105 ILCS 5/ School Code.

(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 7‑28 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. 88‑155.)

(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, ct 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 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 5/32‑5.1) (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 "An Act relating to certain investments of public funds by public agencies", approved July 23, 1943, as now or hereafter amended.

(Source: P.A. 83‑541.)

(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 1961. 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. 93‑309, eff. 1‑1‑04.)

(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 5/34‑1.1) (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 under federal law that has not made adequate yearly progress for 5 consecutive years or a time period set forth in federal law.

"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. 96‑105, eff. 7‑30‑09.)

(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 11 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 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 12 voting members ‑‑ the 11 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 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 11‑6, 11‑9.1, 11‑16, 11‑17.1, 11‑19, 11‑19.1, 11‑19.2, 11‑20.1, 12‑13, 12‑14, 12‑14.1, 12‑15, or 12‑16 of the Criminal Code of 1961 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.

(Source: P.A. 95‑1015, eff. 12‑15‑08.)

(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, 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 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. 93‑48, eff. 7‑1‑03.)

(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 limited English proficient students, disabled students, 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. 93‑48, eff. 7‑1‑03.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑2.4a) (from Ch. 122, par. 34‑2.4a)

Sec. 34‑2.4a. Professional personnel leadership committee.

(a) At each attendance center operated pursuant to this Article, a professional personnel leadership committee consisting of (i) up to 7 members elected each school year who are certified classroom teachers or other certificated personnel, who are employed at the attendance center, and who desire to be members of the committee and (ii) the 2 teacher members of the local school council. The teacher members of the local school council shall serve as co‑chairs of the committee, or one teacher member of the local school council chosen by the committee shall serve as chair of the committee. The size of the committee shall be determined by the certified classroom teachers and other certificated personnel at the attendance center, including the principal.

(b) The purpose of the committee is to develop and formally present recommendations to the principal and the local school council on all matters of educational program, including but not limited to curriculum, school improvement plan development and implementation, and school budgeting.

(c) For the elected committee members, the principal shall convene a publicized meeting of all certified classroom teachers and other certificated personnel, at which meeting those certified classroom teachers and other certificated personnel present, excluding the principal, shall elect members to serve on the committee. A staff member eligible to vote may vote for the same number of candidates in the election as the number of members to be elected, but votes shall not be cumulated. Ties shall be determined by lot. Vacancies shall be filled in like manner.

(d) All committee meetings shall be held before or after school with no loss of instructional time. Committee members shall receive no compensation for their activities as committee members.

(e) In furtherance of its purpose, the committee shall have the authority to gather information from school staff through interviews, on noninstructional time, without the prior approval of the principal, the local school council, the board, the board's chief executive officer, or the chief executive officer's administrative staff.

The committee shall meet once a month with the principal to make recommendations to the principal regarding the specific methods and contents of the school's curriculum and to make other educational improvement recommendations approved by the committee. A report from the committee regarding these matters may be an agenda item at each regular meeting of the local school council.

The principal shall provide the committee with the opportunity to review and make recommendations regarding the school improvement plan and school budget. The teacher members of the local school council may bring motions concerning the recommendations approved by the committee, which motions shall formally be considered at meetings of the local school council.

(Source: P.A. 93‑48, eff. 7‑1‑03.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑2.4b) (from Ch. 122, par. 34‑2.4b)

Sec. 34‑2.4b. Limitation upon applicability. The provisions of Sections 34‑2.1, 34‑2.2, 34‑2.3, 34‑2.3a, 34‑2.4 and 34‑8.3, and those provisions of paragraph 1 of Section 34‑18 and paragraph (c) of Section 34A‑201a relating to the allocation or application ‑‑ by formula or otherwise ‑‑ of lump sum amounts and other funds to attendance centers, shall not apply to attendance centers that have applied for and been designated as a "Small School" by the Board, the Cook County Juvenile Detention Center and Cook County Jail schools, nor to the district's alternative schools for pregnant girls, nor to alternative schools established under Article 13A, nor to a contract school, nor to the Michael R. Durso School, the Jackson Adult Center, the Hillard Adult Center, the Alternative Transitional School, or any other attendance center designated by the Board as an alternative school, provided that the designation is not applied to an attendance center that has in place a legally constituted local school council, except for contract turnaround schools. The board of education shall have and exercise with respect to those schools and with respect to the conduct, operation, affairs and budgets of those schools, and with respect to the principals, teachers and other school staff there employed, the same powers which are exercisable by local school councils with respect to the other attendance centers, principals, teachers and school staff within the district, together with all powers and duties generally exercisable by the board of education with respect to all attendance centers within the district. The board of education shall develop appropriate alternative methods for involving parents, community members and school staff to the maximum extent possible in all of the activities of those schools, and may delegate to the parents, community members and school staff so involved the same powers which are exercisable by local school councils with respect to other attendance centers.

(Source: P.A. 96‑105, eff. 7‑30‑09.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑2.4c)

Sec. 34‑2.4c. Whistle Blower Protection.

(a) In any case involving the disclosure of information by an employee of the board of education or a local school council member, which the employee or member reasonably believes evidences (1) a violation of any law, rule, regulation, or policy, or (2) waste, fraud, mismanagement, abuse of authority, or a danger to the health or safety of students or the public, the identity of the employee or members may not be disclosed without the written consent of the employee or member during any investigation of the information or related matters.

(b) No disciplinary action may be taken against any employee or local school council member for the disclosure of information by that employee or local school council member that evidences (1) a violation of any law, rule, regulation, or policy, or (2) waste, fraud, mismanagement, abuse of authority, or a danger to the health or safety of a student or the public. For the purposes of this Section, disciplinary action means any retaliatory action taken against an employee or local school council member by the board of education, employees of the board of education, local school councils, or exclusive bargaining representatives of employees, including, but not limited to, reprimand, suspension, discharge, demotion, involuntary transfer, harassment, or denial of promotion or voluntary transfer.

(c) A violation of this Section shall be a Class A misdemeanor.

