is understandable to the general public and that will allow comparison of those costs to other schools or other comparable organizations, in a format required by the State Board.

(c) A charter may be revoked or not renewed if the local school board or the Commission, as the chartering entity, clearly demonstrates that the charter school did any of the following, or otherwise failed to comply with the requirements of this law:

(1) Committed a material violation of any of the conditions, standards, or procedures set forth in the charter.

(2) Failed to meet or make reasonable progress toward achievement of the content standards or pupil performance standards identified in the charter.

(3) Failed to meet generally accepted standards of fiscal management.

(4) Violated any provision of law from which the charter school was not exempted.

In the case of revocation, the local school board or the Commission, as the chartering entity, shall notify the charter school in writing of the reason why the charter is subject to revocation. The charter school shall submit a written plan to the local school board or the Commission, whichever is applicable, to rectify the problem. The plan shall include a timeline for implementation, which shall not exceed 2 years or the date of the charter's expiration, whichever is earlier. If the local school board or the Commission, as the chartering entity, finds that the charter school has failed to implement the plan of remediation and adhere to the timeline, then the chartering entity shall revoke the charter. Except in situations of an emergency where the health, safety, or education of the charter school's students is at risk, the revocation shall take place at the end of a school year. Nothing in Public Act 96-105 shall be construed to prohibit an implementation timetable that is less than 2 years in duration.

(d) (Blank).

(e) Notice of a local school board's decision to deny, revoke, or not renew a charter shall be provided to the Commission and the State Board. The Commission may reverse a local board's decision if the Commission finds that the charter school or charter school proposal (i) is in compliance with this Article, and (ii) is in the best interests of the students it is designed to serve. The Commission may condition the granting of an appeal on the acceptance by the charter school of funding in an amount less than that requested in the proposal submitted to the local school board. Final decisions of the Commission shall be subject to judicial review under the Administrative Review Law.

(f) Notwithstanding other provisions of this Article, if the Commission on appeal reverses a local board's decision or if a charter school is approved by referendum, the Commission shall act as the authorized chartering entity for the charter school. The Commission shall approve the charter and shall perform all functions under this Article otherwise performed by the local school board. The State Board shall determine whether the charter proposal approved by the Commission is consistent with the provisions of this Article and, if the approved proposal complies, certify the proposal pursuant to this Article. The State Board shall report the aggregate number of charter school pupils resident in a school district to that district and shall notify the district of the amount of funding to be paid by the State Board to the charter school enrolling such students. The Commission shall require the charter school to maintain accurate records of daily attendance that shall be deemed sufficient to file claims under Section 18-8.05 or 18-8.15 notwithstanding any other requirements of that Section regarding hours of instruction and teacher certification. The State Board shall withhold from funds otherwise due the district the funds authorized by this Article to be paid to the charter school and shall pay such amounts to the charter school.

(g) For charter schools authorized by the Commission, the Commission shall quarterly certify to the State Board the student enrollment for each of its charter schools.

(h) For charter schools authorized by the Commission, the State Board shall pay directly to a charter school any federal or State aid attributable to a student with a disability attending the school.

(Source: P.A. 99-840, eff. 1-1-17; 100-201, eff. 8-18-17; 100-465, eff. 8-31-17.)

(105 ILCS 5/27A-10)

Sec. 27A-10. Employees.

(a) A person shall be deemed to be employed by a charter school unless a collective bargaining agreement or the charter school contract otherwise provides.

(b) In all school districts, including special charter districts and districts located in cities having a population exceeding 500,000, the local school board shall determine by policy or by negotiated agreement, if one exists, the employment status of any school district employees who are employed by a charter school and who seek to return to employment in the public schools of the district. Each local school board shall grant, for a period of up to 5 years, a leave of absence to those of its teachers who accept employment with a charter school. At the end of the authorized leave of absence, the teacher must return to the school district or resign; provided, however, that if the teacher chooses to return to the school district, the teacher must be assigned to a position which requires the teacher's certification and legal qualifications. The contractual continued service status and retirement benefits of a teacher of the district who is granted a leave of absence to accept employment with a charter school shall not be affected by that leave of absence.

(c) Charter schools shall employ in instructional positions, as defined in the charter, individuals who are certificated under Article 21 of this Code or who possess the following qualifications:

(i) graduated with a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning;

(ii) been employed for a period of at least 5 years in an area requiring application of the individual's education;

(iii) passed the tests of basic skills and subject matter knowledge required by Section 21-1a of the School Code; and

(iv) demonstrate continuing evidence of professional growth which shall include, but not be limited to, successful teaching experience, attendance at professional meetings, membership in professional organizations, additional credits earned at institutions of higher learning, travel specifically for educational purposes, and reading of professional books and periodicals.

(c-5) Charter schools employing individuals without certification in instructional positions shall provide such mentoring, training, and staff development for those individuals as the charter schools determine necessary for satisfactory performance in the classroom.

At least 50% of the individuals employed in instructional positions by a charter school that is operating in a city having a population exceeding 500,000 and that is established on or after April 16, 2003 shall hold teaching certificates issued under Article 21 of this Code.

At least 75% of the individuals employed in instructional positions by a charter school that is operating in a city having a population exceeding 500,000 and that was established before April 16, 2003 shall hold teaching certificates issued under Article 21 of this Code.

(c-10) Notwithstanding any provision in subsection (c-5) to the contrary, in any charter school established before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 96th General Assembly, at least 75% of the individuals employed in instructional positions by the charter school shall hold teaching certificates issued under Article 21 of this Code beginning with the 2012-2013 school year. In any charter school established after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 96th General Assembly, at least 75% of the individuals employed in instructional positions by a charter school shall hold teaching certificates issued under Article 21 of this Code by the beginning of the fourth school year during which a student is enrolled in the charter school. Charter schools may employ non-certificated staff in all other positions.

(c-15) Charter schools are exempt from any annual cap on new participants in an alternative certification program. The second and third phases of the alternative certification program may be conducted and completed at the charter school, and the alternative teaching certificate is valid for 4 years or the length of the charter (or any extension of the charter), whichever is longer.

(d) A teacher at a charter school may resign his or her position only if the teacher gives notice of resignation to the charter school's governing body at least 60 days before the end of the school term, and the resignation must take effect immediately upon the end of the school term.

(Source: P.A. 96-105, eff. 7-30-09.)

(105 ILCS 5/27A-10.5)

Sec. 27A-10.5. Educational or charter management organization.

(a) In this Section:

"CMO" means a charter management organization.

"EMO" means an educational management organization.

(b) All authorizers shall ensure that any charter school established on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 98th General Assembly has a governing body that is separate and distinct from the governing body of any CMO or EMO. In reviewing charter applications and charter renewal applications, authorizers shall review the governance model proposed by the applicant to ensure that there are no conflicts of interest.

(c) No charter school may employ a staff person who is simultaneously employed by an EMO or CMO.

(Source: P.A. 98-783, eff. 1-1-15.)

(105 ILCS 5/27A-10.10)

Sec. 27A-10.10. Closure of charter school; unspent public funds; procedures for the disposition of property and assets.

(a) Upon the closing of a charter school authorized by one or more local school boards, the governing body of the charter school or its designee shall refund to the chartering entity or entities all unspent public funds. The charter school's other property and assets shall be disposed of under the provisions of the charter application and contract. If the application and contract are silent or ambiguous as to the disposition of any of the school's property or assets, any property or assets of the charter school purchased with public funds shall be returned to the school district or districts from which the charter school draws enrollment, at no cost to the receiving district or districts, subject to each district's acceptance of the property or asset. Any unspent public funds or other property or assets received by the charter school directly from any State or federal agency shall be refunded to or revert back to that State or federal agency, respectively.

(b) Upon the closing of a charter school authorized by the Commission, the governing body of the charter school or its designee shall refund all unspent public funds to the State Board of Education. The charter school's other property and assets shall be disposed of under the provisions of the charter application and contract. If the application and contract are silent or ambiguous as to the disposition of any of the school's property or assets, any property or assets of the charter school purchased with public funds shall be returned to the school district or districts from which the charter school draws its enrollment, at no cost to the receiving district or districts, subject to each district's acceptance of the property or asset. Any unspent public funds or other property or assets provided by a State agency other than the State Board of Education or by a federal agency shall be refunded to or revert back to that State or federal agency, respectively.

(c) If a determination is made to close a charter school located within the boundaries of a school district organized under Article 34 of this Code for at least one school year, the charter school shall give at least 60 days' notice of the closure to all affected students and parents or legal guardians.

(Source: P.A. 100-179, eff. 8-18-17.)

(105 ILCS 5/27A-11)

Sec. 27A-11. Local financing.

(a) For purposes of the School Code, pupils enrolled in a charter school shall be included in the pupil enrollment of the school district within which the pupil resides. Each charter school (i) shall determine the school district in which each pupil who is enrolled in the charter school resides, (ii) shall report the aggregate number of pupils resident of a school district who are enrolled in the charter school to the school district in which those pupils reside, and (iii) shall maintain accurate records of daily attendance that shall be deemed sufficient to file claims under Section 18-8 or 18-8.15 notwithstanding any other requirements of that Section regarding hours of instruction and teacher certification.

(b) Except for a charter school established by referendum under Section 27A-6.5, as part of a charter school contract, the charter school and the local school board shall agree on funding and any services to be provided by the school district to the charter school. Agreed funding that a charter school is to receive from the local school board for a school year shall be paid in equal quarterly installments with the payment of the installment for the first quarter being made not later than July 1, unless the charter establishes a different payment schedule. However, if a charter school dismisses a pupil from the charter school after receiving a quarterly payment, the charter school shall return to the school district, on a quarterly basis, the prorated portion of public funding provided for the education of that pupil for the time the student is not enrolled at the charter school. Likewise, if a pupil transfers to a charter school between quarterly payments, the school district shall provide, on a quarterly basis, a prorated portion of the public funding to the charter school to provide for the education of that pupil.

All services centrally or otherwise provided by the school district including, but not limited to, rent, food services, custodial services, maintenance, curriculum, media services, libraries, transportation, and warehousing shall be subject to negotiation between a charter school and the local school board and paid for out of the revenues negotiated pursuant to this subsection (b); provided that the local school board shall not attempt, by negotiation or otherwise, to obligate a charter school to provide pupil transportation for pupils for whom a district is not required to provide transportation under the criteria set forth in subsection (a)(13) of Section 27A-7.

In no event shall the funding be less than 97% or more than 103% of the school district's per capita student tuition multiplied by the number of students residing in the district who are enrolled in the charter school.

It is the intent of the General Assembly that funding and service agreements under this subsection (b) shall be neither a financial incentive nor a financial disincentive to the establishment of a charter school.

The charter school may set and collect reasonable fees. Fees collected from students enrolled at a charter school shall be retained by the charter school.

(c) Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this Section, the proportionate share of State and federal resources generated by students with disabilities or staff serving them shall be directed to charter schools enrolling those students by their school districts or administrative units. The proportionate share of moneys generated under other federal or State categorical aid programs shall be directed to charter schools serving students eligible for that aid.

(d) The governing body of a charter school is authorized to accept gifts, donations, or grants of any kind made to the charter school and to expend or use gifts, donations, or grants in accordance with the conditions prescribed by the donor; however, a gift, donation, or grant may not be accepted by the governing body if it is subject to any condition contrary to applicable law or contrary to the terms of the contract between the charter school and the local school board. Charter schools shall be encouraged to solicit and utilize community volunteer speakers and other instructional resources when providing instruction on the Holocaust and other historical events.

(e) (Blank).

(f) The Commission shall provide technical assistance to persons and groups preparing or revising charter applications.

(g) At the non-renewal or revocation of its charter, each charter school shall refund to the local board of education all unspent funds.

(h) A charter school is authorized to incur temporary, short term debt to pay operating expenses in anticipation of receipt of funds from the local school board.

(Source: P.A. 99-78, eff. 7-20-15; 100-465, eff. 8-31-17.)

(105 ILCS 5/27A-11.5)

Sec. 27A-11.5. State financing. The State Board of Education shall make the following funds available to school districts and charter schools:

(1) From a separate appropriation made to the State Board for purposes of this subdivision (1), the State Board shall make transition impact aid available to school districts that approve a new charter school or that have funds withheld by the State Board to fund a new charter school that is chartered by the Commission. The amount of the aid shall equal 90% of the per capita funding paid to the charter school during the first year of its initial charter term, 65% of the per capita funding paid to the charter school during the second year of its initial term, and 35% of the per capita funding paid to the charter school during the third year of its initial term. This transition impact aid shall be paid to the local school board in equal quarterly installments, with the payment of the installment for the first quarter being made by August 1st immediately preceding the first, second, and third years of the initial term. The district shall file an application for this aid with the State Board in a format designated by the State Board. If the appropriation is insufficient in any year to pay all approved claims, the impact aid shall be prorated. However, for fiscal year 2004, the State Board of Education shall pay approved claims only for charter schools with a valid charter granted prior to June 1, 2003. If any funds remain after these claims have been paid, then the State Board of Education may pay all other approved claims on a pro rata basis. Transition impact aid shall be paid beginning in the 1999-2000 school year for charter schools that are in the first, second, or third year of their initial term. Transition impact aid shall not be paid for any charter school that is proposed and created by one or more boards of education, as authorized under the provisions of Public Act 91-405.

(2) From a separate appropriation made for the purpose of this subdivision (2), the State Board shall make grants to charter schools to pay their start-up costs of acquiring educational materials and supplies, textbooks, electronic textbooks and the technological equipment necessary to gain access to and use electronic textbooks, furniture, and other equipment or materials needed during their initial term. The State Board shall annually establish the time and manner of application for these grants, which shall not exceed $250 per student enrolled in the charter school.

(3) The Charter Schools Revolving Loan Fund is created as a special fund in the State treasury. Federal funds, such other funds as may be made available for costs associated with the establishment of charter schools in Illinois, and amounts repaid by charter schools that have received a loan from the Charter Schools Revolving Loan Fund shall be deposited into the Charter Schools Revolving Loan Fund, and the moneys in the Charter Schools Revolving Loan Fund shall be appropriated to the State Board and used to provide interest-free loans to charter schools. These funds shall be used to pay start-up costs of acquiring educational materials and supplies, textbooks, electronic textbooks and the technological equipment necessary to gain access to and use electronic textbooks, furniture, and other equipment or materials needed in the initial term of the charter school and for acquiring and remodeling a suitable physical plant, within the initial term of the charter school. Loans shall be limited to one loan per charter school and shall not exceed $750 per student enrolled in the charter school. A loan shall be repaid by the end of the initial term of the charter school. The State Board may deduct amounts necessary to repay the loan from funds due to the charter school or may require that the local school board that authorized the charter school deduct such amounts from funds due the charter school and remit these amounts to the State Board, provided that the local school board shall not be responsible for repayment of the loan. The State Board may use up to 3% of the appropriation to contract with a non-profit entity to administer the loan program.

(4) A charter school may apply for and receive, subject to the same restrictions applicable to school districts, any grant administered by the State Board that is available for school districts.

(Source: P.A. 98-739, eff. 7-16-14; 99-840, eff. 1-1-17.)

(105 ILCS 5/27A-12)

Sec. 27A-12. Evaluation; report. On or before September 30 of every odd-numbered year, all local school boards with at least one charter school, as well as the Commission, shall submit to the State Board any information required by the State Board pursuant to applicable rule. On or before the second Wednesday in January of every even-numbered year, the State Board shall issue a report to the General Assembly and the Governor on its findings for the previous 2 school years. The State Board's report shall summarize all of the following:

(1) The authorizer's strategic vision for chartering and progress toward achieving that vision.

(2) The academic and financial performance of all operating charter schools overseen by the authorizer, according to the performance expectations for charter schools set forth in this Article.

(3) The status of the authorizer's charter school portfolio, identifying all charter schools in each of the following categories: approved (but not yet open), operating, renewed, transferred, revoked, not renewed, voluntarily closed, or never opened.

(4) The authorizing functions provided by the authorizer to the charter schools under its purview, including the authorizer's operating costs and expenses detailed in annual audited financial statements, which must conform with generally accepted accounting principles.

Further, in the report required by this Section, the State Board (i) shall compare the performance of charter school pupils with the performance of ethnically and economically comparable groups of pupils in other public schools who are enrolled in academically comparable courses, (ii) shall review information regarding the regulations and policies from which charter schools were released to determine if the exemptions assisted or impeded the charter schools in meeting their stated goals and objectives, and (iii) shall include suggested changes in State law necessary to strengthen charter schools.

In addition, the State Board shall undertake and report on periodic evaluations of charter schools that include evaluations of student academic achievement, the extent to which charter schools are accomplishing their missions and goals, the sufficiency of funding for charter schools, and the need for changes in the approval process for charter schools.

Based on the information that the State Board receives from authorizers and the State Board's ongoing monitoring of both charter schools and authorizers, the State Board has the power to remove the power to authorize from any authorizer in this State if the authorizer does not demonstrate a commitment to high-quality authorization practices and, if necessary, revoke the chronically low-performing charters authorized by the authorizer at the time of the removal. The State Board shall adopt rules as needed to carry out this power, including provisions to determine the status of schools authorized by an authorizer whose authorizing power is revoked.

(Source: P.A. 96-105, eff. 7-30-09; 97-152, eff. 7-20-11.)

(105 ILCS 5/27A-13)

Sec. 27A-13. Rules. The State Board of Education is authorized to adopt any rules not inconsistent with this Article that it deems necessary to implement and accomplish the purposes and provisions of this Article.

(Source: P.A. 89-450, eff. 4-10-96.)

(105 ILCS 5/27A-14)

Sec. 27A-14. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 96-105, eff. 7-30-09. Repealed internally, eff. 1-10-10.)

(105 ILCS 5/Art. 28 heading) ARTICLE 28. INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

(105 ILCS 5/28-1) (from Ch. 122, par. 28-1)

Sec. 28-1. Copies and prices filed - Bond. No person shall offer any school instructional materials for adoption, sale or exchange in the State until he has complied with the following conditions:

1. He shall file with the State Board of Education, annually, by July 15, a sworn statement of the usual list price, the lowest net wholesale price, and the lowest net exchange price at which the material is sold or exchanged for old material on the same subject of like grade and kind but of a different series taken in part payment thereof.

2. He shall file with the State Board of Education a bond payable to the People of the State of Illinois with a surety company authorized to do business in the State of Illinois as surety thereon, in a penal sum to be determined by the State Board of Education, not less than $2000 nor more than $10,000 conditioned as follows:

(a) That he will furnish annually any of the materials listed in any annual statement filed by him to any school district and any school corporation in this State at the lowest net prices contained in the statements and that he will maintain said prices uniformly throughout the State.

(b) That he will reduce such net prices in Illinois whenever they are reduced elsewhere in the United States, and that he will file with the State Board of Education a sworn statement of reductions made elsewhere, so that at no time shall any instructional material so filed and listed by him be sold in this State at a higher net price than is received for such material elsewhere in the United States.

(c) He shall not enter into any understanding, agreement or combination to control the prices or to restrict competition in the sale of instructional materials.

(Source: P.A. 81-1508.)

(105 ILCS 5/28-2) (from Ch. 122, par. 28-2)

Sec. 28-2. Approval of bond-Duration. The bond required by Section 28-1 shall be approved by the Attorney General and shall continue in force for 5 years after its filing, at or before the expiration of which period a new bond shall be given or the right to continue business within the State shall be forfeited.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/28-3)

Sec. 28-3. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 81-1508. Repealed by P.A. 94-1105, eff. 6-1-07.)

(105 ILCS 5/28-4) (from Ch. 122, par. 28-4)

Sec. 28-4. Notice of violations - Proceedings for forfeiture of bond. The school board of each district wherein the instructional materials listed under the provisions of this Article have been adopted shall notify the State Board of Education of any violation of any of the conditions contained in said bond. The State Board of Education shall thereupon notify the person guilty of the violation and if such person disregards the notification and fails to comply with the requirements of the contract the State Board of Education shall institute legal proceedings for the forfeiture of the bond.

(Source: P.A. 81-1508.)

(105 ILCS 5/28-5) (from Ch. 122, par. 28-5)

Sec. 28-5. Inducement to teacher or officer forbidden.

No person shall secure or attempt to secure the sale of any school instructional materials in any school district by rewarding or promising to reward any teacher or by securing for him any position in any other school. No person shall offer to give any emolument, money or other valuable thing, promise of work or any other inducement to any teacher or school officer for any vote or promise of vote or for the use of his influence for any school instructional materials to be used in this State.

This section does not prevent any person from submitting, or any school officer or teacher from receiving, a reasonable number of copies of printed instructional materials for examination with a view to obtaining information as to the book or series of books for which such officer shall give his vote.

(Source: P.A. 77-2180.)

(105 ILCS 5/28-6)

Sec. 28-6. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 96-1403, eff. 7-29-10. Repealed by P.A. 97-570, eff. 8-25-11.)

(105 ILCS 5/28-7) (from Ch. 122, par. 28-7)

Sec. 28-7. Retail prices of books. It is unlawful for any retail dealer in textbooks to sell any books listed with the State Board of Education at a price to exceed a 15% advance on the net prices as so listed.

(Source: P.A. 81-1508.)

(105 ILCS 5/28-8) (from Ch. 122, par. 28-8)

Sec. 28-8. Purchase by districts for resale at cost. School districts may purchase textbooks and electronic textbooks and the technological equipment necessary to gain access to and use electronic textbooks from the publishers and manufacturers at the prices listed with the State Board of Education and sell them to the pupils at the listed prices or at such prices as will include the cost of transportation and handling.

(Source: P.A. 96-1403, eff. 7-29-10.)

(105 ILCS 5/28-9) (from Ch. 122, par. 28-9)

Sec. 28-9. Purchase by districts - Designation of agent for sale. School districts may purchase out of contingent funds school textbooks or electronic textbooks, instructional materials, and the technological equipment necessary to gain access to and use electronic textbooks from the publishers and manufacturers at the prices listed with the State Board of Education and may designate a retail dealer or dealers to act as the agent of the district in selling them to pupils. Such dealers shall at stated times make settlement with the district for books sold. Such dealers shall not sell textbooks at prices which exceed a 10% advance on the net prices as listed with the State Board of Education.

(Source: P.A. 96-1403, eff. 7-29-10.)

(105 ILCS 5/28-10)

Sec. 28-10. (Repealed).

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31. Repealed by P.A. 97-570, eff. 8-25-11.)

(105 ILCS 5/28-11) (from Ch. 122, par. 28-11)

Sec. 28-11. Penalties.

Any dealer who violates the provisions of Sections 28--7 or 28--9 shall be guilty of a petty offense and shall be fined not less than $25 nor more than $100.

Whoever violates any of the provisions of the foregoing sections of this Article, except those of Sections 28--7 and 28--9, shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor.

(Source: P.A. 77-2267.)

(105 ILCS 5/28-12)

Sec. 28-12. (Repealed).

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31. Repealed by P.A. 97-570, eff. 8-25-11.)

(105 ILCS 5/28-13) (from Ch. 122, par. 28-13)

Sec. 28-13. Districts adopting provisions for free textbooks.

The foregoing sections of this Article do not apply to school boards and school districts that have adopted the subsequent provisions of this Article.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/28-14) (from Ch. 122, par. 28-14)

Sec. 28-14. Free textbooks - Referendum - Ballot. Any school board may, and whenever petitioned so to do by 5% or more of the voters of such district shall order submitted to the voters thereof at a regular scheduled election the question of furnishing free school textbooks or electronic textbooks for the use of pupils attending the public schools of the district, and the secretary shall certify the proposition to the proper election authorities for submission in accordance with the general election law. The proposition shall be in substantially the following form:

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FOR furnishing free textbooks or electronic textbooks in

the public schools.