(Source: P.A. 89‑15, eff. 5‑30‑95.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑2.5) (from Ch. 122, par. 34‑2.5)

Sec. 34‑2.5. (Repealed).

(Source: Repealed by P.A. 89‑15, eff. 5‑30‑95.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑3) (from Ch. 122, par. 34‑3)

Sec. 34‑3. Chicago School Reform Board of Trustees; new Chicago Board of Education; members; term; vacancies.

(a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1995, the terms of all members of the Chicago Board of Education holding office on that date are abolished and the Mayor shall appoint, without the consent or approval of the City Council, a 5 member Chicago School Reform Board of Trustees which shall take office upon the appointment of the fifth member. The Chicago School Reform Board of Trustees and its members shall serve until, and the terms of all members of the Chicago School Reform Board of Trustees shall expire on, June 30, 1999 or upon the appointment of a new Chicago Board of Education as provided in subsection (b), whichever is later. Any vacancy in the membership of the Trustees shall be filled through appointment by the Mayor, without the consent or approval of the City Council, for the unexpired term. One of the members appointed by the Mayor to the Trustees shall be designated by the Mayor to serve as President of the Trustees. The Mayor shall appoint a full‑time, compensated chief executive officer, and his or her compensation as such chief executive officer shall be determined by the Mayor. The Mayor, at his or her discretion, may appoint the President to serve simultaneously as the chief executive officer.

(b) Within 30 days before the expiration of the terms of the members of the Chicago Reform Board of Trustees as provided in subsection (a), a new Chicago Board of Education consisting of 7 members shall be appointed by the Mayor to take office on the later of July 1, 1999 or the appointment of the seventh member. Three of the members initially so appointed under this subsection shall serve for terms ending June 30, 2002, 4 of the members initially so appointed under this subsection shall serve for terms ending June 30, 2003, and each member initially so appointed shall continue to hold office until his or her successor is appointed and qualified. Thereafter at the expiration of the term of any member a successor shall be appointed by the Mayor and shall hold office for a term of 4 years, from July 1 of the year in which the term commences and until a successor is appointed and qualified. Any vacancy in the membership of the Chicago Board of Education shall be filled through appointment by the Mayor for the unexpired term. No appointment to membership on the Chicago Board of Education that is made by the Mayor under this subsection shall require the approval of the City Council, whether the appointment is made for a full term or to fill a vacancy for an unexpired term on the Board. The board shall elect annually from its number a president and vice‑president, in such manner and at such time as the board determines by its rules. The officers so elected shall each perform the duties imposed upon their respective office by the rules of the board, provided that (i) the president shall preside at meetings of the board and vote as any other member but have no power of veto, and (ii) the vice president shall perform the duties of the president if that office is vacant or the president is absent or unable to act. The secretary of the Board shall be selected by the Board and shall be an employee of the Board rather than a member of the Board, notwithstanding subsection (d) of Section 34‑3.3. The duties of the secretary shall be imposed by the rules of the Board.

(c) The board 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 5/34‑3.1) (from Ch. 122, par. 34‑3.1)

Sec. 34‑3.1. (Repealed).

(Source: Repealed by P.A. 89‑15, eff. 5‑30‑95.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑3.2) (from Ch. 122, par. 34‑3.2)

Sec. 34‑3.2. Board training. After January 1, 1990 all board members shall participate in training provided by board employees or not‑for‑profit organizations, including without limitation the following:

1. budget and revenue review;

2. education theory and governance;

3. governmental relations;

4. school‑based management; and

5. State and federal education law and regulations.

(Source: P.A. 85‑1418; 86‑1477.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑3.3)

Sec. 34‑3.3. Chicago School Reform Board of Trustees; powers and duties; chief operating, fiscal, educational, and purchasing officers. The General Assembly finds that an education crisis exists in the Chicago Public Schools and that a 5‑member Chicago School Reform Board of Trustees shall be established for a 4 year period to bring educational and financial stability to the system. The Trustees and their chief executive officer are empowered and directed to: (i) increase the quality of educational services in the Chicago Public Schools; (ii) reduce the cost of non‑educational services and implement cost‑saving measures including the privatization of services where deemed appropriate; (iii) develop a long‑term financial plan that to the maximum extent possible reflects a balanced budget for each year; (iv) streamline and strengthen the management of the system, including a responsible school‑based budgeting process, in order to refocus resources on student achievement; (v) ensure ongoing academic improvement in schools through the establishment of an Academic Accountability Council and a strong school improvement and recognition process; (vi) enact policies and procedures that ensure the system runs in an ethical as well as efficient manner; (vii) establish within 60 days after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1995, develop, and implement a process for the selection of a local school council advisory board for the Trustees in which those individuals active on Local School Councils serve an advisory role to the Trustees; (viii) establish any organizational structures, including regional offices, that it deems necessary to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the system; and (ix) provide for such other local school council advisory bodies as the Trustees deem appropriate to function in an advisory capacity to any other organizations or offices established by the Trustees under clause (viii) of this Section.

(a) Unless otherwise provided in this Article, the Trustees shall have all powers and duties exercised and performed by the Chicago Board of Education at the time the terms of its members are abolished as provided in subsection (a) of Section 34‑3.

(b) The Mayor shall appoint a chief executive officer who shall be a person of recognized administrative ability and management experience, who shall be responsible for the management of the system, and who shall have all other powers and duties of the general superintendent as set forth in this Article 34. The chief executive officer shall make recommendations to the Trustees with respect to contracts, policies, and procedures.

(c) The chief executive officer shall appoint, with the approval of the Trustees, a chief operating officer, a chief fiscal officer, a chief educational officer, and a chief purchasing officer to serve until June 30, 1999. These officers shall be assigned duties and responsibilities by the chief executive officer. The chief operating officer, the chief fiscal officer, the chief educational officer, and the chief purchasing officer may be granted authority to hire a specific number of employees to assist in meeting immediate responsibilities. The chief executive officer may remove any officer, subject to the approval of the Trustees. Conditions of employment for such personnel shall not be subject to the provisions of Section 34‑85.

(d) Upon the expiration on June 30, 1999 of the terms of office of the chief executive, operating, fiscal, educational, and purchasing officers appointed under this Section and the appointment of a new Chicago Board of Education under subsection (b) of Section 34‑3, the board may retain, reorganize, or abolish any or all of those offices and appoint qualified successors to fill any of those offices that it does not abolish.

(e) The Trustees shall report to the State Superintendent of Education with respect to its performance, the nature of the reforms which it has instituted, the effect those reforms have had in the operation of the central administrative office and in the performance of pupils, staff, and members of the local school councils at the several attendance centers within the district, and such other matters as the Trustees deem necessary to help assure continuing improvement in the public school system of the district. The reports shall be public documents and shall be made annually, beginning with the school year that commences in 1995 and concluding in the school year beginning in 1999.

(Source: P.A. 89‑15, eff. 5‑30‑95.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑3.4)

Sec. 34‑3.4. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 91‑622, eff. 8‑19‑99. Repealed internally, eff. 6‑30‑04.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑3.5)

Sec. 34‑3.5. Partnership agreement on advancing student achievement; No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.

(a) The General Assembly finds that the Chicago Teachers Union, the Chicago Board of Education, and the district's chief executive officer have a common responsibility beyond their statutory collective bargaining relationship to institute purposeful education reforms in the Chicago Public Schools that maximize the number of students in the Chicago Public Schools who reach or exceed proficiency with regard to State academic standards and assessments. The General Assembly further finds that education reform in the Chicago Public Schools must be premised on a commitment by all stakeholders to redefine relationships, develop, implement, and evaluate programs, seek new and additional resources, improve the value of educational programs to students, accelerate the quality of teacher training, improve instructional excellence, and develop and implement strategies to comply with the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (Public Law 107‑110).

The Chicago Board of Education and the district's chief executive officer shall enter into a partnership agreement with the Chicago Teachers Union to allow the parties to work together to advance the Chicago Public Schools to the next level of education reform. This agreement must be entered into and take effect within 90 days after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 93rd General Assembly. As part of this agreement, the Chicago Teachers Union, the Chicago Board of Education, and the district's chief executive officer shall jointly file a report with the General Assembly at the end of each school year with respect to the nature of the reforms that the parties have instituted, the effect of these reforms on student achievement, and any other matters that the parties deem relevant to evaluating the effectiveness of the agreement.

(b) Decisions concerning matters of inherent managerial policy necessary to comply with the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (Public Law 107‑110), including such areas of discretion or policy as the functions of the employer, the standards and delivery of educational services and programs, the district's overall budget, the district's organizational structure, student assignment, school choice, and the selection of new employees and direction of employees, and the impact of these decisions on individual employees or the bargaining unit shall be permissive subjects of bargaining between the educational employer and the exclusive bargaining representative and are within the sole discretion of the educational employer to decide to bargain. This subsection (b) is exclusive of the parties' obligations and responsibilities under Section 4.5 of the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act (provided that any dispute or impasse that may arise under this subsection (b) shall be resolved exclusively as set forth in subsection (b) of Section 12 of the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act in lieu of a strike under Section 13 of the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act).

(Source: P.A. 93‑3, eff. 4‑16‑03.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑4) (from Ch. 122, par. 34‑4)

Sec. 34‑4. Eligibility. To be eligible for appointment to the board, a person shall be a citizen of the United States, shall be a registered voter as provided in the Election Code, shall have been a resident of the city for at least 3 years immediately preceding his or her appointment, and shall not be a child sex offender as defined in Section 11‑9.3 of the Criminal Code of 1961. Permanent removal from the city by any member of the board during his term of office constitutes a resignation therefrom and creates a vacancy in the board. Except for the President of the Chicago School Reform Board of Trustees who may be paid compensation for his or her services as chief executive officer as determined by the Mayor as provided in subsection (a) of Section 34‑3, board members shall serve without any compensation; provided, that board members shall be reimbursed for expenses incurred while in the performance of their duties upon submission of proper receipts or upon submission of a signed voucher in the case of an expense allowance evidencing the amount of such reimbursement or allowance to the president of the board for verification and approval. The board of education may continue to provide health care insurance coverage, employer pension contributions, employee pension contributions, and life insurance premium payments for an employee required to resign from an administrative, teaching, or career service position in order to qualify as a member of the board of education. They shall not hold other public office under the Federal, State or any local government other than that of Director of the Regional Transportation Authority, member of the economic development commission of a city having a population exceeding 500,000, notary public or member of the National Guard, and by accepting any such office while members of the board, or by not resigning any such office held at the time of being appointed to the board within 30 days after such appointment, shall be deemed to have vacated their membership in the board.

(Source: P.A. 93‑309, eff. 1‑1‑04.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑4.5)

Sec. 34‑4.5. Chronic truants.

(a) Office of Chronic Truant Adjudication. The board shall establish and implement an Office of Chronic Truant Adjudication, which shall be responsible for administratively adjudicating cases of chronic truancy and imposing appropriate sanctions. The board shall appoint or employ hearing officers to perform the adjudicatory functions of that Office. Principals and other appropriate personnel may refer pupils suspected of being chronic truants, as defined in Section 26‑2a of this Code, to the Office of Chronic Truant Adjudication.

(b) Notices. Before any hearing may be held under subsection (c), the principal of the school attended by the pupil or the principal's designee shall notify the pupil's parent or guardian by personal visit, letter, or telephone of each unexcused absence of the pupil. After giving the parent or guardian notice of the tenth unexcused absence of the pupil, the principal or the principal's designee shall send the pupil's parent or guardian a letter, by certified mail, return receipt requested, notifying the parent or guardian that he or she is subjecting himself or herself to a hearing procedure as provided under subsection (c) and clearly describing any and all possible penalties that may be imposed as provided for in subsections (d) and (e) of this Section.