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AGAINST furnishing free textbooks or electronic textbooks

in the public schools.

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If a majority of the votes cast upon the proposition is in favor of furnishing free textbooks or electronic textbooks, the governing body shall provide, furnish and sell them as provided in Section 28-15, but no such books shall be sold until at least 1 year after the election. The furnishing of free textbooks or electronic textbooks when so adopted shall not be discontinued within 4 years, and thereafter only by a vote of the voters of the district upon the same conditions and in substantially the same manner as the vote for the adoption of free textbooks or electronic textbooks. No textbook or electronic textbook furnished under the provisions of this Article shall contain any denominational or sectarian matter.

(Source: P.A. 96-1403, eff. 7-29-10.)

(105 ILCS 5/28-15) (from Ch. 122, par. 28-15)

Sec. 28-15. Textbooks provided and loaned to pupils-Sale to pupils. The governing body of every school district having voted in favor of furnishing free textbooks or electronic textbooks under the provisions of Sections 28-14 through 28-19 shall provide, at the expense of the district, textbooks or electronic textbooks for use in the public schools and loan them free to the pupils. Textbooks so furnished shall remain the property of the school district. The governing body shall also provide for the sale of such textbooks or electronic textbooks at cost to pupils of the schools in the district wishing to purchase them for their own use.

(Source: P.A. 96-1403, eff. 7-29-10.)

(105 ILCS 5/28-16)

Sec. 28-16. (Repealed).

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31. Repealed by P.A. 97-570, eff. 8-25-11.)

(105 ILCS 5/28-17)

Sec. 28-17. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 96-1403, eff. 7-29-10. Repealed by P.A. 97-570, eff. 8-25-11.)

(105 ILCS 5/28-18) (from Ch. 122, par. 28-18)

Sec. 28-18. Boards may jointly carry out law. School boards of two or more districts may jointly carry out the provisions of Sections 28-14 through 28-19.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/28-19) (from Ch. 122, par. 28-19)

Sec. 28-19. Penalty for demanding or receiving money, promise or thing of value. Whoever directly or indirectly, demands or receives any money, promise or thing of value from any pupil, parent, guardian or caretaker of a pupil for any book provided in this Article, except as provided in Section 28-15 shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor.

(Source: P.A. 77-2267.)

(105 ILCS 5/28-19.1) (from Ch. 122, par. 28-19.1)

Sec. 28-19.1. Any member of the public may inspect all text and instructional material used in the public schools.

(Source: P.A. 81-625.)

(105 ILCS 5/28-19.2) (from Ch. 122, par. 28-19.2)

Sec. 28-19.2. (a) No discrimination or punishment of any kind, including the lowering of grades or exclusion from classes, may be exercised against a student whose parents or guardians are unable to purchase required textbooks or instructional materials or to pay required fees.

(b) Any person who violates this Section is guilty of a petty offense.

(Source: P.A. 83-573.)

(105 ILCS 5/28-19.5)

Sec. 28-19.5. Funding for electronic format of textbooks. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a school district may use funding received pursuant to this Code to purchase textbooks or instructional materials in an electronic format or hard-bound format and the technological equipment necessary to gain access to and use electronic textbooks or instructional materials if both of the following conditions are met:

(1) It can ensure that each pupil will be provided with a copy of the instructional materials to use at school and at home.

(2) It will assist the pupil in comprehending the material.

Providing access to the materials at school and at home does not require the school district to purchase 2 sets of materials.

(Source: P.A. 96-1403, eff. 7-29-10.)

(105 ILCS 5/28-20) (from Ch. 122, par. 28-20)

Sec. 28-20. Definitions.

(a) For purposes of this Act the term instructional materials shall mean both print and non-print materials, including electronic textbooks, that are used in the educational process.

(b) For purposes of this Article, "textbook" includes electronic or digital textbooks that are used for educational purposes.

(Source: P.A. 96-1403, eff. 7-29-10.)

(105 ILCS 5/28-21) (from Ch. 122, par. 28-21)

Sec. 28-21. The State Board of Education shall require each publisher of any printed textbook or electronic textbook that is listed for use by the State Board of Education under this Article or that is furnished at public expense under Sections 28-14 through 28-19 and is first published after July 19, 2006 to furnish, as provided in this Section, an accessible electronic file set of contracted print material to the National Instructional Materials Access Center, which shall then be available to the State Board of Education or its authorized user for the purpose of conversion to an accessible format for use by a child with a print disability and for distribution to local education agencies. An "accessible electronic file" means a file that conforms to specifications of the national file format adopted by the United States Department of Education. Other terms used in this Section shall be construed in compliance with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and related regulations.

(Source: P.A. 95-415, eff. 8-24-07; 96-1403, eff. 7-29-10.)

(105 ILCS 5/Art. 28A heading) ARTICLE 28A. Education Purchasing Program. (Source: P.A. 93-1036, eff. 9-14-04.)

(105 ILCS 5/28A-5)

Sec. 28A-5. Definitions. In this Article:

"State Board" means the State Board of Education.

"Education purchasing contract" means a contract negotiated by the State Board, a local, State, or federal governmental entity, or a not-for-profit, for-profit, or cooperative entity that is certified under Section 28A-15 of this Code and made available to school districts.

"Master contract" means a contract designated as a statewide education master contract under Section 28A-15 of this Code.

"Program" means the education purchasing program created under this Article.

(Source: P.A. 93-1036, eff. 9-14-04.)

(105 ILCS 5/28A-10)

Sec. 28A-10. Program created. The State Board shall create an education purchasing program. Under the program, the State Board shall designate itself or another entity to act as a State education purchasing entity to form and designate statewide education master contracts and to certify education purchasing contracts for key categories identified and defined by the State Board. The State education purchasing entity shall provide master contract and education purchasing contract information and pricing to school districts.

(Source: P.A. 93-1036, eff. 9-14-04.)

(105 ILCS 5/28A-15)

Sec. 28A-15. Powers of State education purchasing entity. The State education purchasing entity shall have all of the following powers:

(1) To select vendors and form contracts in accordance with the State's purchasing laws.

(2) To designate a contract as a statewide education master contract for purposes of subsection (c) of Section 10-20.21 of this Code.

(3) To certify an education purchasing contract, provided that the contract was entered into according to procedures and conditions that conform to applicable State purchasing laws, for purposes of subsection (d) of Section 10-20.21 of this Code.

(4) To facilitate the inter-district sale or transfer of excess inventory or equipment.

(5) To select and subsidize e-procurement tools to be implemented within school districts.

(Source: P.A. 93-1036, eff. 9-14-04.)

(105 ILCS 5/28A-20)

Sec. 28A-20. Rules. The State Board or other State agency designated by the State Board may adopt rules to implement the program.

(Source: P.A. 93-1036, eff. 9-14-04.)

(105 ILCS 5/Art. 29 heading) ARTICLE 29. TRANSPORTATION

(105 ILCS 5/29-1) (from Ch. 122, par. 29-1)

Sec. 29-1. Free transportation of pupils. School boards may provide free transportation for pupils, as prescribed in Section 10-22.22.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/29-2) (from Ch. 122, par. 29-2)

Sec. 29-2. Transportation of pupils less than one and one-half miles from school. School boards may provide transportation for pupils living less than one and one-half miles as measured by the customary route of travel from the school attended and may make a charge for such transportation in an amount of not to exceed the cost thereof, which shall include a reasonable allowance for depreciation of the vehicles so used.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/29-3) (from Ch. 122, par. 29-3)

Sec. 29-3. Transportation in school districts. School boards of community consolidated districts, community unit districts, consolidated districts, consolidated high school districts, optional elementary unit districts, combined high school - unit districts, combined school districts if the combined district includes any district which was previously required to provide transportation, and any newly created elementary or high school districts resulting from a high school - unit conversion, a unit to dual conversion, or a multi-unit conversion if the newly created district includes any area that was previously required to provide transportation shall provide free transportation for pupils residing at a distance of one and one-half miles or more from any school to which they are assigned for attendance maintained within the district, except for those pupils for whom the school board shall certify to the State Board of Education that adequate transportation for the public is available.

For the purpose of this Act 1 1/2 miles distance shall be from the exit of the property where the pupil resides to the point where pupils are normally unloaded at the school attended; such distance shall be measured by determining the shortest distance on normally traveled roads or streets.

Such school board may comply with the provisions of this Section by providing free transportation for pupils to and from an assigned school and a pick-up point located not more than one and one-half miles from the home of each pupil assigned to such point.

For the purposes of this Act "adequate transportation for the public" shall be assumed to exist for such pupils as can reach school by walking, one way, along normally traveled roads or streets less than 1 1/2 miles irrespective of the distance the pupil is transported by public transportation.

In addition to the other requirements of this Section, each school board may provide free transportation for any pupil residing within 1 1/2 miles from the school attended where conditions are such that walking, either to or from the school to which a pupil is assigned for attendance or to or from a pick-up point or bus stop, constitutes a serious hazard to the safety of the pupil due to either (i) vehicular traffic or rail crossings or (ii) a course or pattern of criminal activity, as defined in Section 10 of the Illinois Streetgang Terrorism Omnibus Prevention Act. Such transportation shall not be provided if adequate transportation for the public is available.

The determination as to what constitutes a serious safety hazard shall be made by the school board, in accordance with guidelines promulgated by the Illinois Department of Transportation regarding vehicular traffic or rail crossings or in accordance with guidelines regarding a course or pattern of criminal activity, as determined by the local law enforcement agency, in consultation with the State Superintendent of Education. A school board, on written petition of the parent or guardian of a pupil for whom adequate transportation for the public is alleged not to exist because the pupil is required to walk along normally traveled roads or streets where walking is alleged to constitute a serious safety hazard due to either (i) vehicular traffic or rail crossings or (ii) a course or pattern of criminal activity, or who is required to walk between the pupil's home and assigned school or between the pupil's home or assigned school and a pick-up point or bus stop along roads or streets where walking is alleged to constitute a serious safety hazard due to either (i) vehicular traffic or rail crossings or (ii) a course or pattern of criminal activity, shall conduct a study and make findings, which the Department of Transportation, with respect to vehicular traffic or rail crossings, or the State Board of Education, in consultation with the local law enforcement agency, with respect to a course or pattern of criminal activity, shall review and approve or disapprove as provided in this Section, to determine whether a serious safety hazard exists as alleged in the petition. The Department of Transportation shall review the findings of the school board concerning vehicular traffic or rail crossings and shall approve or disapprove the school board's determination that a serious safety hazard exists within 30 days after the school board submits its findings to the Department of Transportation. The State Board of Education, in consultation with the local law enforcement agency, shall review the findings of the school board concerning a course or pattern of criminal activity and shall approve or disapprove the school board's determination that a serious safety hazard exists within 30 days after the school board submits its findings to the State Board. The school board shall annually review the conditions and determine whether or not the hazardous conditions remain unchanged. The State Superintendent of Education may request that the Illinois Department of Transportation or the local law enforcement agency verify that the conditions have not changed. No action shall lie against the school board, the State Superintendent of Education, the Illinois Department of Transportation, the State Board of Education, or a local law enforcement agency for decisions made in accordance with this Section. The provisions of the Administrative Review Law and all amendments and modifications thereof and the rules adopted pursuant thereto shall apply to and govern all proceedings instituted for the judicial review of final administrative decisions of the Department of Transportation, the State Board of Education, or a local law enforcement agency under this Section. At all points, except when otherwise mentioned in this Section, the local enforcement agency is authorized to determine what constitutes a course or pattern of criminal activity.

The changes made to this Section by this amendatory Act of the 100th General Assembly do not apply to a school district organized under Article 34 of this Code.

(Source: P.A. 100-1142, eff. 11-28-18.)

(105 ILCS 5/29-3.1) (from Ch. 122, par. 29-3.1)

Sec. 29-3.1. Transportation to and from school sponsored activities.

The school board of any school district that provides transportation for pupils to and from the school attended may provide transportation for pupils to and from any school sponsored activities in which pupils of the district participate, whether during the school year or not, and may make a charge for such transportation in an amount not to exceed the cost thereof, which may include a reasonable allowance for depreciation of the vehicles so used. The school board may provide transportation for pupils on bona fide field trips in Illinois or adjacent states.

(Source: P.A. 85-1148; 85-1389; 85-1440.)

(105 ILCS 5/29-3.2) (from Ch. 122, par. 29-3.2)

Sec. 29-3.2. Transportation to and from activities of private schools.

The school board of any school district that provides transportation for pupils to and from the public schools may, by agreement with the officials of a non-public school, provide transportation, at times when the buses or other conveyances are not needed for public school student transportation, for students attending the non-public school to and from activities sponsored by that school. Such a school board providing transportation under this Section shall make a charge for furnishing that transportation in an amount not less than the cost thereof, including a reasonable allowance for the depreciation of each vehicle used in that transportation.

(Source: Laws 1967, p. 1228.)

(105 ILCS 5/29-3.2a) (from Ch. 122, par. 29-3.2a)

Sec. 29-3.2a. Transportation to and from summer school sessions.) The school board of any school district that provides transportation for pupils to and from the school attended may provide transportation for pupils to and from school during that period of the calendar year not embraced with the regular school term in which courses are taught for any pupils of the district who might participate, and may make a charge for such transportation in an amount not to exceed the cost thereof, which may include a reasonable allowance for depreciation of the vehicles so used; provided no charge shall be made for transportation of the types of children defined in Sections 14-1.02 through 14-1.07 of this Act and school boards providing such transportation shall be reimbursed pursuant to Section 14-13.01 of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 79-203.)

(105 ILCS 5/29-3.3) (from Ch. 122, par. 29-3.3)

Sec. 29-3.3. Transportation for pupils of other districts.

The school board of any school district that provides transportation for pupils to and from the public schools may, pursuant to agreement with the school board of any other school district, provide transportation for pupils of that district to and from activities sponsored by any public school in that district, at times when buses or other conveyances used in such transportation are not needed for transporting pupils of the school district so providing that transportation. In providing such transportation for pupils of another district, the school board shall charge an amount not less than the cost of furnishing that transportation, including a reasonable allowance for depreciation on each vehicle so used.

(Source: Laws 1967, p. 3480.)

(105 ILCS 5/29-3.4) (from Ch. 122, par. 29-3.4)

Sec. 29-3.4. The school board of any school district may provide transportation services to children participating in or adults who are attending organized recreational, cultural, educational, and public service programs. The school board shall make a charge for such transportation in an amount equal to the cost thereof, which shall include a reasonable allowance for insurance premiums and depreciation of the vehicles so used. This Section shall not apply if such transportation services are offered by any public or private mass transit system engaged in the business of transporting people within the county or counties in which the school district is located in whole or in part and if such transit system has received or will receive funds provided by the "Mass Transportation Emergency Operating Assistance Act of 1973", adopted by the 78th General Assembly, or which receives or will receive funds from any other enactment of the General Assembly or from any unit of local government.

(Source: P.A. 79-506.)

(105 ILCS 5/29-3.5) (from Ch. 122, par. 29-3.5)

Sec. 29-3.5. Other use of school buses. The school board of any school district may provide transportation services to any non-profit organization for recreational, cultural, educational, and public service programs operated by the organization for the benefit of its members. Transportation shall be provided to non-profit organizations during times when the vehicles used are not needed for the transportation of students between school and their homes. The school board shall make a charge for such transportation in an amount equal to the cost thereof, which shall include a reasonable allowance for depreciation of the vehicles used. The school board is authorized to enter into contracts, leases, or agreements covering the use of transportation by non-profit organizations. The school board shall add to the charges made for the use of transportation a reasonable amount to cover any increase in insurance premiums incident to the use of transportation by the organization. Nothing in this Section shall be construed to terminate, either permanently or temporarily, the status of the vehicles used by the organization as school buses.

Nothing in this Section shall be construed to permit any school district to provide transportation services in competition with any mass transit carrier.

(Source: P.A. 79-656.)

(105 ILCS 5/29-4) (from Ch. 122, par. 29-4)

Sec. 29-4. Pupils attending a charter school or nonpublic school. The school board of any school district that provides any school bus or conveyance for transporting pupils to and from the public schools shall afford transportation, without cost, for children who attend a charter school or any school other than a public school, who reside at least 1 1/2 miles from the school attended, and who reside on or along the highway constituting the regular route of such public school bus or conveyance, such transportation to extend from some point on the regular route nearest or most easily accessible to their homes to and from the school attended, or to or from a point on such regular route which is nearest or most easily accessible to the school attended by such children. Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent high school districts from transporting public or non-public elementary school pupils on a regular route where deemed appropriate. The elementary district in which such pupils reside shall enter into a contractual agreement with the high school district providing the service, make payments accordingly, and make claims to the State in the amount of such contractual payments. The person in charge of any charter school or school other than a public school shall certify on a form to be provided by the State Superintendent of Education, the names and addresses of pupils transported and when such pupils were in attendance at the school. If any such children reside within 1 1/2 miles from the school attended, the school board shall afford such transportation to such children on the same basis as it provides transportation for its own pupils residing within that distance from the school attended.

Nothing herein shall be construed to preclude a school district from operating separate regular bus routes, subject to the limitations of this Section, for the benefit of children who attend a charter school or any school other than a public school where the operation of such routes is safer, more economical and more efficient than if such school district were precluded from operating separate regular bus routes.

If a school district is required by this Section to afford transportation without cost for any child who is not a resident of the district, the school district providing such transportation is entitled to reimbursement from the school district in which the child resides for the cost of furnishing that transportation, including a reasonable allowance for depreciation on each vehicle so used. The school district where the child resides shall reimburse the district providing the transportation for such costs, by the 10th of each month or on such less frequent schedule as may be agreed to by the 2 school districts.

(Source: P.A. 91-407, eff. 8-3-99.)

(105 ILCS 5/29-5) (from Ch. 122, par. 29-5)

Sec. 29-5. Reimbursement by State for transportation. Any school district, maintaining a school, transporting resident pupils to another school district's vocational program, offered through a joint agreement approved by the State Board of Education, as provided in Section 10-22.22 or transporting its resident pupils to a school which meets the standards for recognition as established by the State Board of Education which provides transportation meeting the standards of safety, comfort, convenience, efficiency and operation prescribed by the State Board of Education for resident pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 through 12 who: (a) reside at least 1 1/2 miles as measured by the customary route of travel, from the school attended; or (b) reside in areas where conditions are such that walking constitutes a hazard to the safety of the child when determined under Section 29-3; and (c) are transported to the school attended from pick-up points at the beginning of the school day and back again at the close of the school day or transported to and from their assigned attendance centers during the school day, shall be reimbursed by the State as hereinafter provided in this Section.

The State will pay the cost of transporting eligible pupils less the prior year assessed valuation in a dual school district maintaining secondary grades 9 to 12 inclusive times a qualifying rate of .05%; in elementary school districts maintaining grades K to 8 times a qualifying rate of .06%; and in unit districts maintaining grades K to 12, including optional elementary unit districts and combined high school - unit districts, times a qualifying rate of .07%; provided that for optional elementary unit districts and combined high school - unit districts, prior year assessed valuation for high school purposes, as defined in Article 11E of this Code, must be used. To be eligible to receive reimbursement in excess of 4/5 of the cost to transport eligible pupils, a school district shall have a Transportation Fund tax rate of at least .12%. If a school district does not have a .12% Transportation Fund tax rate, the amount of its claim in excess of 4/5 of the cost of transporting pupils shall be reduced by the sum arrived at by subtracting the Transportation Fund tax rate from .12% and multiplying that amount by the district's prior year equalized or assessed valuation, provided, that in no case shall said reduction result in reimbursement of less than 4/5 of the cost to transport eligible pupils.

The minimum amount to be received by a district is $16 times the number of eligible pupils transported.

When calculating the reimbursement for transportation costs, the State Board of Education may not deduct the number of pupils enrolled in early education programs from the number of pupils eligible for reimbursement if the pupils enrolled in the early education programs are transported at the same time as other eligible pupils.

Any such district transporting resident pupils during the school day to an area vocational school or another school district's vocational program more than 1 1/2 miles from the school attended, as provided in Sections 10-22.20a and 10-22.22, shall be reimbursed by the State for 4/5 of the cost of transporting eligible pupils.

School day means that period of time during which the pupil is required to be in attendance for instructional purposes.

If a pupil is at a location within the school district other than his residence for child care purposes at the time for transportation to school, that location may be considered for purposes of determining the 1 1/2 miles from the school attended.

Claims for reimbursement that include children who attend any school other than a public school shall show the number of such children transported.

Claims for reimbursement under this Section shall not be paid for the transportation of pupils for whom transportation costs are claimed for payment under other Sections of this Act.

The allowable direct cost of transporting pupils for regular, vocational, and special education pupil transportation shall be limited to the sum of the cost of physical examinations required for employment as a school bus driver; the salaries of full-time or part-time drivers and school bus maintenance personnel; employee benefits excluding Illinois municipal retirement payments, social security payments, unemployment insurance payments and workers' compensation insurance premiums; expenditures to independent carriers who operate school buses; payments to other school districts for pupil transportation services; pre-approved contractual expenditures for computerized bus scheduling; expenditures for housing assistance and homeless prevention under Sections 1-17 and 1-18 of the Education for Homeless Children Act that are not in excess of the school district's actual costs for providing transportation services and are not otherwise claimed in another State or federal grant that permits those costs to a parent, a legal guardian, any other person who enrolled a pupil, or a homeless assistance agency that is part of the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act's continuum of care for the area in which the district is located; the cost of gasoline, oil, tires, and other supplies necessary for the operation of school buses; the cost of converting buses' gasoline engines to more fuel efficient engines or to engines which use alternative energy sources; the cost of travel to meetings and workshops conducted by the regional superintendent or the State Superintendent of Education pursuant to the standards established by the Secretary of State under Section 6-106 of the Illinois Vehicle Code to improve the driving skills of school bus drivers; the cost of maintenance of school buses including parts and materials used; expenditures for leasing transportation vehicles, except interest and service charges; the cost of insurance and licenses for transportation vehicles; expenditures for the rental of transportation equipment; plus a depreciation allowance of 20% for 5 years for school buses and vehicles approved for transporting pupils to and from school and a depreciation allowance of 10% for 10 years for other transportation equipment so used. Each school year, if a school district has made expenditures to the Regional Transportation Authority or any of its service boards, a mass transit district, or an urban transportation district under an intergovernmental agreement with the district to provide for the transportation of pupils and if the public transit carrier received direct payment for services or passes from a school district within its service area during the 2000-2001 school year, then the allowable direct cost of transporting pupils for regular, vocational, and special education pupil transportation shall also include the expenditures that the district has made to the public transit carrier. In addition to the above allowable costs school districts shall also claim all transportation supervisory salary costs, including Illinois municipal retirement payments, and all transportation related building and building maintenance costs without limitation.

Special education allowable costs shall also include expenditures for the salaries of attendants or aides for that portion of the time they assist special education pupils while in transit and expenditures for parents and public carriers for transporting special education pupils when pre-approved by the State Superintendent of Education.

Indirect costs shall be included in the reimbursement claim for districts which own and operate their own school buses. Such indirect costs shall include administrative costs, or any costs attributable to transporting pupils from their attendance centers to another school building for instructional purposes. No school district which owns and operates its own school buses may claim reimbursement for indirect costs which exceed 5% of the total allowable direct costs for pupil transportation.