(c) Hearing. Once a pupil has been referred to the Office of Chronic Truant Adjudication, a hearing shall be scheduled before an appointed hearing officer, and the pupil and the pupil's parents or guardian shall be notified by certified mail, return receipt requested stating the time, place, and purpose of the hearing. The hearing officer shall hold a hearing and render a written decision within 14 days determining whether the pupil is a chronic truant as defined in Section 26‑2a of this Code and whether the parent or guardian took reasonable steps to assure the pupil's attendance at school. The hearing shall be private unless a public hearing is requested by the pupil's parent or guardian, and the pupil may be present at the hearing with a representative in addition to the pupil's parent or guardian. The board shall present evidence of the pupil's truancy, and the pupil and the parent or guardian or representative of the pupil may cross examine witnesses, present witnesses and evidence, and present defenses to the charges. All testimony at the hearing shall be taken under oath administered by the hearing officer. The decision of the hearing officer shall constitute an "administrative decision" for purposes of judicial review under the Administrative Review Law.

(d) Penalties. The hearing officer may require the pupil or the pupil's parent or guardian or both the pupil and the pupil's parent or guardian to do any or all of the following: perform reasonable school or community services for a period not to exceed 30 days; complete a parenting education program; obtain counseling or other supportive services; and comply with an individualized educational plan or service plan as provided by appropriate school officials. If the parent or guardian of the chronic truant shows that he or she took reasonable steps to insure attendance of the pupil at school, he or she shall not be required to perform services.

(e) Non‑compliance with sanctions. If a pupil determined by a hearing officer to be a chronic truant or the parent or guardian of the pupil fails to comply with the sanctions ordered by the hearing officer under subsection (c) of this Section, the Office of Chronic Truant Adjudication may refer the matter to the State's Attorney for prosecution under Section 3‑33.5 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987.

(f) Limitation on applicability. Nothing in this Section shall be construed to apply to a parent or guardian of a pupil not required to attend a public school pursuant to Section 26‑1.

(Source: P.A. 94‑1011, eff. 7‑7‑06.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑5) (from Ch. 122, par. 34‑5)

Sec. 34‑5. (Repealed).

(Source: Repealed by P.A. 89‑15, eff. 5‑30‑95.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑6) (from Ch. 122, par. 34‑6)

Sec. 34‑6. Superintendent of schools. After June 30, 1999, the board may, by a vote of a majority of its full membership, appoint a general superintendent of schools to serve pursuant to a performance‑based contract for a term ending on June 30th of the third calendar year after his or her appointment. He shall be the chief administrative officer of the board and shall have charge and control, subject to the approval of the board and to other provisions of this Article, of all departments and the employees therein of public schools, except the law department. He shall negotiate contracts with all labor organizations which are exclusive representatives of educational employees employed under the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act. All contracts shall be subject to approval of the Board of Education. The board may conduct a national search for a general superintendent. An incumbent general superintendent may not be precluded from being included in such national search. Persons appointed pursuant to this Section shall be exempt from the provisions and requirements of Sections 21‑1, 21‑1a and 21‑7.1.

(Source: P.A. 89‑15, eff. 5‑30‑95.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑6.1) (from Ch. 122, par. 34‑6.1)

Sec. 34‑6.1. The president or general superintendent shall report any requests made of the district under provisions of The Freedom of Information Act and shall report the status of the district's response.

(Source: P.A. 85‑942.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑7) (from Ch. 122, par. 34‑7)

Sec. 34‑7. Establishment of departments.

The board of education shall establish such general departments as it may deem necessary or appropriate and determine the duties and functions of each. The heads of such departments shall be appointed by the general superintendent of schools subject to the approval of a majority of the full membership of the board. Nothing contained in this Section shall apply to the law department.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑8) (from Ch. 122, par. 34‑8)

Sec. 34‑8. Powers and duties of general superintendent. The general superintendent of schools shall prescribe and control, subject to the approval of the board and to other provisions of this Article, the courses of study mandated by State law, textbooks, educational apparatus and equipment, discipline in and conduct of the schools, and shall perform such other duties as the board may by rule prescribe. The superintendent shall also notify the State Board of Education, the board and the chief administrative official, other than the alleged perpetrator himself, in the school where the alleged perpetrator serves, that any person who is employed in a school or otherwise comes into frequent contact with children in the school has been named as a perpetrator in an indicated report filed pursuant to the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act, approved June 26, 1975, as amended.

The general superintendent may be granted the authority by the board to hire a specific number of employees to assist in meeting immediate responsibilities. Conditions of employment for such personnel shall not be subject to the provisions of Section 34‑85.

The general superintendent may, pursuant to a delegation of authority by the board and Section 34‑18, approve contracts and expenditures.

Pursuant to other provisions of this Article, sites shall be selected, schoolhouses located thereon and plans therefor approved, and textbooks and educational apparatus and equipment shall be adopted and purchased by the board only upon the recommendation of the general superintendent of schools or by a majority vote of the full membership of the board and, in the case of textbooks, subject to Article 28 of this Act. The board may furnish free textbooks to pupils and may publish its own textbooks and manufacture its own apparatus, equipment and supplies.

In addition, in January of each year, the general superintendent of schools shall report to the State Board of Education the number of high school students in the district who are enrolled in accredited courses (for which high school credit will be awarded upon successful completion of the courses) at any community college, together with the name and number of the course or courses which each such student is taking.

The general superintendent shall also have the authority to monitor the performance of attendance centers, to identify and place an attendance center on remediation and probation, and to recommend to the board that the attendance center be placed on intervention and be reconstituted, subject to the provisions of Sections 34‑8.3 and 8.4.

The general superintendent, or his or her designee, shall conduct an annual evaluation of each principal in the district pursuant to guidelines promulgated by the Board and the Board approved principal evaluation form. The evaluation shall be based on factors, including the following: (i) student academic improvement, as defined by the school improvement plan; (ii) student absenteeism rates at the school; (iii) instructional leadership; (iv) effective implementation of programs, policies, or strategies to improve student academic achievement; (v) school management; and (vi) other factors, 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.

Effective no later than September 1, 2012, the general superintendent or his or her designee shall develop a written principal evaluation plan. The evaluation plan must be in writing and shall supersede the evaluation requirements set forth in this Section. The evaluation plan must do at least all of the following:

(1) Provide for annual evaluation of all principals employed under a performance contract by the general superintendent or his or her designee, no later than July 1st of each year.

(2) Consider the principal's specific duties, responsibilities, management, and competence as a principal.

(3) Specify the principal's strengths and weaknesses, with supporting reasons.

(4) Align with research‑based standards.

(5) Use data and indicators on student growth as a significant factor in rating principal performance.

(Source: P.A. 95‑496, eff. 8‑28‑07; 96‑861, eff. 1‑15‑10.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑8.05)

Sec. 34‑8.05. Reporting firearms in schools. On or after January 1, 1997, upon receipt of any written, electronic, or verbal report from any school personnel regarding a verified incident involving a firearm in a school or on school owned or leased property, including any conveyance owned, leased, or used by the school for the transport of students or school personnel, the general superintendent or his or her designee shall report all such firearm‑related incidents occurring in a school or on school property to the local law enforcement authorities no later than 24 hours after the occurrence of the incident and to the Department of State Police in a form, manner, and frequency as prescribed by the Department of State Police.

The State Board of Education shall receive an annual statistical compilation and related data associated with incidents involving firearms in schools from the Department of State Police. As used in this Section, the term "firearm" shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.1 of the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act.

(Source: P.A. 89‑498, eff. 6‑27‑96.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑8.1) (from Ch. 122, par. 34‑8.1)

Sec. 34‑8.1. Principals. Principals shall be employed to supervise the operation of each attendance center. Their powers and duties shall include but not be limited to the authority (i) to direct, supervise, evaluate, and suspend with or without pay or otherwise discipline all teachers, assistant principals, and other employees assigned to the attendance center in accordance with board rules and policies and (ii) to direct all other persons assigned to the attendance center pursuant to a contract with a third party to provide services to the school system. The right to employ, discharge, and layoff shall be vested solely with the board, provided that decisions to discharge or suspend non‑certified employees, including disciplinary layoffs, and the termination of certified employees from employment pursuant to a layoff or reassignment policy are subject to review under the grievance resolution procedure adopted pursuant to subsection (c) of Section 10 of the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act. The grievance resolution procedure adopted by the board shall provide for final and binding arbitration, and, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the arbitrator's decision may include all make‑whole relief, including without limitation reinstatement. The principal shall fill positions by appointment as provided in this Section and may make recommendations to the board regarding the employment, discharge, or layoff of any individual. The authority of the principal shall include the authority to direct the hours during which the attendance center shall be open and available for use provided the use complies with board rules and policies, to determine when and what operations shall be conducted within those hours, and to schedule staff within those hours. Under the direction of, and subject to the authority of the principal, the Engineer In Charge shall be accountable for the safe, economical operation of the plant and grounds and shall also be responsible for orientation, training, and supervising the work of Engineers, Trainees, school maintenance assistants, custodial workers and other plant operation employees under his or her direction.

There shall be established by the board a system of semi‑annual evaluations conducted by the principal as to performance of the engineer in charge. Nothing in this Section shall prevent the principal from conducting additional evaluations. An overall numerical rating shall be given by the principal based on the evaluation conducted by the principal. An unsatisfactory numerical rating shall result in disciplinary action, which may include, without limitation and in the judgment of the principal, loss of promotion or bidding procedure, reprimand, suspension with or without pay, or recommended dismissal. The board shall establish procedures for conducting the evaluation and reporting the results to the engineer in charge.

Under the direction of, and subject to the authority of, the principal, the Food Service Manager is responsible at all times for the proper operation and maintenance of the lunch room to which he is assigned and shall also be responsible for the orientation, training, and supervising the work of cooks, bakers, porters, and lunchroom attendants under his or her direction.

There shall be established by the Board a system of semi‑annual evaluations conducted by the principal as to the performance of the food service manager. Nothing in this Section shall prevent the principal from conducting additional evaluations. An overall numerical rating shall be given by the principal based on the evaluation conducted by the principal. An unsatisfactory numerical rating shall result in disciplinary action which may include, without limitation and in the judgment of the principal, loss of promotion or bidding procedure, reprimand, suspension with or without pay, or recommended dismissal. The board shall establish rules for conducting the evaluation and reporting the results to the food service manager.

Nothing in this Section shall be interpreted to require the employment or assignment of an Engineer‑In‑Charge or a Food Service Manager for each attendance center.

Principals shall be employed to supervise the educational operation of each attendance center. If a principal is absent due to extended illness or leave or absence, an assistant principal may be assigned as acting principal for a period not to exceed 100 school days. Each principal shall assume administrative responsibility and instructional leadership, in accordance with reasonable rules and regulations of the board, for the planning, operation and evaluation of the educational program of the attendance center to which he is assigned. The principal shall submit recommendations to the general superintendent concerning the appointment, dismissal, retention, promotion, and assignment of all personnel assigned to the attendance center; provided, that from and after September 1, 1989: (i) if any vacancy occurs in a position at the attendance center or if an additional or new position is created at the attendance center, that position shall be filled by appointment made by the principal in accordance with procedures established and provided by the Board whenever the majority of the duties included in that position are to be performed at the attendance center which is under the principal's supervision, and each such appointment so made by the principal shall be made and based upon merit and ability to perform in that position without regard to seniority or length of service, provided, that such appointments shall be subject to the Board's desegregation obligations, including but not limited to the Consent Decree and Desegregation Plan in U.S. v. Chicago Board of Education; (ii) the principal shall submit recommendations based upon merit and ability to perform in the particular position, without regard to seniority or length of service, to the general superintendent concerning the appointment of any teacher, teacher aide, counselor, clerk, hall guard, security guard and any other personnel which is to be made by the general superintendent whenever less than a majority of the duties of that teacher, teacher aide, counselor, clerk, hall guard, and security guard and any other personnel are to be performed at the attendance center which is under the principal's supervision; and (iii) subject to law and the applicable collective bargaining agreements, the authority and responsibilities of a principal with respect to the evaluation of all teachers and other personnel assigned to an attendance center shall commence immediately upon his or her appointment as principal of the attendance center, without regard to the length of time that he or she has been the principal of that attendance center.