The State Board of Education shall prescribe uniform regulations for determining the above standards and shall prescribe forms of cost accounting and standards of determining reasonable depreciation. Such depreciation shall include the cost of equipping school buses with the safety features required by law or by the rules, regulations and standards promulgated by the State Board of Education, and the Department of Transportation for the safety and construction of school buses provided, however, any equipment cost reimbursed by the Department of Transportation for equipping school buses with such safety equipment shall be deducted from the allowable cost in the computation of reimbursement under this Section in the same percentage as the cost of the equipment is depreciated.

On or before August 15, annually, the chief school administrator for the district shall certify to the State Superintendent of Education the district's claim for reimbursement for the school year ending on June 30 next preceding. The State Superintendent of Education shall check and approve the claims and prepare the vouchers showing the amounts due for district reimbursement claims. Each fiscal year, the State Superintendent of Education shall prepare and transmit the first 3 vouchers to the Comptroller on the 30th day of September, December and March, respectively, and the final voucher, no later than June 20.

If the amount appropriated for transportation reimbursement is insufficient to fund total claims for any fiscal year, the State Board of Education shall reduce each school district's allowable costs and flat grant amount proportionately to make total adjusted claims equal the total amount appropriated.

For purposes of calculating claims for reimbursement under this Section for any school year beginning July 1, 1998, or thereafter, the equalized assessed valuation for a school district used to compute reimbursement shall be computed in the same manner as it is computed under paragraph (2) of subsection (G) of Section 18-8.05.

All reimbursements received from the State shall be deposited into the district's transportation fund or into the fund from which the allowable expenditures were made.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any school district receiving a payment under this Section or under Section 14-7.02, 14-7.02b, or 14-13.01 of this Code may classify all or a portion of the funds that it receives in a particular fiscal year or from general State aid pursuant to Section 18-8.05 of this Code as funds received in connection with any funding program for which it is entitled to receive funds from the State in that fiscal year (including, without limitation, any funding program referenced in this Section), regardless of the source or timing of the receipt. The district may not classify more funds as funds received in connection with the funding program than the district is entitled to receive in that fiscal year for that program. Any classification by a district must be made by a resolution of its board of education. The resolution must identify the amount of any payments or general State aid to be classified under this paragraph and must specify the funding program to which the funds are to be treated as received in connection therewith. This resolution is controlling as to the classification of funds referenced therein. A certified copy of the resolution must be sent to the State Superintendent of Education. The resolution shall still take effect even though a copy of the resolution has not been sent to the State Superintendent of Education in a timely manner. No classification under this paragraph by a district shall affect the total amount or timing of money the district is entitled to receive under this Code. No classification under this paragraph by a district shall in any way relieve the district from or affect any requirements that otherwise would apply with respect to that funding program, including any accounting of funds by source, reporting expenditures by original source and purpose, reporting requirements, or requirements of providing services.

Any school district with a population of not more than 500,000 must deposit all funds received under this Article into the transportation fund and use those funds for the provision of transportation services.

(Source: P.A. 100-332, eff. 8-25-17; 100-465, eff. 8-31-17; 100-863, eff. 8-14-18.)

(105 ILCS 5/29-5.2) (from Ch. 122, par. 29-5.2)

Sec. 29-5.2. Reimbursement of transportation.

(a) Reimbursement. A custodian of a qualifying pupil shall be entitled to reimbursement in accordance with procedures established by the State Board of Education for qualified transportation expenses paid by such custodian during the school year.

(b) Definitions. As used in this Section:

(1) "Qualifying pupil" means an individual referred to in subsection (c), as well as an individual who:

(A) is a resident of the State of Illinois; and

(B) is under the age of 21 at the close of the school year for which reimbursement is sought; and

(C) during the school year for which reimbursement is sought was a full-time pupil enrolled in a kindergarten through 12th grade educational program at a school which was a distance of 1 1/2 miles or more from the residence of such pupil; and

(D) did not live within 1 1/2 miles from the school in which the pupil was enrolled or have access to transportation provided entirely at public expense to and from that school and a point within 1 1/2 miles of the pupil's residence, measured in a manner consistent with Section 29-3.

(2) "Qualified transportation expenses" means costs reasonably incurred by the custodian to transport, for the purposes of attending regularly scheduled day-time classes, a qualifying pupil between such qualifying pupil's residence and the school at which such qualifying pupil is enrolled, as limited in subsection (e) of this Section, and shall include automobile expenses at the standard mileage rate allowed by the United States Internal Revenue Service as reimbursement for business transportation expense, as well as payments to mass transit carriers, private carriers, and contractual fees for transportation.

(3) "School" means a public or nonpublic elementary or secondary school in Illinois, attendance at which satisfies the requirements of Section 26-1.

(4) One and one-half miles distance. For the purposes of this Section, 1 1/2 miles distance shall be measured in a manner consistent with Section 29-3.

(5) Custodian. The term "custodian" shall mean, with respect to a qualifying pupil, an Illinois resident who is the parent, or parents, or legal guardian of such qualifying pupil.

(c) An individual, resident of the State of Illinois, who is under the age of 21 at the close of the school year for which reimbursement is sought and who, during that school year, was a full time pupil enrolled in a kindergarten through 12th grade educational program at a school which was within 1 1/2 miles of the pupil's residence, measured in a manner consistent with Section 29-3, is a "qualifying pupil" within the meaning of this Section if (i) such pupil attends public school in a school district organized under Article 34 of this Code and must walk or otherwise travel along a safe passage route, as designated by the school board, to reach school or return home or (ii) such pupil did not have access to transportation provided entirely at public expense to and from that school and the pupil's residence and conditions were such that walking would have constituted a serious hazard to the safety of the pupil due to vehicular traffic. The determination of what constitutes a serious safety hazard within the meaning of this subsection shall in each case be made by the Department of Transportation in accordance with guidelines which the Department, in consultation with the State Superintendent of Education, shall promulgate. Each custodian intending to file an application for reimbursement under subsection (d) for expenditures incurred or to be incurred with respect to a pupil asserted to be a qualified pupil as an individual referred to in this subsection shall first file with the appropriate regional superintendent, on forms provided by the State Board of Education, a request for a determination that a serious safety hazard within the meaning of this subsection (c) exists with respect to such pupil. Custodians shall file such forms with the appropriate regional superintendents not later than February 1 of the school year for which reimbursement will be sought for transmittal by the regional superintendents to the Department of Transportation not later than February 15; except that any custodian who previously received a determination that a serious safety hazard exists need not resubmit such a request for 4 years but instead may certify on their application for reimbursement to the State Board of Education referred to in subsection (d), that the conditions found to be hazardous, as previously determined by the Department, remain unchanged. The Department shall make its determination on all requests so transmitted to it within 30 days, and shall thereupon forward notice of each determination which it has made to the appropriate regional superintendent for immediate transmittal to the custodian affected thereby. The determination of the Department relative to what constitutes a serious safety hazard within the meaning of subsection (c) with respect to any pupil shall be deemed an "administrative decision" as defined in Section 3-101 of the Administrative Review Law; and the Administrative Review Law and all amendments and modifications thereof and rules adopted pursuant thereto shall apply to and govern all proceedings instituted for the judicial review of final administrative decisions of the Department of Transportation under this subsection.

(d) Request for reimbursement. A custodian, including a custodian for a pupil asserted to be a qualified pupil as an individual referred to in subsection (c), who applies in accordance with procedures established by the State Board of Education shall be reimbursed in accordance with the dollar limits set out in this Section. Such procedures shall require application no later than June 30 of each year, documentation as to eligibility, and adequate evidence of expenditures; except that for reimbursement sought pursuant to subsection (c) for the 1985-1986 school year, such procedures shall require application within 21 days after the determination of the Department of Transportation with respect to that school year is transmitted by the regional superintendent to the affected custodian. In the absence of contemporaneous records, an affidavit by the custodian may be accepted as evidence of an expenditure. If the amount appropriated for such reimbursement for any year is less than the amount due each custodian, it shall be apportioned on the basis of the requests approved. Regional Superintendents shall be reimbursed for such costs of administering the program, including costs incurred in administering the provisions of subsection (c), as the State Board of Education determines are reasonable and necessary.

(e) Dollar limit on amount of reimbursement. Reimbursement to custodians for transportation expenses incurred during the 1985-1986 school year, payable in fiscal year 1987, shall be equal to the lesser of (1) the actual qualified transportation expenses, or (2) $50 per pupil. Reimbursement to custodians for transportation expenses incurred during the 1986-1987 school year, payable in fiscal year 1988, shall be equal to the lesser of (1) the actual qualified transportation expenses, or (2) $100 per pupil. For reimbursements of qualified transportation expenses incurred in 1987-1988 and thereafter, the amount of reimbursement shall not exceed the prior year's State reimbursement per pupil for transporting pupils as required by Section 29-3 and other provisions of this Article.

(f) Rules and regulations. The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to implement this Section.

(g) The provisions of this amendatory Act of 1986 shall apply according to their terms to the entire 1985-1986 school year, including any portion of that school year which elapses prior to the effective date of this amendatory Act, and to each subsequent school year.

(h) The chief administrative officer of each school shall notify custodians of qualifying pupils that reimbursements are available. Notification shall occur by the first Monday in November of the school year for which reimbursement is available.

(Source: P.A. 98-1057, eff. 1-1-15.)

(105 ILCS 5/29-6) (from Ch. 122, par. 29-6)

Sec. 29-6. Inter-district contracts for transportation.

Any school district, including any non-high school district, may contract at actual cost with 1 or more school districts for the transportation of pupils to and from the school attended.

(Source: P.A. 78-1245.)

(105 ILCS 5/29-6.1) (from Ch. 122, par. 29-6.1)

Sec. 29-6.1. Contracts for transportation. Subject to Section 6-106.11 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, school boards may enter into contracts for up to 3 years for transportation of pupils to and from school. Such contracts may be extended for up to 2 additional years by mutual agreement of the parties, and thereafter may be extended on a year-to-year basis by mutual agreement of the parties, however no such contract may be extended on a year-to-year basis if a school board receives a timely request from another interested contractor that a contract be let by bid.

(Source: P.A. 84-768.)

(105 ILCS 5/29-6.3)

Sec. 29-6.3. Transportation to and from specified interscholastic or school-sponsored activities.

(a) Any school district transporting students in grade 12 or below for an interscholastic, interscholastic athletic, or school-sponsored, noncurriculum-related activity that (i) does not require student participation as part of the educational services of the district and (ii) is not associated with the students' regular class-for-credit schedule or required 5 clock hours of instruction shall transport the students only in a school bus, a vehicle manufactured to transport not more than 10 persons, including the driver, or a multifunction school-activity bus manufactured to transport not more than 15 persons, including the driver.

(a-5) A student in any of grades 9 through 12 may be transported in a multi-function school activity bus (MFSAB) as defined in Section 1-148.3a-5 of the Illinois Vehicle Code for any curriculum-related activity except for transportation on regular bus routes from home to school or from school to home, subject to the following conditions:

(i) A MFSAB may not be used to transport students under this Section unless the driver holds a valid school bus driver permit.

(ii) The use of a MFSAB under this Section is subject to the requirements of Sections 6-106.11, 6-106.12, 12-707.01, 13-101, and 13-109 of the Illinois Vehicle Code.

(b) Any school district furnishing transportation for students under the authority of this Section shall insure against any loss or liability of the district resulting from the maintenance, operation, or use of the vehicle.

(c) Vehicles used to transport students under this Section may claim a depreciation allowance of 20% over 5 years as provided in Section 29-5 of this Code.

(Source: P.A. 96-410, eff. 7-1-10; 97-896, eff. 8-3-12.)

(105 ILCS 5/29-6.4)

Sec. 29-6.4. Non-contract transportation; bids; reimbursement. A school board of a school district that provides transportation of its pupils to and from school on buses that are owned by the district that are operated by drivers who are employed by the district shall, if it receives a timely request from an interested private school bus contractor that the district provide that transportation under contract, solicit sealed bids for that purpose. A district or special education cooperative is not required to respond to such a request more than once every 2 years. A request shall not be considered timely if it is made more than 24 months or less than 3 months before the expiration of the collective bargaining or other agreement that is in effect at the time the request is made and that governs the terms and conditions of employment of the school bus drivers employed by the district. All requests shall be made in writing by certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the school board of the district at the administrative offices or any school of the district. At the conclusion of the bidding process, the school board shall publicly announce the district's fully allocated costs of providing transportation of its pupils to and from school under its present system and thereupon may (i) elect to enter into a contract as provided in Section 29-6.1 with the lowest responsible bidder for transportation of the district's pupils to and from school or (ii) elect to continue providing transportation of its pupils to and from school under its present system. In the event the school board elects to continue providing transportation of the district's pupils to and from school under its present system even though the district's fully allocated costs of doing so exceed the amount of the lowest responsible bid received by the school board for transportation of the district's pupils to and from school, the school board shall publicly announce at a regularly scheduled meeting of the board held within 30 days after making its election to continue providing pupil transportation under its present system (i) the fully allocated costs of providing transportation of the district's pupils to and from school under its present system, and (ii) the amount of each of the sealed bids submitted to the school board, identifying which of the sealed bid amounts was the lowest responsible bid.

As used in this Section the term "fully allocated costs" includes both the fixed and variable direct costs of the labor, capital, and material resources that are used by the school district exclusively for purposes of providing transportation of the district's pupils to and from school plus that portion of the district's shared costs as is fairly allocable to the products, services, and facilities necessary to provide transportation of the district's pupils to and from school. Direct costs of labor, capital, and material resources used exclusively to provide pupil transportation include the wages, payroll costs, and associated fringe benefits of school bus drivers, mechanics, and any supervisory or administrative personnel whose services relate exclusively to pupil transportation personnel or services, fuel, lubricants, tires, tubes, related material costs incurred in providing pupil transportation, depreciation costs associated with school buses and other vehicles, including spare vehicles, used to provide pupil transportation, and costs of facilities and equipment maintained exclusively to service, garage, or park vehicles used for pupil transportation purposes. "Shared costs" means the aggregate cost of the labor, capital, and material resources that are used in common by the district for a multiplicity of purposes, including the purpose of providing transportation of the district's pupils to and from school. The costs of the management, administration, and underlying infrastructure that support a multiplicity of services provided by the school district (including pupil transportation services) constitute shared costs within the meaning of this Section, and to the extent they are fairly allocable to pupil transportation services they are included within the term fully allocated costs as used in this Section. The State Board of Education shall promulgate rules setting forth the manner in which a district's fully allocated costs of providing transportation of its pupils to and from school under a non-contractual system shall be determined and computed for purposes of this Section. However, those rules shall be consistent with the provisions of this paragraph and shall follow recognized principles of fully allocated costing analysis in the transit industry, including generally accepted methods of identifying and estimating the principal cost elements of maintaining and operating a pupil transportation system.

(Source: P.A. 93-953, eff. 1-1-05.)

(105 ILCS 5/29-9) (from Ch. 122, par. 29-9)

Sec. 29-9. Liability insurance.

Any school district, including any non-high school district, which provides transportation for pupils shall insure against any loss or liability of such district, its agents or employees, resulting from or incident to the ownership, maintenance or use of any school bus. Such insurance shall be carried only in companies duly licensed and authorized to write such coverage in this State and in compliance with the provisions of Section 12-707 of "The Illinois Vehicle Code", approved September 29, 1969, as now or hereafter amended.

(Source: P.A. 78-310.)

(105 ILCS 5/29-15) (from Ch. 122, par. 29-15)

Sec. 29-15. Subject to the provisions of Section 10-22.8 of this Act, school districts, which own buses or other vehicular equipment for the transportation of pupils to or from school within such district, may sell or lease such buses or equipment to a Mass Transit District organized under the Local Mass Transit District Act or to an Urban Transportation District organized under the Urban Transportation District Act. Such districts may contract with a Mass Transit District or an Urban Transportation District for the transportation of pupils to and from the schools of such districts at a consideration to be determined by negotiation between the parties. Such contracts shall otherwise be subject to the provisions of this Article.

(Source: P.A. 77-1492.)

(105 ILCS 5/29-16) (from Ch. 122, par. 29-16)

Sec. 29-16. The school board of any school district which owns buses or other vehicular equipment for the transportation of pupils may rent such buses or equipment to the county board of any county in which it is situated to provide public transportation services pursuant to the "Downstate Public Transportation Act". The school board may rent such buses and equipment to the county board only for use during times when such buses or equipment are not needed for transporting pupils of the school district. A school board renting school buses or other vehicular equipment under this Section shall make a charge for furnishing such buses or other vehicular equipment in an amount not less than the cost thereof, including a reasonable allowance for the depreciation of each vehicle used.

This amendatory Act is not a limitation upon the contractual and associational powers granted by Section 10 of Article VII of the Constitution.

(Source: P.A. 78-1109.)

(105 ILCS 5/29-17)

Sec. 29-17. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 85-1010. Repealed by P.A. 94-1105, eff. 6-1-07; 95-496, eff. 8-28-07.)

(105 ILCS 5/29-18)

Sec. 29-18. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 90-756, eff. 8-14-98. Repealed by P.A. 94-1105, eff. 6-1-07.)

(105 ILCS 5/29-20)

Sec. 29-20. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 98-907, eff. 8-15-14. Repealed internally, eff. 1-1-16.)

(105 ILCS 5/Art. 30 heading) ARTICLE 30. SCHOLARSHIPS

(105 ILCS 5/30-1) (from Ch. 122, par. 30-1)

Sec. 30-1. (Repealed).

(Source: Repealed by P.A. 88-228, eff. 7-1-94.)

(105 ILCS 5/30-2) (from Ch. 122, par. 30-2)

Sec. 30-2. (Repealed).

(Source: Repealed by P.A. 88-228, eff. 7-1-94.)

(105 ILCS 5/30-3) (from Ch. 122, par. 30-3)

Sec. 30-3. (Repealed).

(Source: Repealed by P.A. 88-228, eff. 7-1-94.)

(105 ILCS 5/30-4a) (from Ch. 122, par. 30-4a)

Sec. 30-4a. (Repealed).

(Source: Repealed by P.A. 88-228, eff. 7-1-94.)

(105 ILCS 5/30-4b) (from Ch. 122, par. 30-4b)

Sec. 30-4b. (Repealed).

(Source: Repealed by P.A. 88-228, eff. 7-1-94.)

(105 ILCS 5/30-4c) (from Ch. 122, par. 30-4c)

Sec. 30-4c. (Repealed).

(Source: Repealed by P.A. 88-228, eff. 7-1-94.)

(105 ILCS 5/30-4d) (from Ch. 122, par. 30-4d)

Sec. 30-4d. (Repealed).

(Source: Repealed by P.A. 88-228, eff. 7-1-94.)

(105 ILCS 5/30-4e) (from Ch. 122, par. 30-4e)

Sec. 30-4e. (Repealed).

(Source: Repealed by P.A. 88-228, eff. 7-1-94.)

(105 ILCS 5/30-6)

Sec. 30-6. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 77-1311. Repealed by P.A. 94-1105, eff. 6-1-07.)

(105 ILCS 5/30-9) (from Ch. 122, par. 30-9)

Sec. 30-9. General Assembly scholarship; conditions of admission; award by competitive examination.

(Source: P.A. 97-772, eff. 7-11-12.)

(105 ILCS 5/30-10) (from Ch. 122, par. 30-10)

Sec. 30-10. Filing nominations-Failure to accept or pass-Second nomination.

(Source: P.A. 97-772, eff. 7-11-12.)

(105 ILCS 5/30-11) (from Ch. 122, par. 30-11)

Sec. 30-11. Failure to use scholarship - Further nominations.

(Source: P.A. 97-772, eff. 7-11-12.)

(105 ILCS 5/30-12) (from Ch. 122, par. 30-12)

Sec. 30-12. Failure to begin or discontinuance of course because of military service.

(Source: P.A. 97-772, eff. 7-11-12.)

(105 ILCS 5/30-12.5)

Sec. 30-12.5. Waiver of confidentiality.

(Source: P.A. 97-772, eff. 7-11-12.)

(105 ILCS 5/30-13) (from Ch. 122, par. 30-13)

Sec. 30-13. Use of scholarship at public university.

(Source: P.A. 97-772, eff. 7-11-12.)

(105 ILCS 5/30-13.5)

Sec. 30-13.5. General Assembly scholarship program abolished. Before September 1, 2012, each member of the General Assembly may nominate persons to receive a scholarship or certificate of scholarship under Sections 30-9, 30-10, 30-11, 30-12, 30-12.5, and 30-13 of this Code as they existed before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 97th General Assembly. A person nominated to receive or awarded such a scholarship or certificate before September 1, 2012 is entitled to the scholarship under the terms of Sections 30-9, 30-10, 30-11, 30-12, 30-12.5, and 30-13 of this Code as they existed before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 97th General Assembly and Section 30-14 of this Code.

(Source: P.A. 97-772, eff. 7-11-12.)

(105 ILCS 5/30-14) (from Ch. 122, par. 30-14)

Sec. 30-14. Leaves of absence to holders of scholarships.

Any student enrolled in a university to which he is holding a scholarship issued under this Article who satisfies the president of the university or someone designated by him, that he requires leave of absence for the purpose of earning funds to defray his expenses while in attendance or on account of illness or military service may be granted such leave and allowed a period of not to exceed 6 years in which to complete his course at the university. The university shall notify the county superintendent of the county from which the scholarship was issued of the granting of the leave. Time spent in the armed forces shall not be part of the 6 years.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/30-14.1)

Sec. 30-14.1. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 77-1311. Repealed by P.A. 94-1105, eff. 6-1-07.)

(105 ILCS 5/30-14.2) (from Ch. 122, par. 30-14.2)

Sec. 30-14.2. MIA/POW scholarships.

(a) Any spouse, natural child, legally adopted child, or step-child of an eligible veteran or serviceperson who possesses all necessary entrance requirements shall, upon application and proper proof, be awarded a MIA/POW Scholarship consisting of the equivalent of 4 calendar years of full-time enrollment including summer terms, to the state supported Illinois institution of higher learning of his choice, subject to the restrictions listed below.

"Eligible veteran or serviceperson" means any veteran or serviceperson, including an Illinois National Guard member who is on active duty or is active on a training assignment, who has been declared by the U.S. Department of Defense or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to be a prisoner of war, be missing in action, have died as the result of a service-connected disability or have become a person with a permanent disability from service-connected causes with 100% disability and who (i) at the time of entering service was an Illinois resident, (ii) was an Illinois resident within 6 months after entering such service, or (iii) until July 1, 2014, became an Illinois resident within 6 months after leaving the service and can establish at least 30 years of continuous residency in the State of Illinois.

Full-time enrollment means 12 or more semester hours of courses per semester, or 12 or more quarter hours of courses per quarter, or the equivalent thereof per term. Scholarships utilized by dependents enrolled in less than full-time study shall be computed in the proportion which the number of hours so carried bears to full-time enrollment.

Scholarships awarded under this Section may be used by a spouse or child without regard to his or her age. The holder of a Scholarship awarded under this Section shall be subject to all examinations and academic standards, including the maintenance of minimum grade levels, that are applicable generally to other enrolled students at the Illinois institution of higher learning where the Scholarship is being used. If the surviving spouse remarries or if there is a divorce between the veteran or serviceperson and his or her spouse while the dependent is pursuing his or her course of study, Scholarship benefits will be terminated at the end of the term for which he or she is presently enrolled. Such dependents shall also be entitled, upon proper proof and application, to enroll in any extension course offered by a State supported Illinois institution of higher learning without payment of tuition and approved fees.

The holder of a MIA/POW Scholarship authorized under this Section shall not be required to pay any matriculation or application fees, tuition, activities fees, graduation fees or other fees, except multipurpose building fees or similar fees for supplies and materials.