Notwithstanding the existence of any other law of this State, nothing in this Act shall prevent the board from entering into a contract with a third party for services currently performed by any employee or bargaining unit member.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article, each principal may approve contracts, binding on the board, in the amount of no more than $10,000, if the contract is endorsed by the Local School Council.

Unless otherwise prohibited by law or by rule of the board, the principal shall provide to local school council members copies of all internal audits and any other pertinent information generated by any audits or reviews of the programs and operation of the attendance center.

Each principal shall hold a valid administrative certificate issued or exchanged in accordance with Article 21 and endorsed as required by that Article for the position of principal. The board may establish or impose academic, educational, examination, and experience requirements and criteria that are in addition to those established and required by Article 21 for issuance of a valid certificate endorsed for the position of principal as a condition of the nomination, selection, appointment, employment, or continued employment of a person as principal of any attendance center, or as a condition of the renewal of any principal's performance contract.

The board shall specify in its formal job description for principals, and from and after July 1, 1990 shall specify in the 4 year performance contracts for use with respect to all principals, that his or her primary responsibility is in the improvement of instruction. A majority of the time spent by a principal shall be spent on curriculum and staff development through both formal and informal activities, establishing clear lines of communication regarding school goals, accomplishments, practices and policies with parents and teachers. The principal, with the assistance of the local school council, shall develop a school improvement plan as provided in Section 34‑2.4 and, upon approval of the plan by the local school council, shall be responsible for directing implementation of the plan. The principal, with the assistance of the professional personnel leadership committee, shall develop the specific methods and contents of the school's curriculum within the board's system‑wide curriculum standards and objectives and the requirements of the school improvement plan. The board shall ensure that all principals are evaluated on their instructional leadership ability and their ability to maintain a positive education and learning climate. It shall also be the responsibility of the principal to utilize resources of proper law enforcement agencies when the safety and welfare of students and teachers are threatened by illegal use of drugs and alcohol, by illegal use or possession of weapons, or by illegal gang activity.

Nothing in this Section shall prohibit the board and the exclusive representative of the district's teachers from entering into an agreement under Section 34‑85c of this Code to establish alternative procedures for teacher evaluation, remediation, and removal for cause after remediation, including an alternative system for peer evaluation and recommendations, for teachers assigned to schools identified in that agreement.

On or before October 1, 1989, the Board of Education, in consultation with any professional organization representing principals in the district, shall promulgate rules and implement a lottery for the purpose of determining whether a principal's existing performance contract (including the performance contract applicable to any principal's position in which a vacancy then exists) expires on June 30, 1990 or on June 30, 1991, and whether the ensuing 4 year performance contract begins on July 1, 1990 or July 1, 1991. The Board of Education shall establish and conduct the lottery in such manner that of all the performance contracts of principals (including the performance contracts applicable to all principal positions in which a vacancy then exists), 50% of such contracts shall expire on June 30, 1990, and 50% shall expire on June 30, 1991. All persons serving as principal on May 1, 1989, and all persons appointed as principal after May 1, 1989 and prior to July 1, 1990 or July 1, 1991, in a manner other than as provided by Section 34‑2.3, shall be deemed by operation of law to be serving under a performance contract which expires on June 30, 1990 or June 30, 1991; and unless such performance contract of any such principal is renewed (or such person is again appointed to serve as principal) in the manner provided by Section 34‑2.2 or 34‑2.3, the employment of such person as principal shall terminate on June 30, 1990 or June 30, 1991.

Commencing on July 1, 1990, or on July 1, 1991, and thereafter, the principal of each attendance center shall be the person selected in the manner provided by Section 34‑2.3 to serve as principal of that attendance center under a 4 year performance contract. All performance contracts of principals expiring after July 1, 1990, or July 1, 1991, shall commence on the date specified in the contract, and the renewal of their performance contracts and the appointment of principals when their performance contracts are not renewed shall be governed by Sections 34‑2.2 and 34‑2.3. Whenever a vacancy in the office of a principal occurs for any reason, the vacancy shall be filled by the selection of a new principal to serve under a 4 year performance contract in the manner provided by Section 34‑2.3.

The board of education shall develop and prepare, in consultation with the organization representing principals, a performance contract for use at all attendance centers, and shall furnish the same to each local school council. The term of the performance contract shall be 4 years, unless the principal is retained by the decision of a hearing officer pursuant to subdivision 1.5 of Section 34‑2.3, in which case the contract shall be extended for 2 years. The performance contract of each principal shall consist of the uniform performance contract, as developed or from time to time modified by the board, and such additional criteria as are established by a local school council pursuant to Section 34‑2.3 for the performance contract of its principal.

During the term of his or her performance contract, a principal may be removed only as provided for in the performance contract except for cause. He or she shall also be obliged to follow the rules of the board of education concerning conduct and efficiency.

In the event the performance contract of a principal is not renewed or a principal is not reappointed as principal under a new performance contract, or in the event a principal is appointed to any position of superintendent or higher position, or voluntarily resigns his position of principal, his or her employment as a principal shall terminate and such former principal shall not be reinstated to the position from which he or she was promoted to principal, except that he or she, if otherwise qualified and certified in accordance with Article 21, shall be placed by the board on appropriate eligibility lists which it prepares for use in the filling of vacant or additional or newly created positions for teachers. The principal's total years of service to the board as both a teacher and a principal, or in other professional capacities, shall be used in calculating years of experience for purposes of being selected as a teacher into new, additional or vacant positions.

In the event the performance contract of a principal is not renewed or a principal is not reappointed as principal under a new performance contract, such principal shall be eligible to continue to receive his or her previously provided level of health insurance benefits for a period of 90 days following the non‑renewal of the contract at no expense to the principal, provided that such principal has not retired.