Any dependent who has been or shall be awarded a MIA/POW Scholarship shall be reimbursed by the appropriate institution of higher learning for any fees which he or she has paid and for which exemption is granted under this Section if application for reimbursement is made within 2 months following the end of the school term for which the fees were paid.

(b) In lieu of the benefit provided in subsection (a), any spouse, natural child, legally adopted child, or step-child of an eligible veteran or serviceperson, which spouse or child has a physical, mental or developmental disability, shall be entitled to receive, upon application and proper proof, a benefit to be used for the purpose of defraying the cost of the attendance or treatment of such spouse or child at one or more appropriate therapeutic, rehabilitative or educational facilities. The application and proof may be made by the parent or legal guardian of the spouse or child on his or her behalf.

The total benefit provided to any beneficiary under this subsection shall not exceed the cost equivalent of 4 calendar years of full-time enrollment, including summer terms, at the University of Illinois. Whenever practicable in the opinion of the Department of Veterans' Affairs, payment of benefits under this subsection shall be made directly to the facility, the cost of attendance or treatment at which is being defrayed, as such costs accrue.

(c) The benefits of this Section shall be administered by and paid for out of funds made available to the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs. The amounts that become due to any state supported Illinois institution of higher learning shall be payable by the Comptroller to such institution on vouchers approved by the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs. The amounts that become due under subsection (b) of this Section shall be payable by warrant upon vouchers issued by the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs and approved by the Comptroller. The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs shall determine the eligibility of the persons who make application for the benefits provided for in this Section.

(Source: P.A. 99-78, eff. 7-20-15; 99-143, eff. 7-27-15; 100-201, eff. 8-18-17.)

(105 ILCS 5/30-14.3) (from Ch. 122, par. 30-14.3)

Sec. 30-14.3. (Repealed).

(Source: Repealed by P.A. 88-228, eff. 7-1-94.)

(105 ILCS 5/30-14.5) (from Ch. 122, par. 30-14.5)

Sec. 30-14.5. (Repealed).

(Source: Repealed by P.A. 88-228, eff. 7-1-94.)

(105 ILCS 5/30-14.6) (from Ch. 122, par. 30-14.6)

Sec. 30-14.6. (Repealed).

(Source: Repealed by P.A. 88-228, eff. 7-1-94.)

(105 ILCS 5/30-14.7) (from Ch. 122, par. 30-14.7)

Sec. 30-14.7. (Repealed).

(Source: Repealed by P.A. 88-228, eff. 7-1-94.)

(105 ILCS 5/30-14.8)

Sec. 30-14.8. Christa McAuliffe Fellowship Program.

(a) The General Assembly finds that the Christa McAuliffe federal fellowship is an award expressly and exclusively for the benefit of one or more elementary or secondary teachers, provides funding for a sabbatical for the recipient of the fellowship, has no express relationship to post-secondary educational benefits under State and federal grant and loan programs administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (hereinafter in this Section sometimes referred to as the "Commission"), and therefore is a program that from and after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1995 should be administered in this State by the State Board of Education.

(b) There is hereby transferred to the State Board of Education from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission all authority and responsibility exercised by the Commission before the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1995 with respect to the administration within this State of the Christa McAuliffe federal fellowship program. From and after the effective date of this amendatory Act, the State Board of Education shall administer on behalf of the State of Illinois and in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations the conduct and operation of the Christa McAuliffe federal fellowship program within this State.

(c) The Illinois Student Assistance Commission shall transfer to the State Board of Education, as successor to the Commission for all purposes of administering the Christa McAuliffe federal fellowship program, all books, accounts, records, papers, documents, contracts, agreements, and pending business in the possession or under the control of the Commission and relating to its administration of the Christa McAuliffe fellowship program in this State. All pending applications made before the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1995 for scholarship awards under the Christa McAuliffe fellowship program and all scholarships awarded under that program before the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1995 shall be unaffected by the transfer to the State Board of Education of all responsibilities and authority formerly exercised by the Commission with respect to that program. The Commission shall furnish to the State Board of Education such other information as the State Board of Education may request to assist it in administering this Section.

(Source: P.A. 89-106, eff. 7-7-95.)

(105 ILCS 5/prec. Sec. 30-15 heading)

HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENT ASSISTANCE LAW

(105 ILCS 5/30-15.25) (from Ch. 122, par. 30-15.25)

Sec. 30-15.25. (a) As used in this Section, the term "public institution of higher education" includes: the University of Illinois; Southern Illinois University; Chicago State University; Eastern Illinois University; Governors State University; Illinois State University; Northeastern Illinois University; Northern Illinois University; Western Illinois University; the public community colleges of the State; and any other public universities, colleges and community colleges now or hereafter established or authorized by the General Assembly. The term "nonpublic institution of higher education" includes any educational organization in this State, other than a public institution of higher education, which provides a minimum of an organized 2 year program at the private junior college level or higher and which operates not-for-profit and in conformity with standards substantially equivalent to those of public institutions of higher education.

(b) Each public institution of higher education shall disclose the terms, restrictions and requirements attached to or made a part of any endowment, gift, grant, contract award or property of any kind or value in excess of $100,000 made to such institution, or to any school, college, division, branch or other organizational entity within or forming a part of such institution, by a foreign government or an individual who is neither a citizen nor a resident of the United States, in any calendar or fiscal year. If the foreign government or individual donates more than one gift in any calendar or fiscal year, and the total value of those gifts exceeds $100,000, such institution shall report all the gifts received. This subsection shall not apply to funds that public institutions of higher education receive from grants and contracts through either the federal government or the State of Illinois.

(c) The provisions of this subsection apply to each nonpublic institution of higher education: (i) which receives any grant or award under the Illinois Financial Assistance Act for Nonpublic Institutions of Higher Learning or under the Higher Education Cooperation Act, or (ii) which is a participant in a program of interinstitutional cooperation administered by a not-for-profit organization that is organized to administer such program under the Higher Education Cooperation Act and that receives any grant under and in furtherance of the purposes of that Act, or (iii) which receives any grant or distribution of grant moneys appropriated from the State Treasury or any fund therein to such institution or to the Board of Higher Education for distribution to nonpublic institutions of higher education for purposes of Section 4 of the Build Illinois Bond Act or for any other purpose authorized by law. Each nonpublic institution of higher education to which the provisions of this subsection apply shall disclose the terms, restrictions and requirements attached to or made a part of any endowment, gift, grant, contract award or property of any kind or value in excess of $250,000 made to such institution, or to any school, college, division, branch or other organizational entity within or forming a part of such institution, by a foreign government or an individual who is neither a citizen nor a resident of the United States, in any calendar or fiscal year. If the foreign government or individual donates more than one gift in any calendar or fiscal year, and the total value of those gifts exceeds $250,000, such institution shall report all the gifts received.

(d) Such information shall be forwarded to the Attorney General no later than 30 days after the final day of each calendar or fiscal year of such institution, whichever type of year is used by the institution in accounting for the gifts received for the purposes of this Section. The information shall include:

(1) the name of the foreign government in the case of a gift by a government, or the name of the foreign country of which an individual donor is a citizen, in the case of a gift by an individual;

(2) the amount and the date of the contribution or contributions;

(3) when the gift is conditional, matching or designated for a particular purpose, full details of the conditions, matching provisions or designation; and

(4) the purpose or purposes for which the contribution will be used.

Such information shall be a matter of public record.

(Source: P.A. 89-4, eff. 1-1-96.)

(105 ILCS 5/30-16.1) (from Ch. 122, par. 30-16.1)

Sec. 30-16.1. Purpose. The General Assembly has found and hereby declares that it is essential for the national defense and for the defense of the State of Illinois that among those residents of this State receiving higher education, provisions should be made for Reserve Officer's Training Corps training, in order to provide officers for the several Armed Forces of the United States of America and to that end, that scholarships should be furnished to eligible residents, in order to encourage their participation in the Reserve Officer's Training Corps programs.

(Source: P.A. 79-768.)

(105 ILCS 5/30-16.2) (from Ch. 122, par. 30-16.2)

Sec. 30-16.2. Eligible recipients. Those residents of the State of Illinois whose scholastic standing will enable them to enroll in the Reserve Officer's Training Corps programs of the several Armed Forces available at universities supported by the State of Illinois, are considered as eligible recipients for scholarships set forth in Section 30-16.3.

(Source: P.A. 79-768.)

(105 ILCS 5/30-16.3) (from Ch. 122, par. 30-16.3)

Sec. 30-16.3. Availability of Scholarships. Scholarships shall be awarded on the following basis:

(a) One scholastic scholarship to an eligible recipient from each private junior college and public community college which has a total enrollment of less than 500 students.

(b) Two scholarships to eligible recipients from each private junior college and public community college which has an enrollment of 500 or more, but less than 1,000, students.

(c) Three scholarships to eligible recipients from private junior colleges and public community colleges having an enrollment of 1,000, or more, students.

(d) The equivalent of 10 scholarships per class, per branch of service, each academic year, to eligible recipients.

(Source: P.A. 91-503, eff. 8-13-99.)

(105 ILCS 5/30-16.4) (from Ch. 122, par. 30-16.4)

Sec. 30-16.4. Privileges Conferred. The scholarships issued under Sections 30-16.1 through 30-16.6, inclusive, of this Article, may be used at those State supported universities where there are provided Reserve Officer's Training Corps programs of the several Armed Services over a period during which the eligible recipient is eligible for enrollment in the program. The scholarships exempt the holder from the payment of tuition, or any matriculation, graduation, activity, term or incidental fee, except any portion of a multi-purpose fee which is used for a purpose for which exemption is not granted under this Section. Exemption may not be granted for any other fees including book rental, service, laboratory, supply, Union Building, hospital and medical insurance fees and any fees established for the operation and maintenance of buildings, the income of which is pledged to the payment of interest and principal, or bonds issued by the governing board of the universities.

Any student who has been or is awarded a scholarship shall be reimbursed by the appropriate university for any fees which he has paid and for which exemption is granted under this Section, if application for such reimbursement is made within 2 months following the school term for which the fees were paid.

The holder of a scholarship is subject to all examinations, rules and requirements of the university in which he is enrolled, except as herein directed.

The provisions of Sections 30-16.1 through 30-16.6 of this Act do not prohibit the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois, the Board of Trustees of Southern Illinois University, the Board of Trustees of Chicago State University, the Board of Trustees of Eastern Illinois University, the Board of Trustees of Governors State University, the Board of Trustees of Illinois State University, the Board of Trustees of Northeastern Illinois University, the Board of Trustees of Northern Illinois University, and the Board of Trustees of Western Illinois University from granting other scholarships.

(Source: P.A. 89-4, eff. 1-1-96.)

(105 ILCS 5/30-16.5) (from Ch. 122, par. 30-16.5)

Sec. 30-16.5. Leaves of absence to holders of scholarships. Any student enrolled in a university to which he is requesting a scholarship issued under the provisions of Section 30-16.3 of this Act who satisfies the President of the University, or someone designated by him, that he requires leave of absence while in attendance, or on account of illness, or military service, may be granted such leave and allowed a period of not to exceed 6 years, in which to complete his course at the university. Time spent in the armed services is not a part of the 6 years.

(Source: P.A. 79-768.)

(105 ILCS 5/30-16.6) (from Ch. 122, par. 30-16.6)

Sec. 30-16.6. Registration of eligible recipients; examination. The president or chairman of the board of each private junior college or public community college, and the President of each University in which a Reserve Officer's Training Corps program is available, or some individual or committee designated by such person, shall receive and register the names of all eligible recipients applying for the scholarships set forth in Section 30-16.3. Applicants shall take an examination each year according to the rules prescribed jointly by the President of the University of Illinois, the President of Southern Illinois University, the President of Chicago State University, the President of Eastern Illinois University, the President of Governors State University, the President of Illinois State University, the President of Northeastern Illinois University, the President of Northern Illinois University, and the President of Western Illinois University. The scholarships shall be awarded on a merit basis to those eligible recipients receiving the highest grades with evidence of leadership ability, and the number of scholarships to be awarded in any institution shall be as set forth in Section 30-16.3.

(Source: P.A. 89-4, eff. 1-1-96.)

(105 ILCS 5/30-17) (from Ch. 122, par. 30-17)

Sec. 30-17. Revocation of Scholarship Because of Misconduct. If the holder of any scholarship funded in whole or in part by this State, whether granted by the State Scholarship Commission, granted pursuant to any of Sections 30-1 through 30-16.6 or otherwise granted by any State supported college or university and whether used at a State-supported institution of higher learning or at a private institution, participates in any disorderly disturbance or course of conduct directed against the administration or policies of such an institution using means which are not protected by the constitution of this State or of the United States, his scholarship is thereupon revoked and no further payments under that scholarship may be made to him or on his behalf, notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary.

The initial determination as to whether the means employed in a course of conduct are not protected by the Constitution of this State or of the United States shall be made by the chief executive officer of the institution at which the scholarship recipient is enrolled. No revocation shall take place until the recipient of the scholarship to be revoked is afforded the opportunity to present evidence against revocation to the chief executive officer or his representatives, either in person, in writing, or by counsel of his choice.

(Source: P.A. 76-1580.)

(105 ILCS 5/30-17.1) (from Ch. 122, par. 30-17.1)

Sec. 30-17.1. Scholarships-Draft Registration. Each applicant for any student financial aid funded in whole or in part by this State, whether granted by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, granted pursuant to any of Sections 30-1 through 30-16.6 or otherwise granted by any State supported college or university, and whether to be used at a State supported institution of higher learning or at a private institution, shall submit to the institution he or she is attending Selective Service registration compliance documentation as required by Part 668 of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations. If an applicant for or holder of any such student financial aid fails to submit documentation in the manner and within the time allowed, any pending application of such person for the award, grant, or renewal of any such student financial aid shall be denied, and any such student financial aid currently held by such person shall be revoked to the extent that no further payments under that student financial aid may be made. Procedures for notification and administrative review shall be consistent with Part 668 of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

(Source: P.A. 86-169.)

(105 ILCS 5/Art. 31 heading) ARTICLE 31. FRATERNITIES--SORORITIES

(105 ILCS 5/31-1) (from Ch. 122, par. 31-1)

Sec. 31-1. Definition.

A public school fraternity, sorority or secret society, in this Article means any organization, composed wholly or in part of public school pupils, which seeks to perpetuate itself by taking in additional members from the pupils enrolled in such school on the basis of the decision of its membership rather than upon the free choice of any pupil in the school who is qualified by the rules of the school to fill the special aims of the organization.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/31-2) (from Ch. 122, par. 31-2)

Sec. 31-2. Inimical to public good.

Any public school fraternity, sorority or secret society is inimical to the public good.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/31-3) (from Ch. 122, par. 31-3)

Sec. 31-3. Suspension or expulsion of members, pledges and solicitors.

The governing body of any public school shall suspend or expel any pupil who is a member of or joins or promises to join, or who becomes pledged to become a member of, or who solicits any other person to join, promise to join or be pledged to become a member of any public school fraternity, sorority or secret society.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/31-4) (from Ch. 122, par. 31-4)

Sec. 31-4. Solicitation unlawful-Penalty.

It is unlawful for any person not enrolled in any public school of this State to solicit any pupil enrolled therein to join or pledge himself or herself to become a member of any public school fraternity, sorority or secret society or to solicit any such pupil to attend a meeting thereof or any meeting where the joining of any such fraternity, sorority or secret society is encouraged. Whoever violates this section shall be guilty of a petty offense and fined not less than $25 nor more than $100.

(Source: P.A. 77-2267.)

(105 ILCS 5/31-5) (from Ch. 122, par. 31-5)

Sec. 31-5. Not applicable to universities.

The provisions of this Article do not apply to fraternities, sororities or secret societies in any State University nor to students thereof in their relations to such organizations in these institutions.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/Art. 32 heading) ARTICLE 32. SPECIAL CHARTER DISTRICTS

(105 ILCS 5/32-1) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-1)

Sec. 32-1. May vote to organize under general law.

(a) Any special charter district may, by vote of its electors, cease to control its school under the Act under which it was organized, and become part of the school township or townships in which it is situated. Upon petition of 50 voters of the district, presented to the board having the control and management of the schools, the board shall order submitted to the voters at an election to be held in the district, in accordance with the general election law, the question of "organizing under the general school law". The secretary of the board shall make certification to the proper election authority in accordance with the general election law. If, however, a majority of the votes cast at any such election in any school district subject to Sections 32-3 through 32-4.11 is against organizing the district under the general school law, the question may not again be submitted in the district for 22 months thereafter, and then only upon petition signed by at least 2% of the voters of the school district. Notice shall be given in accordance with the general election law, which notice shall be in the following form: NOTICE OF REFERENDUM Notice is hereby given that on (insert date), a referendum will be held at.... for the purpose of deciding the question of organizing under the general school law. The polls will be opened at .... o'clock ..m and closed at .... o'clock ..m. Signed .....

If a majority of the votes cast on the proposition is in favor of organizing under the general school law, then the board having the control and management of schools in the district, shall declare the proposition carried.

When such a proposition is declared to have so carried, the board of education shall continue to exercise its powers and duties under the general school law. Each member of the board of education selected under the provisions of the special charter shall continue in office until his term has expired. Before the term of each of these members expires, the board shall give notice of an election to be held on the date of the next regular school election, in accordance with the general election law to fill the vacancy which is created. Nomination papers filed under this Section are not valid unless the candidate named therein files with the county clerk or the county board of election commissioners, as the case may be, of the county in which the principal office of the school district is located a receipt from the county clerk showing that the candidate has filed a statement of economic interests as required by the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act. Such receipt shall be so filed either previously during the calendar year in which his nomination papers were filed or within the period for the filing of nomination papers in accordance with the general election law.

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, any special charter district whose board is appointed by the mayor or other corporate authority of that municipality may, by resolution adopted by the corporate authorities of that municipality cease to control its school under the Act under which it was organized, become a part of the school township or townships in which it is situated and become organized under the general school law. If such a resolution is adopted, the board of education shall continue to exercise its powers and duties under the general school law. Each member of the board of education selected under the provisions of the special charter shall continue in office until his term has expired. Before the term of each of these members expires, the board shall give notice of an election to be held on the date of the next regular school election, in accordance with the general election law to fill the vacancy which is created.

(Source: P.A. 98-115, eff. 7-29-13.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-1.1) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-1.1)

Sec. 32-1.1. Election and powers of board - No provision in special act. In all special charter districts maintaining schools under any general school laws, where there is no provision in the special Acts creating such districts for the election of boards of education as otherwise provided, there shall be elected, in lieu of the school directors as now provided, a board of education, to consist of 7 members to be elected at the time and in the manner as provided by the general election law for the election and qualification of boards of education in other cases. In any district having a population of more than 100,000 but less than 2,000,000 such board may be increased in size to 11 members upon adoption by a majority of electors residing in the district and voting on the question in a referendum as provided in this Section. Such question shall be submitted to the electors at an election upon a resolution adopted by the Board. Members shall be elected biennially in the school district, whose term of office shall be 4 years, and there shall also be elected in each odd-numbered year a president of the board. Following the first such election, those members elected, other than the president, shall, by lot, determine 3 to serve 2 years and 3 to serve 4 years; thereafter, all terms shall be 4 years. In other cases, however, if 4 members, other than the president, are elected in 1983, then those elected shall, by lot, determine one to serve for 2 years and 3 to serve 4 years; thereafter all terms shall be 4 years. In neither case shall such determinations affect the biennial selection of the president. At the first regular school election after the adoption by the district electors of a question as provided in this Section increasing the size of the board in those districts entitled to exercise an option for and elect an 11 member board, 4 additional members shall be elected and shall determine by lot 2 to serve for 2 years and 2 for 4 years. Their successors shall serve for a 4 year term. In case of an 11 member board already in existence, if 7 members, other than the president, are elected in 1983 then those members elected shall, by lot determine one to serve 2 years and 6 to serve 4 years. Terms thereafter shall be 4 years. The board of education shall have all the powers and duties of trustees of schools in school townships and the powers and duties of boards of education in districts having a population of not fewer than 1,000 and not more than 500,000 as provided by this Act.

The day upon which the election provided for in this section is to be held is subject to the provisions of the general election law.

(Source: P.A. 86-225.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-1.2) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-1.2)

Sec. 32-1.2. Powers of election boards.

A school board of any special charter district that is elected by the voters shall have the powers and duties of school trustees.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-1.3) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-1.3)

Sec. 32-1.3. Determination to elect-Election-Powers. Any special charter district having a population of not less than 1,000 and not over 20,000, may, by vote of its electors, determine to elect, instead of the directors or other governing or managing board now provided for by the special Act under which it was organized, a board of education which shall be elected at the time and in the manner and have the powers conferred upon boards of education of districts under this Act.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-1.4) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-1.4)

Sec. 32-1.4. Petition - referendum - election of board. Upon petition of 50 voters of any district as defined in Section 32-1.3 presented to the board having the control and management of schools, the board shall, at the next regularly scheduled election held in such district cause to be submitted to the voters thereof, in accordance with the general election law, the proposition of "electing a board of education having the powers conferred upon such boards in districts organized under The School Code". The board shall publish notice of such election, in the manner provided by the general election law, which notice may be in the following form:

Public notice is hereby given that on (insert date), a referendum will be held at ...., between the hours of ... ..m. and ... ..m. of said day for the purpose of deciding the question of "electing a board of education having the powers conferred upon such boards in districts organized under the School Code".

If a majority of the votes cast is in favor of the proposition, then at the time of the next regular election for boards of education, there shall be elected a board of education for the district.

(Source: P.A. 91-357, eff. 7-29-99.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-1.5) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-1.5)

Sec. 32-1.5. Election of board of education. Any special charter district may, by vote of its electors, determine to elect, instead of the managing board provided for by its special charter, a board of education which shall be elected at the time and in the manner as boards of education under Article 10 of this Act; but such determination shall not affect any other powers or duties conferred or imposed by the special charter.

Upon petition of 10% or 200 of the voters, whichever is less, of any such district requesting a referendum therefor, presented to the managing board thereof, the board shall, or upon its own initiative if no such petition has been presented the board may order submitted to the voters at the next regular election, in accordance with the general election law, a proposition to elect a board of education of 3 or 5 or 7 members, as the case may be. The proposition shall be substantially as follows:

--------------------------------------------------------------

Shall school district.... be governed

by a board of education of.... members YES

to be elected at the time and in the manner ----------------

as boards of education under Article 10 NO

of the School Code?

--------------------------------------------------------------

If more than one proposition is properly presented to the board, the one first presented shall be submitted to the electors.

If such proposition receives a majority of all valid votes cast thereon, the change in membership shall be effectuated at the next succeeding regular school election. In the conduct of such election, the managing board shall take such measures as may be necessary to arrange for the election of a board of 3, 5, or 7 members, as the case may be. The new board shall be organized as provided in Article 10 of this Act, except that, if only 5 members are to be elected, 2 (instead of 3) shall be selected by lot for a 2 year term, and if only 3 members are to be elected, then one shall be selected by lot for a 2 year term. In case of a 5 member board already established, if 4 are elected in 1983, then those elected shall by lot determine 2 to serve 2 years and 2 to serve 4 years. All successors, except to fill vacancies, shall be elected for terms of 4 years. In the case of a 5 member board already established, on which the members serve 5 year terms, the member elected in 1981 shall serve a 6 year term. The 2 members elected in 1983 shall serve 6 year terms. The 2 members elected in 1985 shall also serve 6 year terms. All successors, except to fill vacancies, shall be elected for terms of 6 years. As soon as the first new board is organized, the terms of all members of the predecessor board shall terminate.