(Source: P.A. 95‑331, eff. 8‑21‑07; 95‑510, eff. 8‑28‑07.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑8.1a)

Sec. 34‑8.1a. Waiver of collective bargaining agreement provisions. Notwithstanding the provisions of any law or collective bargaining agreement to the contrary, the principal, with the concurrence of at least 63.5% through August 31, 1995, and 51% thereafter of an attendance center's personnel in the teachers' bargaining unit, whether certificated or uncertificated non‑academic, shall have the right to declare waived and superseded a provision of the teachers' collective bargaining agreement as it applies in or at the attendance center to the bargaining unit's employees. Any collective bargaining agreement entered into after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1995 with a bargaining unit other than the teachers' bargaining unit shall contain a waiver procedure that meets the requirements of this Section.

Any waiver approved as provided in this Section shall be final upon concurrence of the required percentage of personnel and shall not be subject to approval or rejection by a bargaining unit or a committee of the bargaining unit.

(Source: P.A. 88‑511; 89‑15, eff. 5‑30‑95.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑8.1b)

Sec. 34‑8.1b. Exemption from bargaining unit membership. Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, any employee of the Chicago public schools system whose job description or actual performance of duties requires an Illinois Type 75 General Administrative Certificate or its equivalent shall not be a member of the teachers collective bargaining unit.

(Source: P.A. 89‑15, eff. 5‑30‑95.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑8.3) (from Ch. 122, par. 34‑8.3)

Sec. 34‑8.3. Remediation and probation of attendance centers.

(a) The general superintendent shall monitor the performance of the attendance centers within the district and shall identify attendance centers, pursuant to criteria that the board shall establish, in which:

(1) there is a failure to develop, implement, or comply with a school improvement plan;

(2) there is a pervasive breakdown in the educational program as indicated by factors, including, but not limited to, the absence of improvement in student reading and math achievement scores, an increased drop‑out rate, a decreased graduation rate, and a decrease in rate of student attendance;

(3) (blank); or

(4) there is a failure or refusal to comply with the provisions of this Act, other applicable laws, collective bargaining agreements, court orders, or with Board rules which the Board is authorized to promulgate.

(b) If the general superintendent identifies a nonperforming school as described herein, he or she shall place the attendance center on remediation by developing a remediation plan for the center. The purpose of the remediation plan shall be to correct the deficiencies in the performance of the attendance center by one or more of the following methods:

(1) drafting a new school improvement plan;

(2) applying to the board for additional funding for training for the local school council;

(3) directing implementation of a school improvement plan;

(4) mediating disputes or other obstacles to reform or improvement at the attendance center.

If, however, the general superintendent determines that the problems are not able to be remediated by these methods, the general superintendent shall place the attendance center on probation. The board shall establish guidelines that determine the factors for placing an attendance center on probation.

(c) Each school placed on probation shall have a school improvement plan and school budget for correcting deficiencies identified by the board. The plan shall include specific steps that the local school council and school staff must take to correct identified deficiencies and specific objective criteria by which the school's subsequent progress will be determined. The school budget shall include specific expenditures directly calculated to correct educational and operational deficiencies identified at the school by the probation team.

(d) Schools placed on probation that, after a maximum of one year, fail to make adequate progress in correcting deficiencies are subject to the following actions by the general superintendent with the approval of the board, after opportunity for a hearing:

(1) Ordering new local school council elections.

(2) Removing and replacing the principal.

(3) Replacement of faculty members, subject to the provisions of Section 24A‑5.

(4) Reconstitution of the attendance center and replacement and reassignment by the general superintendent of all employees of the attendance center.

(5) Intervention under Section 34‑8.4.

(5.5) Operating an attendance center as a contract turnaround school.

(6) Closing of the school.

(e) Schools placed on probation shall remain on probation from year to year until deficiencies are corrected, even if such schools make acceptable annual progress. The board shall establish, in writing, criteria for determining whether or not a school shall remain on probation. If academic achievement tests are used as the factor for placing a school on probation, the general superintendent shall consider objective criteria, not just an increase in test scores, in deciding whether or not a school shall remain on probation. These criteria shall include attendance, test scores, student mobility rates, poverty rates, bilingual education eligibility, special education, and English language proficiency programs, with progress made in these areas being taken into consideration in deciding whether or not a school shall remain on probation.

(f) Where the board has reason to believe that violations of civil rights, or of civil or criminal law have occurred, or when the general superintendent deems that the school is in educational crisis it may take immediate corrective action, including the actions specified in this Section, without first placing the school on remediation or probation. Nothing described herein shall limit the authority of the board as provided by any law of this State. The board shall develop criteria governing the determination regarding when a school is in educational crisis.

(g) All persons serving as subdistrict superintendent on May 1, 1995 shall be deemed by operation of law to be serving under a performance contract which expires on June 30, 1995, and the employment of each such person as subdistrict superintendent shall terminate on June 30, 1995. The board shall have no obligation to compensate any such person as a subdistrict superintendent after June 30, 1995.

(h) The general superintendent shall, in consultation with local school councils, conduct an annual evaluation of each principal in the district pursuant to guidelines promulgated by the Board of Education.

(Source: P.A. 96‑105, eff. 7‑30‑09.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑8.3a)

Sec. 34‑8.3a. Financial supervision of attendance centers.

(a) A fiscal advisor that has been appointed pursuant to subsection (a) of Section 34‑2.1 of this Code shall, not later than 90 days after his or her appointment, report to the general superintendent, the board of education, the local school council, and the principal of the school on the progress made in addressing any of the financial deficiencies. If the fiscal advisor determines that the attendance center has rectified all identified deficiencies or has made satisfactory progress in addressing identified deficiencies such that the deficiencies shall be corrected subsequent to the 90‑day period, no further action shall be taken by the Board. If, however, the local school council and the principal have not rectified or made satisfactory progress in correcting identified deficiencies, the general superintendent may appoint a financial supervision team, consisting of the fiscal advisor, the general superintendent or his or her designee, and a representative of an outside, independent auditor. Financial supervision teams may develop and implement school budgets to correct the financial irregularities identified in the fiscal advisor's report. The budget shall identify specifically those expenditures that directly correct the irregularities identified in the fiscal advisor's report. Financial supervision teams shall institute systems and procedures necessary to achieve appropriate fiscal management at the school.