In any such school district which determines to elect a new board of education as hereinabove authorized, the number of members on the board may thereafter be changed by following the procedure hereinabove set forth.

At least 22 months must elapse after the date of an election under this section before any of the above propositions may be again submitted to the electors.

(Source: P.A. 81-1490.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-1.6) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-1.6)

Sec. 32-1.6. School board districts.

Section 9-22 applies to all special charter districts as well as those organized under the general school law.

(Source: P.A. 78-536.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-2.1) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-2.1)

Sec. 32-2.1. Boards to which preceding section applicable. The provisions of Section 32-2 shall apply to the board of school inspectors of the City of Peoria and to all other boards of directors, boards of education, and boards of school inspectors existing under any special school charter heretofore granted by the State.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-2.5) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-2.5)

Sec. 32-2.5. Election of board of education in lieu of appointive board. In all special charter districts having a population of over 35,000 by the last federal census, where the board of directors or board of education is elected or appointed by the city council of the city, of which school district such city may form the whole or a part, and where there are no provisions in the special charter creating such school district for the election of a board of directors or board of education, there shall be elected in lieu of the present governing body a board of education to consist of 7 members. Nomination of a candidate for member of the board of education shall be made by petitions signed in the aggregate by not less than 200 qualified voters residing in the school district, and also by filing with the petitions a statement of candidacy as provided in the general election law, which petitions and statements of candidacy shall be filed in the office of the board of education in accordance with the general election law.

Nomination papers filed under this Section are not valid unless the candidate named therein files with the county clerk or the county board of election commissioners, as the case may be, of the county in which the principal office of the school district is located a receipt from the county clerk showing that the candidate has filed a statement of economic interests as required by the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act. Such receipt shall be so filed either previously during the calendar year in which his nomination papers were filed or within the period for the filing of nomination papers in accordance with the general election law.

The county clerk or the county board of election commissioners shall make certification to the proper election authority in accordance with the general election law.

(Source: P.A. 98-115, eff. 7-29-13.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-2.6) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-2.6)

Sec. 32-2.6. Election - vacancies - names on ballots. All elections in school districts described in Section 32-2.5 shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the general election law. If any member of the board of education is disqualified to hold office, the board of education may, by resolution, declare the office vacant, and provide for an appointment to fill the vacancy until the next election for members of the board of education. The nomination and election of a candidate thereupon to fill the vacancy shall be made in the same manner as the nomination of a candidate for a regular term, as hereinbefore provided, except that there shall be printed on the ballot that the election is for a certain number of persons for a certain number of years to fill a vacancy. The names of all candidates for member of such board of education shall be printed on the ballot in alphabetical order according to their surnames.

(Source: P.A. 80-1469.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-2.10) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-2.10)

Sec. 32-2.10. Application of law. In all special charter districts of this State having a population of not more than 50,000 lying wholly or in part within any city, village, or incorporated town, the school directors or members of the board of education, as provided in the special charter, shall be elected at elections held as provided by the general election law, and all propositions pertaining to said school districts required to be submitted to the voters thereof shall be voted upon at elections held as provided in the general election law.

(Source: P.A. 81-1490.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-2.11) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-2.11)

Sec. 32-2.11. Election of board members. In every city whose schools have been operating under special Acts and are governed by a board of school inspectors where such city, together with territory added thereto for school purposes, includes 2 districts for the purpose of electing 6 inspectors (3 in each district) and 1 district for all other school purposes, there shall continue to be elected a board of school inspectors, consisting of 6 members (3 in each district) and 1 inspector at large who shall be chosen for a term of 4 years. If 4 inspectors, excluding the inspector at large, are elected in 1983, those selected shall by lot determine one inspector to serve for 2 years and 3 for 4 years. Thereafter all terms shall be for 4 years.

(Source: P.A. 81-1490.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-2.12) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-2.12)

Sec. 32-2.12. Time for election of board members. In all special charter districts, the regular election of members of such boards shall hereafter be held on the date set for school elections as provided in the general election law in odd numbered years.

(Source: P.A. 81-1490.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-2.13) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-2.13)

Sec. 32-2.13. No annexation accomplished pursuant to Section 7-2.1 shall affect the method of selection of the board of the special charter district as otherwise provided by law excepting in those instances where the special charter has an appointive school board appointed solely within the boundaries of a municipality within such special charter school district; in those instances where there are voters living within the school district, but outside the municipality, the county superintendent of schools having supervision over the greatest portion of the territory of the special charter district shall appoint one additional member to the board of education of the special charter district effective with the date and for the term for which other appointments to the special charter board are effective; provided, further, that during any period the number of voters living within such school district but outside the municipality exceeds a quotient determined by dividing the total number of voters living in the municipality by the number of school board members appointed within said municipality, the county superintendent shall appoint one additional school board member for each time such quotient is equaled.

(Source: P.A. 82-783.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-3) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-3)

Sec. 32-3. Law governing appointment. Where, by the provisions of any general or special law, the members of the city council of any city have been made ex-officio school directors or members of the board of education for the school district of which the city constitutes the whole or a part, the school directors or members of the board of education shall be appointed as provided in Section 32-3.1.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-3.1) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-3.1)

Sec. 32-3.1. Nomination by mayor-President of board. The mayor of any city described in Section 32-3, at the first regular meeting of the city council, after each annual municipal election and after his installation into office, shall nominate and place before the council for confirmation as school directors or members of the board of education, as the case may be, 1 person from each ward of the city to serve for 2 years and 1 person from the city at large to serve for 1 year. If the persons so appointed are confirmed by a majority vote of the city council, to be entered of record, such persons shall constitute the board of education or school directors for the district. The person appointed from the city at large for 1 year shall be president of the board of education or school directors but shall have no vote except in case of a tie.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-3.2) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-3.2)

Sec. 32-3.2. City of 45,000-Number of members-Nomination-Vacancy. In any city, however, having a population of 45,000 or more, constituting a school district to which Sections 32-3 to 32-4.11, inclusive, are applicable, the board of education shall consist of 11 persons who shall be nominated by the mayor from the city at large and confirmed by a majority vote of the city council, 1 of which persons shall be designated by the mayor as the president of the board of education. The president shall have no vote except in case of a tie. 5 Members of the board of education and such person as may be designated as the president thereof shall be nominated by the mayor and placed before the city council for confirmation at the first regular meeting of the city council after the mayor's installation into office, and upon confirmation by the council shall hold their offices for 2 years and until their successor shall be chosen as herein provided. The remaining 5 members of the board of education shall be nominated by the mayor and placed before the city council for confirmation at the first regular meeting of the city council next after 1 year from the date of the mayor's installation into office, and upon confirmation by the council shall hold their offices for 2 years and until their successors shall be chosen as herein provided. If a vacancy occurs in the board of education, the mayor shall nominate and place before the city council for confirmation at a regular meeting thereof some person to fill the vacancy, and upon confirmation by the city council, the person so nominated shall hold the office during the remainder of the term for which his predecessor was appointed.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-3.3) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-3.3)

Sec. 32-3.3. Organization and powers of board. The board members appointed under Section 32-3.1 to 32-3.2 shall, as soon as practicable after their appointment, organize by electing 1 of their number secretary, who shall hold his office for 1 year.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-3.5)

Sec. 32-3.5. Student board member. The governing board of a special charter district may appoint a student to the board to serve in an advisory capacity. The student member shall serve for a term as determined by the board. The board may not grant the student member any voting privileges, but shall consider the student member as an advisor. The student member may not participate in or attend any executive session of the board.

(Source: P.A. 94-231, eff. 7-14-05.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-4) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-4)

Sec. 32-4. Powers of board.

The board of inspectors referred to in Section 32-2.11 may, in addition to the powers conferred upon it by special law and the applicable provisions of this Act, employ teachers, janitors and such other employees as it deems necessary and fix the amount of their compensation; buy or lease sites for schoolhouses, with the necessary grounds; build, erect, lease or purchase buildings suitable for school purposes; repair and improve buildings and furnish them with the necessary supplies, fixtures, apparatus, libraries and fuel; and may lease school property, when not needed for school purposes, for a term of not longer than 99 years from the date of the granting of the lease. All such leases shall provide for revaluation privileges at least once in every 20 years.

In case the school board and the lessee cannot agree on revaluation and a new rent, the same shall be determined in the following manner: 3 arbitrators shall be appointed, 1 by the school board, 1 by the lessee, and 1 by the arbitrators appointed by the school board and the lessee. The 3 arbitrators, or a majority of them, shall fix and determine the revaluation and the new rent and their decision or a decision of a majority of them shall be final.

When, in the opinion of the school board, a school site, building, or site with building thereon, or any other real estate of the district, has become unnecessary or unsuitable or inconvenient for a school, or unnecessary for the uses of the district and the school board decides to sell the same, unless the property is to be sold to a tenant that has leased the property for 10 or more years and that tenant is a non-profit agency, the school board shall give notice of the sale stating the time and place the sale is to be held, the terms of the sale and a description of the property to be sold. The notice shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation published in the district, or if none, in the county in which the district is situated, such notice to be published once each week for 3 successive weeks, and the first publication to be at least 30 days prior to the day the sale is to be held. Unless the school board holds legal title to the property, the school board shall notify the trustees of schools of the terms upon which the school board desires the property to be conveyed. The school board or trustees of schools holding legal title to the property shall convey the property in accordance with the terms fixed by the school board. The deed of conveyance shall be executed by the president and secretary or clerk of the school board or trustees of the school holding legal title to the property and the proceeds if any shall be paid to the school treasurer for the benefit of the district.

In the case of a sale of property to a tenant that has leased the property for 10 or more years and that is a non-profit agency, an appraisal is required prior to the sale. If the non-profit agency purchases the property for less than the appraised value and subsequently sells the property, the agency may retain only a percentage of the profits that is proportional to the percentage of the appraisal, plus any improvements made by the agency while the agency was the owner, that the agency paid in the initial sale. The remaining portion of the profits made by the non-profit agency shall revert to the school district.

(Source: P.A. 92-365, eff. 8-15-01.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-4.1) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-4.1)

Sec. 32-4.1. Annual tax levy - Township treasurer custodian.

The board of school inspectors of districts described in Section 32-2.11 may levy a tax, annually, upon all of the taxable property of the district, in the manner provided by Sections 17-2 through 17-9, and in accordance with the powers conferred by Section 32-4. All moneys raised by taxation for school purposes, or received from the common school fund or any other source, or held or collected for school purposes, shall be paid to and held by the school treasurer as a special fund for school purposes, subject to the order of the board of school inspectors upon warrants signed by the president and secretary thereof or a majority of the board.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-4.2) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-4.2)

Sec. 32-4.2. Leasehold revenue bonds. The board of inspectors of districts described in Section 32-2.11 in addition to all other powers conferred upon it by special law and the applicable provisions of this Act, may borrow money for the purpose of building schoolhouses, or repairing, altering or building additions to any schoolhouses already erected, or purchasing schoolhouse sites, or purchasing land outside the school district pursuant to the provisions of Section 22-16 and as evidence of the indebtedness may issue revenue bonds in denominations of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000 payable solely from rentals or other revenue to be derived from any lease of school property made by said board of inspectors in accordance with the power conferred by Section 32-4. Said bonds shall be negotiable instruments and shall bear interest at a rate not exceeding the maximum rate authorized by the Bond Authorization Act, as amended at the time of the making of the contract, payable semi-annually, and shall mature at or prior to the expiration of the term of said lease, provided that in any event all such bonds shall mature within 40 years from the date of said bonds. Said bonds shall not constitute a general obligation of the school district and may be issued in addition to all other bonds which the school district is now or hereafter may be authorized to issue. Said bonds shall not constitute an indebtedness of the school district within the meaning of any constitutional or statutory limitation.

With respect to instruments for the payment of money issued under this Section either before, on, or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1989, it is and always has been the intention of the General Assembly (i) that the Omnibus Bond Acts are and always have been supplementary grants of power to issue instruments in accordance with the Omnibus Bond Acts, regardless of any provision of this Act that may appear to be or to have been more restrictive than those Acts, (ii) that the provisions of this Section are not a limitation on the supplementary authority granted by the Omnibus Bond Acts, and (iii) that instruments issued under this Section within the supplementary authority granted by the Omnibus Bond Acts are not invalid because of any provision of this Act that may appear to be or to have been more restrictive than those Acts.

(Source: P.A. 86-4.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-4.3) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-4.3)

Sec. 32-4.3. Resolution.

Said bonds shall be sold in such manner and upon such terms not inconsistent with the provisions hereof as the board of inspectors shall determine by resolution authorizing the issuance of said bonds. The resolution may contain such covenants and restrictions upon the issuance of additional revenue bonds thereafter as may be deemed necessary or advisable for the assurance of the payment of all revenue bonds previously issued and secured by the rentals and other revenue from any lease upon the same school property. The resolution shall pledge the rentals and other revenue from said school property for the purpose of paying the cost of operation and maintenance of said school property, providing an adequate depreciation fund, and paying the principal of and interest on bonds issued pursuant thereto and shall provide for the deposit of all rentals and other revenue, as received, in a special fund to be used only for the purpose of paying the cost of operating and maintaining said school property, providing an adequate depreciation fund, and paying the principal of and interest on said bonds.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-4.4) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-4.4)

Sec. 32-4.4. Publication - Referendum on petition. Within 10 days after this resolution has been adopted by the board of inspectors it shall be published at least once in 1 or more newspapers published in the school district, or if no newspaper is published in such school district, then in 1 or more newspapers with a general circulation therein. The publication of the resolution shall include a notice of (1) the specific number of voters required to sign a petition requesting that the question of the adoption of the resolution be submitted to the electors of the school district; (2) the time in which such petition must be filed; and (3) the date of the prospective referendum. The secretary of the Board of inspectors shall provide a petition form to any individual requesting one. If no petition is filed with the secretary of the board of inspectors as hereinafter provided in this Section within 30 days after the publication of the resolution, or if any and all petition filed are invalid, the resolution shall be in effect immediately upon the expiration of that 30 day period. But if within that 30 day period a petition is filed with the secretary, signed by voters residing within the school district equal to 10% or more of the number of registered voters in the district, asking that the question of issuing revenue bonds as provided in said resolution be submitted to the voters of the school district, the board of inspectors of the school district shall certify the proposition of issuing revenue bonds as described in said resolution to the proper election authorities for submission to the electors in accordance with the general election law. If a majority of the voters voting upon the question voted in favor of the issuance of said revenue bonds, then the resolution shall be in effect, but if a majority of the voters voting upon the question are not in favor thereof, the resolution shall not take effect.

(Source: P.A. 87-767.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-4.5) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-4.5)

Sec. 32-4.5. Signing, attestation, numbering and registration.

All bonds issued pursuant to the authority of sections 32-4.2 to 32-4.5, inclusive, shall be signed, attested, countersigned, numbered, and registered and disposition thereof made pursuant to the provisions of section 32-5.9.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-4.6) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-4.6)

Sec. 32-4.6. Title, care and custody of property; supervision and control. The title, care and custody of all schoolhouses and school sites belonging to districts that are described in Section 32-2.11 and that are not districts whose school boards under subsection (a) of Section 10-22.35B of this Code are to hold legal title to school buildings and school sites of the district shall be vested in the trustees of schools of the townships in which the districts are situated, but the supervision and control of such schoolhouses and sites shall be vested in the board of inspectors of the districts. In all other cases, the legal title, care, custody and control of school houses and school sites belonging to districts that are described in Section 32-2.11, together with the supervision and control of those school houses and sites, shall be vested in the board of inspectors of the districts.

(Source: P.A. 100-374, eff. 8-25-17.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-4.7) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-4.7)

Sec. 32-4.7. Change of boundaries. The trustees of schools of townships in which districts described in Section 32-2.11 are situated may change the boundaries of such school districts when petitioned as provided by this Act.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-4.8) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-4.8)

Sec. 32-4.8. Powers of boards - Bond of treasurer.

The board of education of a school district described in Section 32-2.5 shall have all the powers of trustees of schools in school townships and all the powers of boards of directors, and boards of education elected by virtue of this Act, and shall also have power to elect and appoint a secretary for such board, who shall attend all its meetings and keep an accurate record of all proceedings of the board and shall also have power to appoint a treasurer for the district whose term of office, duties and obligations shall be the same as a treasurer appointed by the trustees of schools, except that the treasurer appointed under this section shall not be obliged to keep a record of the proceedings of the board. The treasurer shall, before entering upon his duties, execute a bond in such amount and with such sureties to be approved by the board of education, and containing such provisions, as provided in Section 8-2 for the bonds of treasurers appointed by trustees of schools; provided, however, the board of education of a school district described in Section 32-2.5 shall not be required to submit to the voters the propositions of selecting school sites, purchasing school sites and building school buildings, as provided by any other section of this Act, but shall have power in its discretion to select and purchase school sites and build, repair, alter and build additions to any school buildings which is deemed necessary and in the interests of the district, and the power to issue bonds and the procedure to be followed in the issuance of bonds shall be governed by the provisions of Sections 32-5.6 to 32-5.9 inclusive.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-4.9) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-4.9)

Sec. 32-4.9. Powers and duties of board members.

All rights, powers and duties heretofore exercised by and devolved upon the members of the city council, as ex-officio member of the board of education, or school directors, shall devolve upon and be exercised by the members of the board of education and school directors appointed under the provisions of this Article.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-4.10) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-4.10)

Sec. 32-4.10. Amount to be raised-Tax levy. In all school districts to which Sections 32-3 to 32-4.11, inclusive, apply the school boards shall annually, before August 1, certify to the city council under the signatures of the president and secretary of the board, the amount of money required to be raised by taxation for school purposes in the district for the ensuing year, and the city council shall thereupon cause the amount to be levied and collected in the manner now provided by law for the levy and collection of taxes for school purposes in the district, but the amount to be so levied and collected shall not exceed the amount now allowed to be collected for school purposes by this Act. When such taxes have been collected and paid over to the treasurer of the city or school district, as may be provided by the terms of the Act under which the district has been organized, such funds shall be paid out only on the order of the board of education or school directors, signed by the president and secretary.

(Source: P.A. 84-550.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-4.10a)

Sec. 32-4.10a. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 77-4. Repealed by P.A. 94-1105, eff. 6-1-07.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-4.11) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-4.11)

Sec. 32-4.11. Tax anticipation warrants. Whenever there is no money in the hands of the treasurer of any school district to which Sections 32-2 to 32-4.11, inclusive, shall apply, to defray the necessary expenses of such district, including amounts necessary to pay maturing principal and interest of bonds, it is lawful for the school board of the district to draw and issue warrants against and in anticipation of any taxes already levied for the payment of the necessary expenses of the district, either for transportation, educational or for all operations, building and maintenance purposes, or for payments to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, or for the payment of maturing principal and interest of bonds, as the case may be, to the extent of 85% of the total amount of any such taxes levied. The warrants shall show upon their face that they are payable solely from said taxes when collected, and shall be received by any collector of taxes in payment of the taxes against which they are issued. The taxes against which the warrants are drawn shall be set apart and held for their payment. Every warrant shall bear interest, payable only out of the taxes against which it shall be drawn, at a rate not to exceed the maximum rate authorized by the Bond Authorization Act, as amended at the time of the making of the contract, if issued before January 1, 1972 and not to exceed the maximum rate authorized by the Bond Authorization Act, as amended at the time of the making of the contract, if issued after January 1, 1972, from the date of its issuance until paid, or until notice is given by publication in a newspaper or otherwise that the money for its payment is available and that it will be paid upon presentation.

With respect to instruments for the payment of money issued under this Section either before, on, or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1989, it is and always has been the intention of the General Assembly (i) that the Omnibus Bond Acts are and always have been supplementary grants of power to issue instruments in accordance with the Omnibus Bond Acts, regardless of any provision of this Act that may appear to be or to have been more restrictive than those Acts, (ii) that the provisions of this Section are not a limitation on the supplementary authority granted by the Omnibus Bond Acts, and (iii) that instruments issued under this Section within the supplementary authority granted by the Omnibus Bond Acts are not invalid because of any provision of this Act that may appear to be or to have been more restrictive than those Acts.

(Source: P.A. 86-4.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-4.12) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-4.12)

Sec. 32-4.12. Sale of real estate-Use of proceeds.

The board of education of any special charter district may sell and dispose of any real estate conveyed to it by any city for school purposes and use the proceeds derived from the sale thereof for school building purposes or for the purchase of other real estate for such purposes.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-4.13) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-4.13)

Sec. 32-4.13. Eminent domain.

Whenever any school district existing by virtue of any special charter and governed by any or all such special charter or special school laws of this State, and having a population of fewer than 500,000 inhabitants, requires any lot or parcel of land situated within the district for a site for a school building or for an addition to any school building already erected and used for school purposes, or requires any lot or parcel of land situated within such school district for the purpose of a playground for school children, and the compensation for such lot or parcel of land cannot be agreed upon between the owner or owners of such lot or parcel of land and the corporate authority managing and controlling the public schools of such district it is lawful for the corporate authority of the district to acquire such lot or parcel of land and have the compensation to be paid therefor determined in the manner provided by law for the exercise of the right of eminent domain.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-4.14) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-4.14)

Sec. 32-4.14. Issuance of orders.

The corporate authorities of any special charter district having a population of less than 500,000 may issue and deliver at least once each month to the teachers and employees of the district orders on the treasurer of the district in payment of their salaries. Such orders shall state the rate of compensation and time for which the teacher or employee is paid and an order so issued, properly endorsed and paid in full shall be sufficient receipt for the purpose of this and the succeeding section. The corporate authorities shall issue no order except an order for the payment of wages of teachers and employees unless at the time of its issuance there are sufficient funds in the hands of the treasurer to pay it.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-4.15) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-4.15)

Sec. 32-4.15. Form of orders.

Every order issued by the corporate authorities of a district as described in Section 32-4.14 shall state for what purpose and on what account it is issued, and shall be in the following form: STATE OF ILLINOIS $....... No. ....

To the Treasurer of .... School District, .... County, Illinois.

Pay to the order of .... the sum of .... Dollars ($....) for .....

By order of the Board of Education (or Board of School Inspectors) of .... School District, .... County, Illinois. ....(President) ....(Clerk) (Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-4.16) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-4.16)

Sec. 32-4.16. Cities, villages and towns-Levy made by board of education. Where a school district was organized as a special charter district of a city, village, or town, and where such district has an elective board of education of either 5 or 7 members, and of which board the mayor of the city, village or town is not ex officio a member, it is not necessary for such board of education to present an annual financial report to the city, village or town council, or board of trustees, nor a statement as to the amount of money necessary to be raised by taxation for school purposes for the ensuing school year and the council or board of trustees, as the case may be, shall not make the levy for school purposes but the board of education shall make the levy for school purposes for such district.

The certificate of such levy shall be made at the time and, as near as may be, in the form and manner provided in Section 17-11.

(Source: P.A. 77-490.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-5) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-5)

Sec. 32-5. Bond issues - district boundaries coextensive with city. For the purpose of building or repairing schoolhouses or purchasing or improving school sites, including the purchase of school sites outside the boundaries of the school district and building school buildings thereon as provided by Section 10-20.10 of this Act, any special charter district governed by a special charter, and special or general school laws, whose boundaries are coextensive with or greater than the boundaries of any incorporated city, town or village, where authorized by a majority of all the votes cast on the proposition may borrow money and as evidence of the indebtedness, may issue bonds in denominations of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000, for a term not to exceed 20 years bearing interest at a rate not to exceed the maximum rate authorized by the Bond Authorization Act, as amended at the time of the making of the contract, payable annually, semi-annually, or quarterly, signed by the president and secretary of the school board of the district; provided, that the amount borrowed shall not exceed, including existing indebtedness, 5% of the taxable property of such school district, as ascertained by the last assessment for State and county taxes previous to incurring such indebtedness.

With respect to instruments for the payment of money issued under this Section either before, on, or after June 6, 1989 (the effective date of Public Act 86-4), it is and always has been the intention of the General Assembly (i) that the Omnibus Bond Acts are and always have been supplementary grants of power to issue instruments in accordance with the Omnibus Bond Acts, regardless of any provision of this Act that may appear to be or to have been more restrictive than those Acts, (ii) that the provisions of this Section are not a limitation on the supplementary authority granted by the Omnibus Bond Acts, and (iii) that instruments issued under this Section within the supplementary authority granted by the Omnibus Bond Acts are not invalid because of any provision of this Act that may appear to be or to have been more restrictive than those Acts.

(Source: P.A. 99-642, eff. 7-28-16.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-5.1) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-5.1)

Sec. 32-5.1. Registration, numbering and countersigning. All bonds authorized by Section 32-5, before being issued, negotiated and sold, shall be registered, numbered and countersigned by the treasurer of the school district. The registration shall be made in a book in which shall be entered the record of the election authorizing the school district to issue bonds, and a description of the bonds issued, including the number, date, amount, rate of interest and when payable.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-5.2) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-5.2)

Sec. 32-5.2. Moneys paid into treasury - Delivery of bonds - Records. All moneys borrowed by virtue of Section 32-5 shall be paid into the treasury of the school district. Upon receiving the moneys, the treasurer shall deliver the bonds issued therefor to the persons entitled to receive them, and shall credit the amount received to the district. The treasurer shall record the amount received for each bond issued, and when any bond is paid the treasurer shall cancel it and enter in the register opposite the record of the bond the words "paid and cancelled" and the date of the payment.

(Source: P.A. 91-357, eff. 7-29-99.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-5.3) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-5.3)

Sec. 32-5.3. Election - Notice - Judges. Whenever it is desired to hold a referendum for the purpose of borrowing money as provided by Section 32-5, the school board of the district in which the proposition is to be held shall adopt a resolution ordering the referendum and shall certify the proposition to the proper election authorities who shall submit the proposition at a regular scheduled election in accordance with the general election law.

(Source: P.A. 81-1489.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-5.5) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-5.5)

Sec. 32-5.5. Issue of new bonds. When any school district described in Section 32-5 has heretofore issued bonds or other evidences of indebtedness, on account of any public school building, or for any other purpose, which are now binding and subsisting obligations against such school district and remaining outstanding, such school district may, upon the surrender of any such bonds or any part thereof, or other evidences of indebtedness, issue in lieu thereof, to the holders of the bonds, or to any persons, for money with which to take them up, new bonds in accordance with the provisions of Sections 32-5 to 32-5.4, inclusive; provided, such bonds shall not be issued so as to increase the aggregate indebtedness of such school district to exceed, including existing indebtedness, 5% of the taxable property of such school district, to be ascertained by the last assessment for State and county taxes previous to incurring such indebtedness.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-5.6) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-5.6)

Sec. 32-5.6. Special charter districts with population less than 500,000 - Authority to borrow money and issue bonds. The corporate authorities of any special charter district having a population of less than 500,000 governed by a special charter, or special charter and general law, may borrow money for the purpose of building schoolhouses, or repairing, altering and building additions to any schoolhouse already erected, or purchasing schoolhouse sites or purchasing grounds adjoining any schoolhouse site, or separated therefrom only by a public street or way, and shall also include the purchase of school sites outside the boundaries of the school district and building school buildings thereon as provided by Sections 10-22.35 and 10-22.36 of this Act, and may issue its negotiable coupon bonds therefor in such form and such denominations, payable at such place and at such time or times (not exceeding 20 years from date of issuance) and bearing interest at such rate as the corporate authorities may by resolution prescribe. The bonds shall be in denominations of not less than $100 nor more than $5,000, and shall bear interest at a rate not to exceed the maximum rate authorized by the Bond Authorization Act, as amended at the time of the making of the contract, if issued before January 1, 1972 and not to exceed the maximum rate authorized by the Bond Authorization Act, as amended at the time of the making of the contract, if issued after January 1, 1972, payable semi-annually. No money may be borrowed or bonds issued, however, unless the proposition to borrow money and issue bonds for the purpose or purposes and in the amount prescribed in the resolution is certified to the proper election authorities and submitted to the voters of the school district at a regular scheduled election in accordance with the general election law, and the majority of all the votes cast on the proposition is in favor thereof. The corporate authorities may not incur any indebtedness under this Section, which together with all other outstanding indebtedness, exceeds in the aggregate the indebtedness limitation under Section 19-1 of this Act that would be applicable if the district were not a special charter district.

With respect to instruments for the payment of money issued under this Section either before, on, or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1989, it is and always has been the intention of the General Assembly (i) that the Omnibus Bond Acts are and always have been supplementary grants of power to issue instruments in accordance with the Omnibus Bond Acts, regardless of any provision of this Act that may appear to be or to have been more restrictive than those Acts, (ii) that the provisions of this Section are not a limitation on the supplementary authority granted by the Omnibus Bond Acts, and (iii) that instruments issued under this Section within the supplementary authority granted by the Omnibus Bond Acts are not invalid because of any provision of this Act that may appear to be or to have been more restrictive than those Acts.

(Source: P.A. 86-4.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-5.7) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-5.7)

Sec. 32-5.7. Submission to voters - Notice of election. Whenever it is desired to submit to the voters of any school district to which Section 32-5.6 applies the proposition to borrow money and issue bonds for any or all of the purposes specified in Section 32-5.6, the school board of such school district shall adopt a resolution directing that such proposition be submitted to referendum and the secretary of the board shall certify the proposition to the proper election authorities for submission to the electors in accordance with the general election law.

(Source: P.A. 81-1489.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-5.8) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-5.8)

Sec. 32-5.8. Ballots. The proposition submitted to the voters of any school district to which Sections 32-5.6 to 32-5.9, inclusive, apply shall specify the total amount of the bonds sought to be issued, and the specific purpose or purposes for which the bonds shall be issued, and shall be substantially in the following form:

--------------------------------------------------------------

Shall bonds or obligations for

the purpose of (state specific YES

purpose) in the sum of $.... be

issued by (state whether to be ----------------------

issued by the board of education

or board of school inspectors) NO

of....?

--------------------------------------------------------------

(Source: P.A. 81-1489.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-5.9) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-5.9)

Sec. 32-5.9. Signature and attestation - Numbering and registration - Delivery of bonds.

All bonds authorized to be issued under Sections 32-5.6 to 32-5.9, inclusive, before being issued, negotiated and sold shall be signed by the president of the school board and attested by the secretary and countersigned by the treasurer of the school board or of the school district. All of the bonds shall be numbered by such treasurer and registered in a book. All moneys borrowed under Section 32-5.6 to 32-5.9, inclusive, shall be paid into the treasury of the school board, or of the school district, and thereupon the treasurer thereof shall deliver the bonds therefor to the persons entitled to receive them. The treasurer shall record the amount for which each bond is issued, negotiated and sold, and when any bond is paid, he shall cancel it and enter in the register opposite the record of the bond the date, month and year when it was paid.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-5.10) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-5.10)

Sec. 32-5.10. Assumption of indebtedness of city for school purposes.

Whenever any city is by special law made a school district, or whenever any school district created by special law is coterminous with any city, the directors of the district may, at the request of the city council, assume and provide for, by borrowing and taxation, any indebtedness created by the authorities of the city for school purposes.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-6.1) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-6.1)

Sec. 32-6.1. Territory disconnected from city or village.

Whenever the territorial limits of any special charter district governed by any or all of the provisions of the special charter coincide with the territorial limits of (1) any township which is wholly surrounded by any school district, and (2) any city, town, or village from which any land has been heretofore or is hereafter disconnected under the provisions of Section 7-3-6 of the Illinois Municipal Code, as heretofore and hereafter amended, as the territorial limits of such city, town or village existed immediately prior to such disconnection, the land disconnected from such city, town or village shall also be deemed to be disconnected from such school district and annexed to a school district in the township it adjoins.

(Source: Laws 1963, p. 923.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-6.2) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-6.2)

Sec. 32-6.2. Bonded indebtedness. The disconnection of any land under Section 32-6.1 shall not exempt it from taxation for the purpose of paying any bonded indebtedness contracted prior to the disconnection, but such land shall be assessed and taxed for this purpose until such indebtedness is completely paid, the same as though not disconnected. After the disconnection the county clerk of the county in which such land is situated shall not include such land within the limits of such school district for any purpose, except as stated herein, but shall include it within the adjoining district.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-7) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-7)

Sec. 32-7. Form of bond. The form of bond to be given by any treasurer who has the custody of funds belonging to any special charter district shall be substantially in the following form:

We, (AB), principal, and (CD and EF), sureties, all of the County of .... and State of Illinois, are obligated to the People of the State of Illinois, for the use of the .... (name of school district) in the penal sum of $...., for the payment of which to be made, we obligate ourselves, and each of us, our heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns.

Dated (insert date).

The condition of the above bond is that if the above obligated (AB) shall perform all the duties which are, or may be required by law to be performed by him as treasurer of the school district in the time and manner prescribed, or to be prescribed by law, and when he shall be succeeded in office and surrender and deliver over to his successor in office all books, papers, moneys, and other things belonging to the school district and pertaining to his office, then the above bond to be void; otherwise, to remain in full force.

It is expressly understood and intended that the obligation of the above named sureties shall not extend to any loss sustained by the insolvency, failure, or closing of any bank or savings and loan association organized and operating either under the laws of the State of Illinois or the United States wherein such treasurer has placed the funds in his custody or control, or any part thereof, provided, such depository has been approved by the (board of education, board of school inspectors or other governing body of the particular district) of the .... (name of district). A B .... C D .... E F .... (Source: P.A. 91-357, eff. 7-29-99.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-7.1) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-7.1)

Sec. 32-7.1. Amount of bond. The amount of the bond prescribed by Section 32-7 shall be fixed by the governing body of the district but shall not be less than 1/10 of the maximum amount of all moneys which came into the hands or control of such treasurer or his predecessors during any fiscal year in the preceding 5 years nor less than 1 1/2 times the largest amount estimated by such governing body will be in his hands or control at any one time if individuals act as sureties nor less than the largest amount estimated by such governing body will be in his hands or control at any one time if the surety is a surety company authorized to do business in this State.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-7.2) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-7.2)

Sec. 32-7.2. Teachers' orders. The school treasurer of any special charter district having a population of less than 500,000 shall pay out no funds of the district except on an order of the corporate authorities thereof, signed by the president and clerk, or by a majority of the board. When an order issued for the wages of any teacher or employee of such district is presented to the treasurer and is not paid for want of funds, the treasurer shall endorse it over his signature "not paid for want of funds", with the date of presentation, and shall make and keep a record of such endorsement. The order shall thereafter bear interest at the rate established by the school board of the district, payable annually, not exceeding the rate authorized from time to time under the Bond Authorization Act until the treasurer of such district notifies the clerk in writing that he has funds to pay it, and the treasurer shall keep a record of such notices and hold the funds necessary to pay such order until it is presented. The order shall draw no interest after notice is given to the clerk. Orders presented within 10 days after the notice is mailed to the clerk shall be payable in the numerical order of their issuance.

(Source: P.A. 86-715; 86-1161.)

(105 ILCS 5/32-7.3) (from Ch. 122, par. 32-7.3)

Sec. 32-7.3. Depositaries. The governing body of any special charter district, when requested by the treasurer or custodian of the funds of the district, shall designate one or more banks or savings and loan associations in which the funds in the custody of the treasurer or custodian may be kept. A bank or savings and loan association designated as a depositary shall continue as such until 10 days have elapsed after a new depositary is designated and has qualified by furnishing the statements of resources and liabilities as is required by this Section. When a new depositary is designated, the board of education or other governing body shall notify the sureties of the treasurer or custodian of that fact, in writing, at least 5 days before the transfer of funds. The treasurer or custodian shall be discharged from responsibility for all funds which he deposits in a depositary so designated while such funds are so deposited.

No bank or savings and loan association shall receive public funds as permitted by this Section, unless it has complied with the requirements established pursuant to Section 6 of the Public Funds Investment Act.

(Source: P.A. 100-863, eff. 8-14-18.)

(105 ILCS 5/Art. 33 heading) ARTICLE 33. DISTRICTS FROM 100,000 TO NOT MORE THAN 500,000 INHABITANTS

(105 ILCS 5/33-1) (from Ch. 122, par. 33-1)

Sec. 33-1. Board of Education - Election - Terms. In all school districts, including special charter districts having a population of 100,000 and not more than 500,000, which adopt this Article, as hereinafter provided, there shall be maintained a system of free schools in charge of a board of education, which shall be a body politic and corporate by the name of "Board of Education of the City of....". The board shall consist of 7 members elected by the voters of the district. Except as provided in Section 33-1b of this Act, the regular election for members of the board shall be held at the consolidated election in odd numbered years and at the general primary election in even numbered years. The law governing the registration of voters for the primary election shall apply to the regular election. At the first regular election 7 persons shall be elected as members of the board. The person who receives the greatest number of votes shall be elected for a term of 5 years. The 2 persons who receive the second and third greatest number of votes shall be elected for a term of 4 years. The person who receives the fourth greatest number of votes shall be elected for a term of 3 years. The 2 persons who receive the fifth and sixth greatest number of votes shall be elected for a term of 2 years. The person who receives the seventh greatest number of votes shall be elected for a term of 1 year. Thereafter, at each regular election for members of the board, the successors of the members whose terms expire in the year of election shall be elected for a term of 5 years. All terms shall commence on July 1 next succeeding the elections. Any vacancy occurring in the membership of the board shall be filled by appointment until the next regular election for members of the board.

In any school district which has adopted this Article, a proposition for the election of board members by school board district rather than at large may be submitted to the voters of the district at the regular school election of any year in the manner provided in Section 9-22. If the proposition is approved by a majority of those voting on the propositions, the board shall divide the school district into 7 school board districts as provided in Section 9-22. At the regular school election in the year following the adoption of such proposition, one member shall be elected from each school board district, and the 7 members so elected shall, by lot, determine one to serve for one year, 2 for 2 years, one for 3 years, 2 for 4 years, and one for 5 years. Thereafter their respective successors shall be elected for terms of 5 years. The terms of all incumbent members expire July 1 of the year following the adoption of such a proposition.

Any school district which has adopted this Article may, by referendum in accordance with Section 33-1a, adopt the method of electing members of the board of education provided in that Section.

Reapportionment of the voting districts provided for in this Article or created pursuant to a court order, shall be completed pursuant to Section 33-1c.

A board of education may appoint a student to the board to serve in an advisory capacity. The student member shall serve for a term as determined by the board. The board may not grant the student member any voting privileges, but shall consider the student member as an advisor. The student member may not participate in or attend any executive session of the board.

(Source: P.A. 94-231, eff. 7-14-05; 95-6, eff. 6-20-07.)

(105 ILCS 5/33-1a) (from Ch. 122, par. 33-1a)

Sec. 33-1a. Board of Education-Alternative Method of Election-Terms. The board of education may, on its own motion, or shall upon the petition of the lesser of 2,500 or 5% of the voters registered in the district, submit to the voters of the district at a regular school election held in an even-numbered year a proposition for the election of 4 board members from school board districts and 3 board members at large. If the proposition is approved by a majority of those voting on the proposition, the board shall divide the school district into 4 school board districts, each of which must be compact and contiguous and substantially equal in population to each other district. At the school election in the following year, one member shall be elected from each school board district and 3 members shall be elected at large. They shall commence their terms on July 1, at which time the terms of the incumbent board members expire. Those members first elected under this Section shall determine by lot which member at large and which 2 district members shall serve for 2 years; the other 2 members at large and the other 2 district members shall serve for a 4 year term. Their respective successors shall be elected for terms of 4 years.

The regular election for members of the board of education shall be held on the same day as the regular township or municipal election. Terms shall commence on July 1 following the election. Any vacancy occurring in the membership of the board shall be filled by appointment of the board until the next regular election for members of such board at which election the office shall be filled.

(Source: P.A. 80-1469.)

(105 ILCS 5/33-1b) (from Ch. 122, par. 33-1b)

Sec. 33-1b. Whenever the date designated in Section 33-1 for the election of members of boards of education conflicts with the celebration of Passover, that election shall be postponed to the first Tuesday following the last day of Passover.

(Source: P.A. 82-1014.)

(105 ILCS 5/33-1c) (from Ch. 122, par. 33-1c)

Sec. 33-1c. Reapportionment of board voting districts. In the year following each decennial census, the Board of Education shall reapportion the board voting districts to reflect the results of such census. The board voting districts shall be compact, contiguous and have substantially the same ratio of population to the total population of the school district as the ratio of the board members elected from that board voting district has to the total number of members of the Board of Education. The reapportionment plan shall be completed and formally approved by a majority of the members of the board not less than 90 days before the last date established by law for the filing of nominating petitions for the second school board election after the decennial census year. If by reapportionment a board member no longer resides within the board voting district from which the member was elected, the member shall continue to serve in office until the expiration of the member's regular term. All new members shall be elected from the board voting districts as reapportioned.

(Source: P.A. 86-1331.)

(105 ILCS 5/33-2) (from Ch. 122, par. 33-2)

Sec. 33-2. Eligibility. To be eligible for election to the board, a person shall be a citizen of the United States, shall have been a resident of the district for at least one year immediately preceding his or her election, and shall not be a child sex offender as defined in Section 11-9.3 of the Criminal Code of 2012. Permanent removal from the district by any member constitutes a resignation from and creates a vacancy in the board. Board members shall serve without compensation.

Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary in any special charter, petitions nominating candidates for the board of education shall be signed by at least 200 voters of the district; and the polls, whether they be located within a city lying in the district or outside of a city, shall remain open during the hours specified in the Election Code.

(Source: P.A. 97-1150, eff. 1-25-13.)

(105 ILCS 5/33-3) (from Ch. 122, par. 33-3)

Sec. 33-3. President, secretary and treasurer.

At the first regular meeting of the board in July of each year, or as soon thereafter as may be, the board shall choose 1 of its number as president, and shall appoint a secretary and a treasurer, who need not be members of the board. The president, secretary and treasurer shall hold their offices for 1 year and until their successors are appointed and qualified. They shall be subject to removal by a majority of all the members and in case of removal or where a vacancy otherwise occurs in either of the offices the board shall appoint a successor to fill the vacancy.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/33-4) (from Ch. 122, par. 33-4)

Sec. 33-4. Rights, powers and duties of board.

The board of education shall succeed to all rights, powers and duties of the former governing body of the district.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/33-5) (from Ch. 122, par. 33-5)

Sec. 33-5. Interest in contracts or transactions.

No member or employee of the board shall be directly or indirectly interested in any contract, work, or business of the district, or in the sale of any article, the expense, price or consideration of which is paid by the district; nor in the purchase of any real estate or property belonging to the district, or which shall be sold by virtue of legal process at the suit of the district. Whoever violates any provision of this Section shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

(Source: P.A. 77-2267.)

(105 ILCS 5/33-6) (from Ch. 122, par. 33-6)

Sec. 33-6. Adoption of article by voters. The electors of any such school district may adopt this Article in the following manner: whenever 1000 of the voters of the district voting at the last preceding election petition the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court or any Judge of that Circuit designated by the Chief Judge of the county in which the district is located to submit to a vote of the electors of the district the proposition as to whether the district shall adopt this Article, the circuit court shall, upon entering an order to that effect, submit the proposition at the next regular scheduled election. The court shall certify the proposition to the proper election authorities for submission to the electors in accordance with the general election law.

(Source: P.A. 81-1489.)

(105 ILCS 5/33-7) (from Ch. 122, par. 33-7)

Sec. 33-7. Notice of election - Law applicable - Statement of proposition. The Chief Judge of the Circuit Court or any Judge of that Circuit designated by the Chief Judge shall give notice of the election at which such proposition is to be submitted by publishing the notice in accordance with the general election law. If a majority of the votes cast upon the proposition is in favor thereof this Article shall thereby be adopted by the school district, and the circuit court shall thereupon enter an order declaring this Article in force therein.

(Source: P.A. 81-1490.)

(105 ILCS 5/Art. 34 heading) ARTICLE 34. CITIES OF OVER 500,000 INHABITANTS - BOARD OF EDUCATION

(105 ILCS 5/34-1) (from Ch. 122, par. 34-1)

Sec. 34-1. Application of article; Definitions. This Article applies only to cities having a population exceeding 500,000.

"Trustees", when used in this Article, means the Chicago School Reform Board of Trustees created by this amendatory Act of 1995 and serving as the governing board of the school district organized under this Article beginning with its appointment on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1995 and continuing until June 30, 1999 or the appointment of a new Chicago Board of Education as provided in Section 34-3, whichever is later.

"Board", or "board of education" when used in this Article, means: (i) the Chicago School Reform Board of Trustees for the period that begins with the appointment of the Trustees and that ends on the later of June 30, 1999 or the appointment of a new Chicago Board of Education as provided in Section 34-3; and (ii) the new Chicago Board of Education from and after June 30, 1999 or from and after its appointment as provided in Section 34-3, whichever is later.

Except during the period that begins with the appointment of the Chicago School Reform Board of Trustees on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1995 and that ends on the later of June 30, 1999 or the appointment of a new Chicago Board of Education as provided in Section 34-3: (i) the school district organized under this Article may be subject to further limitations imposed under Article 34A; and (ii) the provisions of Article 34A prevail over the other provisions of this Act, including the provisions of this Article, to the extent of any conflict.

(Source: P.A. 89-15, eff. 5-30-95.)

(105 ILCS 5/34-1.01) (from Ch. 122, par. 34-1.01)

Sec. 34-1.01. Intent. The General Assembly has previously established that the primary purpose of schooling is the transmission of knowledge and culture through which children learn in areas necessary to their continuing development, and the General Assembly has defined these areas as including language arts, mathematics, biological, physical and social sciences, the fine arts, and physical development and health. The General Assembly declares its intent to achieve the primary purpose of schooling in elementary and secondary schools subject to this Article, as now or hereafter amended, in cities of over 500,000 inhabitants, through the provisions of this amendatory Act of 1991.

A. Goals. In the furtherance of this intent, the General Assembly is committed to the belief that, while such urban schools should foster improvement and student growth in a number of areas, first priority should be given to achieving the following goals:

1. assuring that students show significant progress toward meeting and exceeding State performance standards in State mandated learning areas, including the mastery of higher order thinking skills in these and other learning areas;

2. assuring that students attend school regularly and graduate from high school at rates that equal or surpass national norms;

3. assuring that students are adequately prepared for further education and aiding students in making a successful transition to further education;

4. assuring that students are adequately prepared for successful entry into employment and aiding students in making a successful transition to employment;

5. assuring that students are, to the maximum extent possible, provided with a common learning experience that is of high academic quality and that reflects high expectations for all students' capacities to learn;

6. assuring that students are better prepared to compete in the international market place by having foreign language proficiency and stronger international studies;

7. assuring that students are encouraged in exploring potential interests in fields such as journalism, drama, art and music;

8. assuring that individual teachers are granted the professional authority to make decisions about instruction and the method of teaching;

9. assuring that students are provided the means to express themselves creatively and to respond to the artistic expression of others through the visual arts, music, drama and dance; and

10. assuring that students are provided adequate athletic programs that encourage pride and positive identification with the attendance center and that reduce the number of dropouts and teenage delinquents.

B. Achieving goals. To achieve these priority goals, the General Assembly intends to make the individual local school the essential unit for educational governance and improvement and to establish a process for placing the primary responsibility for school governance and improvement in furtherance of such goals in the hands of parents, community residents, teachers, and the school principal at the school level.

Further, to achieve these priority goals, the General Assembly intends to lodge with the board of education key powers in limited areas related to district-wide policy, so that the board of education supports school-level governance and improvement and carries out functions that can be performed more efficiently through centralized action.

The General Assembly does not intend to alter or amend the provisions of the desegregation obligations of the board of education, including but not limited to the Consent Decree or the Desegregation Plan in United States v. Chicago Board of Education, 80 C 5124, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Accordingly, the implementation of this amendatory Act of 1991, to the extent practicable, shall be consistent with and, in all cases, shall be subject to the desegregation obligations pursuant to such Consent Decree and Desegregation Plan.

(Source: P.A. 87-455; 88-686, eff. 1-24-95.)

(105 ILCS 5/34-1.02) (from Ch. 122, par. 34-1.02)

Sec. 34-1.02. Educational reform. The General Assembly hereby finds and declares that educational reform in school districts organized under this Article shall be implemented in such manner that:

1. the percentage of entering freshmen who 4 years later graduate from 12th grade from each high school attendance center within the district in each of the 1989-90, 1990-91, 1991-92, 1992-93 and 1993-94 school years exceeds by at least 5% the percentage of similar students graduating from that high school attendance center in the immediately preceding school year;

2. the average daily student attendance rate within the district in each of the 1989-90, 1990-91, 1991-92, 1992-93 and 1993-94 school years exceeds by at least 1% the average daily student attendance rate within the district for the immediately preceding school year;

3. by the conclusion of the 1993-1994 school year, the percentage of students within the district failing and not advancing to the next higher grade or graduating is at least 10% less than the percentage of students within the district failing and not advancing to the next higher grade or graduating at the conclusion of the 1987-88 school year;

4. on an annual basis, each attendance center within the district makes significant progress toward meeting and exceeding State performance standards in reading, writing, mathematics, and other State mandated learning areas, including the mastery of higher order thinking skills in these learning areas. Significant annual progress toward meeting and exceeding State performance standards shall occur for all students regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or income status, based on the expectation that these subgroups shall meet and exceed State performance standards. Annual objectives for significant progress and timeframes during which the students' performance overall and as measured within subgroups will meet and exceed State performance standards shall be specified in the school improvement plan required in Section 34-2.4; and

5. appropriate improvement and progress are realized each school year in each attendance center within the district, when compared to the performance of such attendance center during the immediately preceding school year, in advancing toward and achieving the objectives established by paragraphs 1 through 4 of this Section.

(Source: P.A. 88-686, eff. 1-24-95.)

(105 ILCS 5/34-1.05)

Sec. 34-1.05. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 98-1053, eff. 1-1-15. Repealed internally, eff. 5-31-16.)

(105 ILCS 5/34-1.1) (from Ch. 122, par. 34-1.1)

Sec. 34-1.1. Definitions. As used in this Article:

"Academic Accountability Council" means the Chicago Schools Academic Accountability Council created under Section 34-3.4.

"Local School Council" means a local school council established under Section 34-2.1.

"School" and "attendance center" are used interchangeably to mean any attendance center operated pursuant to this Article and under the direction of one principal.

"Secondary Attendance Center" means a school which has students enrolled in grades 9 through 12 (although it may also have students enrolled in grades below grade 9).

"Local Attendance Area School" means a school which has a local attendance area established by the board.

"Multi-area school" means a school other than a local attendance area school.

"Contract school" means an attendance center managed and operated by a for-profit or not-for-profit private entity retained by the board to provide instructional and other services to a majority of the pupils enrolled in the attendance center.

"Contract turnaround school" means an experimental contract school created by the board to implement alternative governance in an attendance center subject to restructuring or similar intervention.

"Parent" means a parent or legal guardian of an enrolled student of an attendance center.

"Community resident" means a person, 18 years of age or older, residing within an attendance area served by a school, excluding any person who is a parent of a student enrolled in that school; provided that with respect to any multi-area school, community resident means any person, 18 years of age or older, residing within the voting district established for that school pursuant to Section 34-2.1c, excluding any person who is a parent of a student enrolled in that school.

"School staff" means all certificated and uncertificated school personnel, including all teaching and administrative staff (other than the principal) and including all custodial, food service and other civil service employees, who are employed at and assigned to perform the majority of their employment duties at one attendance center served by the same local school council.

"Regular meetings" means the meeting dates established by the local school council at its annual organizational meeting.

(Source: P.A. 100-1046, eff. 8-23-18.)

(105 ILCS 5/34-2) (from Ch. 122, par. 34-2)

Sec. 34-2. City to constitute district-Corporate status of board.

Each city having a population exceeding 500,000 shall constitute one school district which shall maintain a system of free schools under the charge of a board of education. The district shall be a body politic and corporate by the name of "Board of Education of the City of ...." and by that name may sue and be sued in all courts and places where judicial proceedings are had.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/34-2.1) (from Ch. 122, par. 34-2.1)

Sec. 34-2.1. Local School Councils - Composition - Voter-Eligibility - Elections - Terms.

(a) A local school council shall be established for each attendance center within the school district. Each local school council shall consist of the following 12 voting members: the principal of the attendance center, 2 teachers employed and assigned to perform the majority of their employment duties at the attendance center, 6 parents of students currently enrolled at the attendance center, one employee of the school district employed and assigned to perform the majority of his or her employment duties at the attendance center who is not a teacher, and 2 community residents. Neither the parents nor the community residents who serve as members of the local school council shall be employees of the Board of Education. In each secondary attendance center, the local school council shall consist of 13 voting members -- the 12 voting members described above and one full-time student member, appointed as provided in subsection (m) below. In the event that the chief executive officer of the Chicago School Reform Board of Trustees determines that a local school council is not carrying out its financial duties effectively, the chief executive officer is authorized to appoint a representative of the business community with experience in finance and management to serve as an advisor to the local school council for the purpose of providing advice and assistance to the local school council on fiscal matters. The advisor shall have access to relevant financial records of the local school council. The advisor may attend executive sessions. The chief executive officer shall issue a written policy defining the circumstances under which a local school council is not carrying out its financial duties effectively.

(b) Within 7 days of January 11, 1991, the Mayor shall appoint the members and officers (a Chairperson who shall be a parent member and a Secretary) of each local school council who shall hold their offices until their successors shall be elected and qualified. Members so appointed shall have all the powers and duties of local school councils as set forth in this amendatory Act of 1991. The Mayor's appointments shall not require approval by the City Council.

The membership of each local school council shall be encouraged to be reflective of the racial and ethnic composition of the student population of the attendance center served by the local school council.

(c) Beginning with the 1995-1996 school year and in every even-numbered year thereafter, the Board shall set second semester Parent Report Card Pick-up Day for Local School Council elections and may schedule elections at year-round schools for the same dates as the remainder of the school system. Elections shall be conducted as provided herein by the Board of Education in consultation with the local school council at each attendance center.

(d) Beginning with the 1995-96 school year, the following procedures shall apply to the election of local school council members at each attendance center:

(i) The elected members of each local school council shall consist of the 6 parent members and the 2 community resident members.

(ii) Each elected member shall be elected by the eligible voters of that attendance center to serve for a two-year term commencing on July 1 immediately following the election described in subsection (c). Eligible voters for each attendance center shall consist of the parents and community residents for that attendance center.

(iii) Each eligible voter shall be entitled to cast one vote for up to a total of 5 candidates, irrespective of whether such candidates are parent or community resident candidates.

(iv) Each parent voter shall be entitled to vote in the local school council election at each attendance center in which he or she has a child currently enrolled. Each community resident voter shall be entitled to vote in the local school council election at each attendance center for which he or she resides in the applicable attendance area or voting district, as the case may be.

(v) Each eligible voter shall be entitled to vote once, but not more than once, in the local school council election at each attendance center at which the voter is eligible to vote.

(vi) The 2 teacher members and the non-teacher employee member of each local school council shall be appointed as provided in subsection (l) below each to serve for a two-year term coinciding with that of the elected parent and community resident members.

(vii) At secondary attendance centers, the voting student member shall be appointed as provided in subsection (m) below to serve for a one-year term coinciding with the beginning of the terms of the elected parent and community members of the local school council.

(e) The Council shall publicize the date and place of the election by posting notices at the attendance center, in public places within the attendance boundaries of the attendance center and by distributing notices to the pupils at the attendance center, and shall utilize such other means as it deems necessary to maximize the involvement of all eligible voters.

(f) Nomination. The Council shall publicize the opening of nominations by posting notices at the attendance center, in public places within the attendance boundaries of the attendance center and by distributing notices to the pupils at the attendance center, and shall utilize such other means as it deems necessary to maximize the involvement of all eligible voters. Not less than 2 weeks before the election date, persons eligible to run for the Council shall submit their name, date of birth, social security number, if available, and some evidence of eligibility to the Council. The Council shall encourage nomination of candidates reflecting the racial/ethnic population of the students at the attendance center. Each person nominated who runs as a candidate shall disclose, in a manner determined by the Board, any economic interest held by such person, by such person's spouse or children, or by each business entity in which such person has an ownership interest, in any contract with the Board, any local school council or any public school in the school district. Each person nominated who runs as a candidate shall also disclose, in a manner determined by the Board, if he or she ever has been convicted of any of the offenses specified in subsection (c) of Section 34-18.5; provided that neither this provision nor any other provision of this Section shall be deemed to require the disclosure of any information that is contained in any law enforcement record or juvenile court record that is confidential or whose accessibility or disclosure is restricted or prohibited under Section 5-901 or 5-905 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Failure to make such disclosure shall render a person ineligible for election or to serve on the local school council. The same disclosure shall be required of persons under consideration for appointment to the Council pursuant to subsections (l) and (m) of this Section.

(f-5) Notwithstanding disclosure, a person who has been convicted of any of the following offenses at any time shall be ineligible for election or appointment to a local school council and ineligible for appointment to a local school council pursuant to subsections (l) and (m) of this Section: (i) those defined in Section 11-1.20, 11-1.30, 11-1.40, 11-1.50, 11-1.60, 11-6, 11-9.1, 11-14.4, 11-16, 11-17.1, 11-19, 11-19.1, 11-19.2, 11-20.1, 11-20.1B, 11-20.3, 12-13, 12-14, 12-14.1, 12-15, or 12-16, or subdivision (a)(2) of Section 11-14.3, of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012, or (ii) any offense committed or attempted in any other state or against the laws of the United States, which, if committed or attempted in this State, would have been punishable as one or more of the foregoing offenses. Notwithstanding disclosure, a person who has been convicted of any of the following offenses within the 10 years previous to the date of nomination or appointment shall be ineligible for election or appointment to a local school council: (i) those defined in Section 401.1, 405.1, or 405.2 of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act or (ii) any offense committed or attempted in any other state or against the laws of the United States, which, if committed or attempted in this State, would have been punishable as one or more of the foregoing offenses.

Immediately upon election or appointment, incoming local school council members shall be required to undergo a criminal background investigation, to be completed prior to the member taking office, in order to identify any criminal convictions under the offenses enumerated in Section 34-18.5. The investigation shall be conducted by the Department of State Police in the same manner as provided for in Section 34-18.5. However, notwithstanding Section 34-18.5, the social security number shall be provided only if available. If it is determined at any time that a local school council member or member-elect has been convicted of any of the offenses enumerated in this Section or failed to disclose a conviction of any of the offenses enumerated in Section 34-18.5, the general superintendent shall notify the local school council member or member-elect of such determination and the local school council member or member-elect shall be removed from the local school council by the Board, subject to a hearing, convened pursuant to Board rule, prior to removal.

(g) At least one week before the election date, the Council shall publicize, in the manner provided in subsection (e), the names of persons nominated for election.

(h) Voting shall be in person by secret ballot at the attendance center between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

(i) Candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected by the Council. In cases of a tie, the Council shall determine the winner by lot.

(j) The Council shall certify the results of the election and shall publish the results in the minutes of the Council.

(k) The general superintendent shall resolve any disputes concerning election procedure or results and shall ensure that, except as provided in subsections (e) and (g), no resources of any attendance center shall be used to endorse or promote any candidate.

(l) Beginning with the 1995-1996 school year and in every even numbered year thereafter, the Board shall appoint 2 teacher members to each local school council. These appointments shall be made in the following manner:

(i) The Board shall appoint 2 teachers who are employed and assigned to perform the majority of their employment duties at the attendance center to serve on the local school council of the attendance center for a two-year term coinciding with the terms of the elected parent and community members of that local school council. These appointments shall be made from among those teachers who are nominated in accordance with subsection (f).

(ii) A non-binding, advisory poll to ascertain the preferences of the school staff regarding appointments of teachers to the local school council for that attendance center shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures used to elect parent and community Council representatives. At such poll, each member of the school staff shall be entitled to indicate his or her preference for up to 2 candidates from among those who submitted statements of candidacy as described above. These preferences shall be advisory only and the Board shall maintain absolute discretion to appoint teacher members to local school councils, irrespective of the preferences expressed in any such poll.

(iii) In the event that a teacher representative is unable to perform his or her employment duties at the school due to illness, disability, leave of absence, disciplinary action, or any other reason, the Board shall declare a temporary vacancy and appoint a replacement teacher representative to serve on the local school council until such time as the teacher member originally appointed pursuant to this subsection (l) resumes service at the attendance center or for the remainder of the term. The replacement teacher representative shall be appointed in the same manner and by the same procedures as teacher representatives are appointed in subdivisions (i) and (ii) of this subsection (l).

(m) Beginning with the 1995-1996 school year, and in every year thereafter, the Board shall appoint one student member to each secondary attendance center. These appointments shall be made in the following manner:

(i) Appointments shall be made from among those students who submit statements of candidacy to the principal of the attendance center, such statements to be submitted commencing on the first day of the twentieth week of school and continuing for 2 weeks thereafter. The form and manner of such candidacy statements shall be determined by the Board.

(ii) During the twenty-second week of school in every year, the principal of each attendance center shall conduct a non-binding, advisory poll to ascertain the preferences of the school students regarding the appointment of a student to the local school council for that attendance center. At such poll, each student shall be entitled to indicate his or her preference for up to one candidate from among those who submitted statements of candidacy as described above. The Board shall promulgate rules to ensure that these non-binding, advisory polls are conducted in a fair and equitable manner and maximize the involvement of all school students. The preferences expressed in these non-binding, advisory polls shall be transmitted by the principal to the Board. However, these preferences shall be advisory only and the Board shall maintain absolute discretion to appoint student members to local school councils, irrespective of the preferences expressed in any such poll.

(iii) For the 1995-96 school year only, appointments shall be made from among those students who submitted statements of candidacy to the principal of the attendance center during the first 2 weeks of the school year. The principal shall communicate the results of any nonbinding, advisory poll to the Board. These results shall be advisory only, and the Board shall maintain absolute discretion to appoint student members to local school councils, irrespective of the preferences expressed in any such poll.

(n) The Board may promulgate such other rules and regulations for election procedures as may be deemed necessary to ensure fair elections.

(o) In the event that a vacancy occurs during a member's term, the Council shall appoint a person eligible to serve on the Council, to fill the unexpired term created by the vacancy, except that any teacher vacancy shall be filled by the Board after considering the preferences of the school staff as ascertained through a non-binding advisory poll of school staff.

(p) If less than the specified number of persons is elected within each candidate category, the newly elected local school council shall appoint eligible persons to serve as members of the Council for two-year terms.

(q) The Board shall promulgate rules regarding conflicts of interest and disclosure of economic interests which shall apply to local school council members and which shall require reports or statements to be filed by Council members at regular intervals with the Secretary of the Board. Failure to comply with such rules or intentionally falsifying such reports shall be grounds for disqualification from local school council membership. A vacancy on the Council for disqualification may be so declared by the Secretary of the Board. Rules regarding conflicts of interest and disclosure of economic interests promulgated by the Board shall apply to local school council members. No less than 45 days prior to the deadline, the general superintendent shall provide notice, by mail, to each local school council member of all requirements and forms for compliance with economic interest statements.

(r) (1) If a parent member of a local school council ceases to have any child enrolled in the attendance center governed by the Local School Council due to the graduation or voluntary transfer of a child or children from the attendance center, the parent's membership on the Local School Council and all voting rights are terminated immediately as of the date of the child's graduation or voluntary transfer. If the child of a parent member of a local school council dies during the member's term in office, the member may continue to serve on the local school council for the balance of his or her term. Further, a local school council member may be removed from the Council by a majority vote of the Council as provided in subsection (c) of Section 34-2.2 if the Council member has missed 3 consecutive regular meetings, not including committee meetings, or 5 regular meetings in a 12 month period, not including committee meetings. If a parent member of a local school council ceases to be eligible to serve on the Council for any other reason, he or she shall be removed by the Board subject to a hearing, convened pursuant to Board rule, prior to removal. A vote to remove a Council member by the local school council shall only be valid if the Council member has been notified personally or by certified mail, mailed to the person's last known address, of the Council's intent to vote on the Council member's removal at least 7 days prior to the vote. The Council member in question shall have the right to explain his or her actions and shall be eligible to vote on the question of his or her removal from the Council. The provisions of this subsection shall be contained within the petitions used to nominate Council candidates.

(2) A person may continue to serve as a community resident member of a local school council as long as he or she resides in the attendance area served by the school and is not employed by the Board nor is a parent of a student enrolled at the school. If a community resident member ceases to be eligible to serve on the Council, he or she shall be removed by the Board subject to a hearing, convened pursuant to Board rule, prior to removal.

(3) A person may continue to serve as a teacher member of a local school council as long as he or she is employed and assigned to perform a majority of his or her duties at the school, provided that if the teacher representative resigns from employment with the Board or voluntarily transfers to another school, the teacher's membership on the local school council and all voting rights are terminated immediately as of the date of the teacher's resignation or upon the date of the teacher's voluntary transfer to another school. If a teacher member of a local school council ceases to be eligible to serve on a local school council for any other reason, that member shall be removed by the Board subject to a hearing, convened pursuant to Board rule, prior to removal.

(s) As used in this Section only, "community resident" means a person, 17 years of age or older, residing within an attendance area served by a school, excluding any person who is a parent of a student enrolled in that school; provided that with respect to any multi-area school, community resident means any person, 17 years of age or older, residing within the voting district established for that school pursuant to Section 34-2.1c, excluding any person who is a parent of a student enrolled in that school. This definition does not apply to any provisions concerning school boards.

(Source: P.A. 99-597, eff. 1-1-17.)

(105 ILCS 5/34-2.1b) (from Ch. 122, par. 34-2.1b)

Sec. 34-2.1b. (Repealed).

(Source: Repealed by P.A. 89-15, eff. 5-30-95.)

(105 ILCS 5/34-2.1c) (from Ch. 122, par. 34-2.1c)

Sec. 34-2.1c. Multi-Area Schools - Establishment of Voting Districts.

(a) On or before September 1, 1991, the Board shall establish a voting district for each multi-area school. The Board shall take into account the following criteria in establishing such voting districts:

(i) in cases where the multi-area school was previously a school with a local attendance area established by the Board, the boundaries of such local attendance area;

(ii) the location of physical characteristics in the surrounding geographic area, including but not limited to, expressways, rapid transit and railroad rights-of-way, rivers and viaducts;

(iii) the location of established neighborhood and community area boundaries and of boundaries established for other elected offices within the city and the State;

(iv) size of student population; and

(v) compactness and contiguity of voting districts.

Prior to establishing voting districts for multi-area schools, the Board shall hold at least one public hearing thereon. The Board shall establish procedures to ensure the maximum participation of all interested persons in such hearing or hearings.

(b) The Board shall publicize the location and description of these voting districts by posting notices at each multi-area school and in public places within each voting district, by distributing notices to students at the multi-area school and by placing notices both in daily newspapers of general circulation published in the city and in local and community newspapers published within each voting district. The Board shall utilize other means to ensure adequate dissemination of the description and location of the voting districts.

(c) The Board may adjust or alter the voting districts of any multi-area school once every tenth year. The Board shall utilize the same criteria and procedures described above in connection with any adjustment or alteration of any voting district.

(d) With respect to any school designated as a multi-area school subsequent to the establishment of voting districts, as described in subsection (a), or subsequent to the adjustment of these districts, as described in subsection (c), the Board shall establish a voting district for that school prior to the commencement of its operation as a multi-area school. The Board shall utilize the same criteria and procedures described in subsection (a) in connection with the establishment of such a voting district.

(Source: P.A. 87-454.)

(105 ILCS 5/34-2.2) (from Ch. 122, par. 34-2.2)

Sec. 34-2.2. Local school councils - Manner of operation.

(a) The annual organizational meeting of each local school council shall be held at the attendance center. At the annual organization meeting, which shall be held no sooner than July 1 and no later than July 14, a parent member of the local school council shall be selected by the members of such council as its chairperson, and a secretary shall be selected by the members of such council from among their number, each to serve a term of one year. Whenever a vacancy in the office of chairperson or secretary of a local school council shall occur, a new chairperson (who shall be a parent member) or secretary, as the case may be, shall be elected by the members of the local school council from among their number to serve as such chairperson or secretary for the unexpired term of office in which the vacancy occurs. At each annual organizational meeting, the time and place of any regular meetings of the local school council shall be fixed. Special meetings of the local school council may be called by the chairperson or by any 4 members by giving notice thereof in writing, specifying the time, place and purpose of the meeting. Public notice of meetings shall also be given in accordance with the Open Meetings Act.

(b) Members and officers of the local school council shall serve without compensation and without reimbursement of any expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, except that the board of education may by rule establish a procedure and thereunder provide for reimbursement of members and officers of local school councils for such of their reasonable and necessary expenses (excluding any lodging or meal expenses) incurred in the performance of their duties as the board may deem appropriate.

(c) A majority of the full membership of the local school council shall constitute a quorum, and whenever a vote is taken on any measure before the local school council, a quorum being present, the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes of the full membership then serving of the local school council shall determine the outcome thereof; provided that whenever the measure before the local school council is (i) the evaluation of the principal, or (ii) the renewal of his or her performance contract or the inclusion of any provision or modification of the contract, or (iii) the direct selection by the local school council of a new principal (including a new principal to fill a vacancy) to serve under a 4 year performance contract, or (iv) the determination of the names of candidates to be submitted to the general superintendent for the position of principal, the principal and student member of a high school council shall not be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present to act on the measure and shall have no vote thereon; and provided further that 7 affirmative votes of the local school council shall be required for the direct selection by the local school council of a new principal to serve under a 4 year performance contract but not for the renewal of a principal's performance contract.

(d) Student members of high school councils shall not be eligible to vote on personnel matters, including but not limited to principal evaluations and contracts and the allocation of teaching and staff resources.

(e) The local school council of an attendance center which provides bilingual education shall be encouraged to provide translators at each council meeting to maximize participation of parents and the community.

(f) Each local school council of an attendance center which provides bilingual education shall create a Bilingual Advisory Committee or recognize an existing Bilingual Advisory Committee as a standing committee. The Chair and a majority of the members of the advisory committee shall be parents of students in the bilingual education program. The parents on the advisory committee shall be selected by parents of students in the bilingual education program, and the committee shall select a Chair. The advisory committee for each secondary attendance center shall include at least one full-time bilingual education student. The Bilingual Advisory Committee shall serve only in an advisory capacity to the local school council.

(g) Local school councils may utilize the services of an arbitration board to resolve intra-council disputes.

(Source: P.A. 91-622, eff. 8-19-99.)

(105 ILCS 5/34-2.3) (from Ch. 122, par. 34-2.3)

Sec. 34-2.3. Local school councils - Powers and duties. Each local school council shall have and exercise, consistent with the provisions of this Article and the powers and duties of the board of education, the following powers and duties:

1. (A) To annually evaluate the performance of the principal of the attendance center using a Board approved principal evaluation form, which shall include the evaluation of (i) student academic improvement, as defined by the school improvement plan, (ii) student absenteeism rates at the school, (iii) instructional leadership, (iv) the effective implementation of programs, policies, or strategies to improve student academic achievement, (v) school management, and (vi) any other factors deemed relevant by the local school council, including, without limitation, the principal's communication skills and ability to create and maintain a student-centered learning environment, to develop opportunities for professional development, and to encourage parental involvement and community partnerships to achieve school improvement;

(B) to determine in the manner provided by subsection (c) of Section 34-2.2 and subdivision 1.5 of this Section whether the performance contract of the principal shall be renewed; and

(C) to directly select, in the manner provided by subsection (c) of Section 34-2.2, a new principal (including a new principal to fill a vacancy) -- without submitting any list of candidates for that position to the general superintendent as provided in paragraph 2 of this Section -- to serve under a 4 year performance contract; provided that (i) the determination of whether the principal's performance contract is to be renewed, based upon the evaluation required by subdivision 1.5 of this Section, shall be made no later than 150 days prior to the expiration of the current performance-based contract of the principal, (ii) in cases where such performance contract is not renewed -- a direct selection of a new principal -- to serve under a 4 year performance contract shall be made by the local school council no later than 45 days prior to the expiration of the current performance contract of the principal, and (iii) a selection by the local school council of a new principal to fill a vacancy under a 4 year performance contract shall be made within 90 days after the date such vacancy occurs. A Council shall be required, if requested by the principal, to provide in writing the reasons for the council's not renewing the principal's contract.

1.5. The local school council's determination of whether to renew the principal's contract shall be based on an evaluation to assess the educational and administrative progress made at the school during the principal's current performance-based contract. The local school council shall base its evaluation on (i) student academic improvement, as defined by the school improvement plan, (ii) student absenteeism rates at the school, (iii) instructional leadership, (iv) the effective implementation of programs, policies, or strategies to improve student academic achievement, (v) school management, and (vi) any other factors deemed relevant by the local school council, including, without limitation, the principal's communication skills and ability to create and maintain a student-centered learning environment, to develop opportunities for professional development, and to encourage parental involvement and community partnerships to achieve school improvement. If a local school council fails to renew the performance contract of a principal rated by the general superintendent, or his or her designee, in the previous years' evaluations as meeting or exceeding expectations, the principal, within 15 days after the local school council's decision not to renew the contract, may request a review of the local school council's principal non-retention decision by a hearing officer appointed by the American Arbitration Association. A local school council member or members or the general superintendent may support the principal's request for review. During the period of the hearing officer's review of the local school council's decision on whether or not to retain the principal, the local school council shall maintain all authority to search for and contract with a person to serve as interim or acting principal, or as the principal of the attendance center under a 4-year performance contract, provided that any performance contract entered into by the local school council shall be voidable or modified in accordance with the decision of the hearing officer. The principal may request review only once while at that attendance center. If a local school council renews the contract of a principal who failed to obtain a rating of "meets" or "exceeds expectations" in the general superintendent's evaluation for the previous year, the general superintendent, within 15 days after the local school council's decision to renew the contract, may request a review of the local school council's principal retention decision by a hearing officer appointed by the American Arbitration Association. The general superintendent may request a review only once for that principal at that attendance center. All requests to review the retention or non-retention of a principal shall be submitted to the general superintendent, who shall, in turn, forward such requests, within 14 days of receipt, to the American Arbitration Association. The general superintendent shall send a contemporaneous copy of the request that was forwarded to the American Arbitration Association to the principal and to each local school council member and shall inform the local school council of its rights and responsibilities under the arbitration process, including the local school council's right to representation and the manner and process by which the Board shall pay the costs of the council's representation. If the local school council retains the principal and the general superintendent requests a review of the retention decision, the local school council and the general superintendent shall be considered parties to the arbitration, a hearing officer shall be chosen between those 2 parties pursuant to procedures promulgated by the State Board of Education, and the principal may retain counsel and participate in the arbitration. If the local school council does not retain the principal and the principal requests a review of the retention decision, the local school council and the principal shall be considered parties to the arbitration and a hearing officer shall be chosen between those 2 parties pursuant to procedures promulgated by the State Board of Education. The hearing shall begin (i) within 45 days after the initial request for review is submitted by the principal to the general superintendent or (ii) if the initial request for review is made by the general superintendent, within 45 days after that request is mailed to the American Arbitration Association. The hearing officer shall render a decision within 45 days after the hearing begins and within 90 days after the initial request for review. The Board shall contract with the American Arbitration Association for all of the hearing officer's reasonable and necessary costs. In addition, the Board shall pay any reasonable costs incurred by a local school council for representation before a hearing officer.

1.10. The hearing officer shall conduct a hearing, which shall include (i) a review of the principal's performance, evaluations, and other evidence of the principal's service at the school, (ii) reasons provided by the local school council for its decision, and (iii) documentation evidencing views of interested persons, including, without limitation, students, parents, local school council members, school faculty and staff, the principal, the general superintendent or his or her designee, and members of the community. The burden of proof in establishing that the local school council's decision was arbitrary and capricious shall be on the party requesting the arbitration, and this party shall sustain the burden by a preponderance of the evidence. The hearing officer shall set the local school council decision aside if that decision, in light of the record developed at the hearing, is arbitrary and capricious. The decision of the hearing officer may not be appealed to the Board or the State Board of Education. If the hearing officer decides that the principal shall be retained, the retention period shall not exceed 2 years.

2. In the event (i) the local school council does not renew the performance contract of the principal, or the principal fails to receive a satisfactory rating as provided in subsection (h) of Section 34-8.3, or the principal is removed for cause during the term of his or her performance contract in the manner provided by Section 34-85, or a vacancy in the position of principal otherwise occurs prior to the expiration of the term of a principal's performance contract, and (ii) the local school council fails to directly select a new principal to serve under a 4 year performance contract, the local school council in such event shall submit to the general superintendent a list of 3 candidates -- listed in the local school council's order of preference -- for the position of principal, one of which shall be selected by the general superintendent to serve as principal of the attendance center. If the general superintendent fails or refuses to select one of the candidates on the list to serve as principal within 30 days after being furnished with the candidate list, the general superintendent shall select and place a principal on an interim basis (i) for a period not to exceed one year or (ii) until the local school council selects a new principal with 7 affirmative votes as provided in subsection (c) of Section 34-2.2, whichever occurs first. If the local school council fails or refuses to select and appoint a new principal, as specified by subsection (c) of Section 34-2.2, the general superintendent may select and appoint a new principal on an interim basis for an additional year or until a new contract principal is selected by the local school council. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, sex, creed, color or disability unrelated to ability to perform in connection with the submission of candidates for, and the selection of a candidate to serve as principal of an attendance center. No person shall be directly selected, listed as a candidate for, or selected to serve as principal of an attendance center (i) if such person has been removed for cause from employment by the Board or (ii) if such person does not hold a valid administrative certificate issued or exchanged under Article 21 and endorsed as required by that Article for the position of principal. A principal whose performance contract is not renewed as provided under subsection (c) of Section 34-2.2 may nevertheless, if otherwise qualified and certified as herein provided and if he or she has received a satisfactory rating as provided in subsection (h) of Section 34-8.3, be included by a local school council as one of the 3 candidates listed in order of preference on any candidate list from which one person is to be selected to serve as principal of the attendance center under a new performance contract. The initial candidate list required to be submitted by a local school council to the general superintendent in cases where the local school council does not renew the performance contract of its principal and does not directly select a new principal to serve under a 4 year performance contract shall be submitted not later than 30 days prior to the expiration of the current performance contract. In cases where the local school council fails or refuses to submit the candidate list to the general superintendent no later than 30 days prior to the expiration of the incumbent principal's contract, the general superintendent may appoint a principal on an interim basis for a period not to exceed one year, during which time the local school council shall be able to select a new principal with 7 affirmative votes as provided in subsection (c) of Section 34-2.2. In cases where a principal is removed for cause or a vacancy otherwise occurs in the position of principal and the vacancy is not filled by direct selection by the local school council, the candidate list shall be submitted by the local school council to the general superintendent within 90 days after the date such removal or vacancy occurs. In cases where the local school council fails or refuses to submit the candidate list to the general superintendent within 90 days after the date of the vacancy, the general superintendent may appoint a principal on an interim basis for a period of one year, during which time the local school council shall be able to select a new principal with 7 affirmative votes as provided in subsection (c) of Section 34-2.2.

2.5. Whenever a vacancy in the office of a principal occurs for any reason, the vacancy shall be filled in the manner provided by this Section by the selection of a new principal to serve under a 4 year performance contract.

3. To establish additional criteria to be included as part of the performance contract of its principal, provided that such additional criteria shall not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, creed, color or disability unrelated to ability to perform, and shall not be inconsistent with the uniform 4 year performance contract for principals developed by the board as provided in Section 34-8.1 of the School Code or with other provisions of this Article governing the authority and responsibility of principals.

4. To approve the expenditure plan prepared by the principal with respect to all funds allocated and distributed to the attendance center by the Board. The expenditure plan shall be administered by the principal. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act or any other law, any expenditure plan approved and administered under this Section 34-2.3 shall be consistent with and subject to the terms of any contract for services with a third party entered into by the Chicago School Reform Board of Trustees or the board under this Act.

Via a supermajority vote of 7 members of the local school council or 8 members of a high school local school council, the Council may transfer allocations pursuant to Section 34-2.3 within funds; provided that such a transfer is consistent with applicable law and collective bargaining agreements.

Beginning in fiscal year 1991 and in each fiscal year thereafter, the Board may reserve up to 1% of its total fiscal year budget for distribution on a prioritized basis to schools throughout the school system in order to assure adequate programs to meet the needs of special student populations as determined by the Board. This distribution shall take into account the needs catalogued in the Systemwide Plan and the various local school improvement plans of the local school councils. Information about these centrally funded programs shall be distributed to the local school councils so that their subsequent planning and programming will account for these provisions.

Beginning in fiscal year 1991 and in each fiscal year thereafter, from other amounts available in the applicable fiscal year budget, the board shall allocate a lump sum amount to each local school based upon such formula as the board shall determine taking into account the special needs of the student body. The local school principal shall develop an expenditure plan in consultation with the local school council, the professional personnel leadership committee and with all other school personnel, which reflects the priorities and activities as described in the school's local school improvement plan and is consistent with applicable law and collective bargaining agreements and with board policies and standards; however, the local school council shall have the right to request waivers of board policy from the board of education and waivers of employee collective bargaining agreements pursuant to Section 34-8.1a.

The expenditure plan developed by the principal with respect to amounts available from the fund for prioritized special needs programs and the allocated lump sum amount must be approved by the local school council.

The lump sum allocation shall take into account the following principles:

a. Teachers: Each school shall be allocated funds equal to the amount appropriated in the previous school year for compensation for teachers (regular grades kindergarten through 12th grade) plus whatever increases in compensation have been negotiated contractually or through longevity as provided in the negotiated agreement. Adjustments shall be made due to layoff or reduction in force, lack of funds or work, change in subject requirements, enrollment changes, or contracts with third parties for the performance of services or to rectify any inconsistencies with system-wide allocation formulas or for other legitimate reasons.

b. Other personnel: Funds for other teacher certificated and uncertificated personnel paid through non-categorical funds shall be provided according to system-wide formulas based on student enrollment and the special needs of the school as determined by the Board.

c. Non-compensation items: Appropriations for all non-compensation items shall be based on system-wide formulas based on student enrollment and on the special needs of the school or factors related to the physical plant, including but not limited to textbooks, electronic textbooks and the technological equipment necessary to gain access to and use electronic textbooks, supplies, electricity, equipment, and routine maintenance.

d. Funds for categorical programs: Schools shall receive personnel and funds based on, and shall use such personnel and funds in accordance with State and Federal requirements applicable to each categorical program provided to meet the special needs of the student body (including but not limited to, Federal Chapter I, Bilingual, and Special Education).

d.1. Funds for State Title I: Each school shall receive funds based on State and Board requirements applicable to each State Title I pupil provided to meet the special needs of the student body. Each school shall receive the proportion of funds as provided in Section 18-8 or 18-8.15 to which they are entitled. These funds shall be spent only with the budgetary approval of the Local School Council as provided in Section 34-2.3.

e. The Local School Council shall have the right to request the principal to close positions and open new ones consistent with the provisions of the local school improvement plan provided that these decisions are consistent with applicable law and collective bargaining agreements. If a position is closed, pursuant to this paragraph, the local school shall have for its use the system-wide average compensation for the closed position.

f. Operating within existing laws and collective bargaining agreements, the local school council shall have the right to direct the principal to shift expenditures within funds.

g. (Blank).

Any funds unexpended at the end of the fiscal year shall be available to the board of education for use as part of its budget for the following fiscal year.

5. To make recommendations to the principal concerning textbook selection and concerning curriculum developed pursuant to the school improvement plan which is consistent with systemwide curriculum objectives in accordance with Sections 34-8 and 34-18 of the School Code and in conformity with the collective bargaining agreement.

6. To advise the principal concerning the attendance and disciplinary policies for the attendance center, subject to the provisions of this Article and Article 26, and consistent with the uniform system of discipline established by the board pursuant to Section 34-19.

7. To approve a school improvement plan developed as provided in Section 34-2.4. The process and schedule for plan development shall be publicized to the entire school community, and the community shall be afforded the opportunity to make recommendations concerning the plan. At least twice a year the principal and local school council shall report publicly on progress and problems with respect to plan implementation.

8. To evaluate the allocation of teaching resources and other certificated and uncertificated staff to the attendance center to determine whether such allocation is consistent with and in furtherance of instructional objectives and school programs reflective of the school improvement plan adopted for the attendance center; and to make recommendations to the board, the general superintendent and the principal concerning any reallocation of teaching resources or other staff whenever the council determines that any such reallocation is appropriate because the qualifications of any existing staff at the attendance center do not adequately match or support instructional objectives or school programs which reflect the school improvement plan.

9. To make recommendations to the principal and the general superintendent concerning their respective appointments, after August 31, 1989, and in the manner provided by Section 34-8 and Section 34-8.1, of persons to fill any vacant, additional or newly created positions for teachers at the attendance center or at attendance centers which include the attendance center served by the local school council.

10. To request of the Board the manner in which training and assistance shall be provided to the local school council. Pursuant to Board guidelines a local school council is authorized to direct the Board of Education to contract with personnel or not-for-profit organizations not associated with the school district to train or assist council members. If training or assistance is provided by contract with personnel or organizations not associated with the school district, the period of training or assistance shall not exceed 30 hours during a given school year; person shall not be employed on a continuous basis longer than said period and shall not have been employed by the Chicago Board of Education within the preceding six months. Council members shall receive training in at least the following areas:

1. school budgets;

2. educational theory pertinent to the attendance center's particular needs, including the development of the school improvement plan and the principal's performance contract; and

3. personnel selection.

Council members shall, to the greatest extent possible, complete such training within 90 days of election.

11. In accordance with systemwide guidelines contained in the System-Wide Educational Reform Goals and Objectives Plan, criteria for evaluation of performance shall be established for local school councils and local school council members. If a local school council persists in noncompliance with systemwide requirements, the Board may impose sanctions and take necessary corrective action, consistent with Section 34-8.3.

12. Each local school council shall comply with the Open Meetings Act and the Freedom of Information Act. Each local school council shall issue and transmit to its school community a detailed annual report accounting for its activities programmatically and financially. Each local school council shall convene at least 2 well-publicized meetings annually with its entire school community. These meetings shall include presentation of the proposed local school improvement plan, of the proposed school expenditure plan, and the annual report, and shall provide an opportunity for public comment.

13. Each local school council is encouraged to involve additional non-voting members of the school community in facilitating the council's exercise of its responsibilities.

14. The local school council may adopt a school uniform or dress code policy that governs the attendance center and that is necessary to maintain the orderly process of a school function or prevent endangerment of student health or safety, consistent with the policies and rules of the Board of Education. A school uniform or dress code policy adopted by a local school council: (i) shall not be applied in such manner as to discipline or deny attendance to a transfer student or any other student for noncompliance with that policy during such period of time as is reasonably necessary to enable the student to acquire a school uniform or otherwise comply with the dress code policy that is in effect at the attendance center into which the student's enrollment is transferred; and (ii) shall include criteria and procedures under which the local school council will accommodate the needs of or otherwise provide appropriate resources to assist a student from an indigent family in complying with an applicable school uniform or dress code policy. A student whose parents or legal guardians object on religious grounds to the student's compliance with an applicable school uniform or dress code policy shall not be required to comply with that policy if the student's parents or legal guardians present to the local school council a signed statement of objection detailing the grounds for the objection.

15. All decisions made and actions taken by the local school council in the exercise of its powers and duties shall comply with State and federal laws, all applicable collective bargaining agreements, court orders and rules properly promulgated by the Board.

15a. To grant, in accordance with board rules and policies, the use of assembly halls and classrooms when not otherwise needed, including lighting, heat, and attendants, for public lectures, concerts, and other educational and social activities.

15b. To approve, in accordance with board rules and policies, receipts and expenditures for all internal accounts of the attendance center, and to approve all fund-raising activities by nonschool organizations that use the school building.

16. (Blank).

17. Names and addresses of local school council members shall be a matter of public record.

(Source: P.A. 100-465, eff. 8-31-17.)

(105 ILCS 5/34-2.3a) (from Ch. 122, par. 34-2.3a)

Sec. 34-2.3a. Recommendations of the Principal. The principal of each attendance center shall be encouraged to make recommendations to the appropriate local school council concerning all educational aspects of the attendance center.

(Source: P.A. 85-1418; 86-1477.)

(105 ILCS 5/34-2.3b)

Sec. 34-2.3b. Local School Council Training. The board shall collaborate with universities and other interested entities and individuals to offer training to local school council members on topics relevant to school operations and their responsibilities as local school council members, including but not limited to legal requirements, role differentiation, responsibilities, and authorities, and improving student achievement. Training of local school council members shall be provided at the direction of the board in consultation with the Council of Chicago-area Deans of Education. Incoming local school council members shall be required to complete a 3-day training program provided under this Section within 6 months of taking office. The board shall monitor the compliance of incoming local school council members with the 3-day training program requirement established by this Section. The board shall declare vacant the office of a local school council member who fails to complete the 3-day training program provided under this Section within the 6 month period allowed. Any such vacancy shall be filled as provided in subsection (o) of Section 34-2.1 by appointment of another person qualified to hold the office. In addition to requiring local school council members to complete the 3-day training program under this Section, the board may encourage local school council members to complete additional training during their term of office and shall provide recognition for individuals completing that additional training. The board is authorized to collaborate with universities, non-profits, and other interested organizations and individuals to offer additional training to local school council members on a regular basis during their term in office. The board shall not be required to bear the cost of the required 3-day training program or any additional training provided to local school council members under this Section.

The board shall also offer training to aid local school councils in developing principal evaluation procedures and criteria. The board shall send out requests for proposals concerning this training and is authorized to contract with universities, non-profits, and other interested organizations and individuals to provide this training. The board is authorized to use funds from private organizations, non-profits, or any other outside source as well as its own funds for this purpose.

(Source: P.A. 90-100, eff. 7-11-97; 91-622, eff. 8-19-99.)

(105 ILCS 5/34-2.4) (from Ch. 122, par. 34-2.4)

Sec. 34-2.4. School improvement plan. A 3-year local school improvement plan shall be developed and implemented at each attendance center. This plan shall reflect the overriding purpose of the attendance center to improve educational quality. The local school principal shall develop a school improvement plan in consultation with the local school council, all categories of school staff, parents and community residents. Once the plan is developed, reviewed by the professional personnel leadership committee, and approved by the local school council, the principal shall be responsible for directing implementation of the plan, and the local school council shall monitor its implementation. After the termination of the initial 3-year plan, a new 3-year plan shall be developed and modified as appropriate on an annual basis.

The school improvement plan shall be designed to achieve priority goals including but not limited to:

(a) assuring that students show significant progress toward meeting and exceeding State performance standards in State mandated learning areas, including the mastery of higher order thinking skills in these areas;

(b) assuring that students attend school regularly and graduate from school at such rates that the district average equals or surpasses national norms;

(c) assuring that students are adequately prepared for and aided in making a successful transition to further education and life experience;

(d) assuring that students are adequately prepared for and aided in making a successful transition to employment; and

(e) assuring that students are, to the maximum extent possible, provided with a common learning experience that is of high academic quality and that reflects high expectations for all students' capacities to learn.

With respect to these priority goals, the school improvement plan shall include but not be limited to the following:

(a) an analysis of data collected in the attendance center and community indicating the specific strengths and weaknesses of the attendance center in light of the goals specified above, including data and analysis specified by the State Board of Education pertaining to specific measurable outcomes for student performance, the attendance centers, and their instructional programs;

(b) a description of specific annual objectives the attendance center will pursue in achieving the goals specified above;

(c) a description of the specific activities the attendance center will undertake to achieve its objectives;

(d) an analysis of the attendance center's staffing pattern and material resources, and an explanation of how the attendance center's planned staffing pattern, the deployment of staff, and the use of material resources furthers the objectives of the plan;

(e) a description of the key assumptions and directions of the school's curriculum and the academic and non-academic programs of the attendance center, and an explanation of how this curriculum and these programs further the goals and objectives of the plan;

(f) a description of the steps that will be taken to enhance educational opportunities for all students, regardless of gender, including English learners, students with disabilities, low-income students, and minority students;

(g) a description of any steps which may be taken by the attendance center to educate parents as to how they can assist children at home in preparing their children to learn effectively;

(h) a description of the steps the attendance center will take to coordinate its efforts with, and to gain the participation and support of, community residents, business organizations, and other local institutions and individuals;

(i) a description of any staff development program for all school staff and volunteers tied to the priority goals, objectives, and activities specified in the plan;

(j) a description of the steps the local school council will undertake to monitor implementation of the plan on an ongoing basis;

(k) a description of the steps the attendance center will take to ensure that teachers have working conditions that provide a professional environment conducive to fulfilling their responsibilities;

(l) a description of the steps the attendance center will take to ensure teachers the time and opportunity to incorporate new ideas and techniques, both in subject matter and teaching skills, into their own work;

(m) a description of the steps the attendance center will take to encourage pride and positive identification with the attendance center through various athletic activities; and

(n) a description of the student need for and provision of services to special populations, beyond the standard school programs provided for students in grades K through 12 and those enumerated in the categorical programs cited in item d of part 4 of Section 34-2.3, including financial costs of providing same and a timeline for implementing the necessary services, including but not limited, when applicable, to ensuring the provisions of educational services to all eligible children aged 4 years for the 1990-91 school year and thereafter, reducing class size to State averages in grades K-3 for the 1991-92 school year and thereafter and in all grades for the 1993-94 school year and thereafter, and providing sufficient staff and facility resources for students not served in the regular classroom setting.

Based on the analysis of data collected indicating specific strengths and weaknesses of the attendance center, the school improvement plan may place greater emphasis from year to year on particular priority goals, objectives, and activities.

(Source: P.A. 99-30, eff. 7-10-15; 99-143, eff. 7-27-15; 99-642, eff. 7-28-16.)