(b) Financial supervision teams may modify an existing school improvement plan only to the extent necessary to implement the school budget it develops. Modifications to a school improvement plan shall include specific steps that the local school council and school staff must take to correct each specific financial irregularity identified by the fiscal advisor's report. The modifications to a school improvement plan shall further specify objective criteria by which the deficiencies identified in the fiscal advisor's report are to be corrected. The local school council and school staff shall be consulted on the school budget and modifications to the school improvement plan to be implemented by the financial supervision team but will have no authority to modify either.

(c) Upon implementation of the budget developed by the financial supervision team, and accompanying modifications to a school improvement plan, the financial supervision team's authority to conduct fiscal or related educational management of a school shall cease.

(Source: P.A. 91‑622, eff. 8‑19‑99.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑8.4)

Sec. 34‑8.4. Intervention. The Chicago Schools Academic Accountability Council may recommend to the Chicago School Reform Board of Trustees that any school placed on remediation or probation under Section 34‑8.3 or schools that for the 3 consecutive school years of 1992‑1993, 1993‑1994, and 1994‑1995 have met the State Board of Education's category of "does not meet expectations" be made subject to intervention under this Section 34‑8.4. In addition to any powers created under this Section, the Trustees shall have all powers created under Section 34‑8.3 with respect to schools subjected to intervention.

Prior to subjecting a school to intervention, the Trustees shall conduct a public hearing and make findings of facts concerning the recommendation of the Chicago Schools Academic Accountability Council and the factors causing the failure of the school to adequately perform. The Trustees shall afford an opportunity at the hearing for interested persons to comment about the intervention recommendation. After the hearing has been held and completion of findings of fact, the Trustees shall make a determination whether to subject the school to intervention.

If the Trustees determine that a school shall be subject to intervention under this Section, the Trustees shall develop an intervention implementation plan and shall cause a performance evaluation to be made of each employee at the school. Upon consideration of such evaluations, and consistent with the intervention implementation plan, the Trustees may reassign, layoff, or dismiss any employees at the attendance center, notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 24A‑5 and 34‑85.

The chief educational officer shall appoint a principal for the school and shall set the terms and conditions of the principal's contract, which in no case may be longer than 2 years. The principal shall select all teachers and non‑certified personnel for the school as may be necessary. Any provision of Section 34‑8.1 that conflicts with this Section shall not apply to a school subjected to intervention under this Section.

If pursuant to this Section, the general superintendent, with the approval of the board, orders new local school council elections, the general superintendent shall carry out the responsibilities of the local school council for a school subject to intervention until the new local school council members are elected and trained.

Each school year, 5% of the supplemental general State aid funds distributed to a school subject to intervention during that school year under subsection 5(i)(1)(a) of part A of Section 18‑8 or subsection (H) of Section 18‑8.05 shall be used for employee performance incentives. The Trustees shall prepare a report evaluating the results of any interventions undertaken pursuant to this Section and shall make recommendations concerning implementation of special programs for dealing with underperforming schools on an ongoing basis. This report shall be submitted to the State Superintendent of Education and Mayor of the City of Chicago by January 1, 1999.

(Source: P.A. 89‑15, eff. 5‑30‑95; 89‑698, eff. 1‑14‑97; 90‑548, eff. 1‑1‑98.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑8.5)

Sec. 34‑8.5. (Repealed).

(Source: Repealed by P.A. 89‑3, eff. 2‑27‑95.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑8.6)

Sec. 34‑8.6. Short title. Sections 34‑8.6 through 34‑8.19 of this Act may be cited as the Chicago Learning Zone Implementation Law.

(Source: P.A. 89‑3, eff. 2‑27‑95.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑8.7)

Sec. 34‑8.7. Findings. The General Assembly observes that the Chicago Learning Zone Advisory Committee has issued its report and recommendations. The General Assembly finds, after due consideration of the Committee's report and recommendations, that establishment of a Chicago Learning Zone designation, as the educational version of enterprise zones, will create an opportunity to accelerate the process of Chicago school reform. The General Assembly further finds that the Chicago Learning Zone will offer a fundamental change in operations from a mode of following regulations to an outcome mode, that this change will be one which concentrates on improving academic achievement in ways that can be utilized to reform the system, and that this change will be predicated on the overriding philosophy that attendance centers should be empowered to develop models most appropriate to their situations.

The General Assembly further observes that the value of a learning experience is determined by the outcomes achieved, not by the time or place of attendance; and, it finds that Learning Zone schools should have the ability to operate without State laws and regulations, board rules, and policies, and the ability to operate with contractual waivable conditions by a vote of the school staff governed by the contracts. Accordingly, the General Assembly finds that the educational needs of the schoolchildren of Chicago will be served by establishing a Chicago Learning Zone.

(Source: P.A. 89‑3, eff. 2‑27‑95; 89‑15, eff. 5‑30‑95.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑8.8)

Sec. 34‑8.8. (Repealed).

(Source: Repealed by P.A. 89‑15, eff. 5‑30‑95.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑8.9)

Sec. 34‑8.9. (Repealed).

(Source: Repealed by P.A. 89‑15, eff. 5‑30‑95.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑8.10)

Sec. 34‑8.10. Applications for Learning Zone designation. The board shall evaluate applications from attendance centers within Chicago. Applications shall be in the form prescribed by the board. The board shall, upon majority vote, grant Learning Zone designations that, in its judgment, satisfy the goals and requirements of this Law. The board shall establish policies and procedures necessary to implement this Law.

(Source: P.A. 89‑3, eff. 2‑27‑95; 89‑15, eff. 5‑30‑95.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑8.11)

Sec. 34‑8.11. Evaluation criteria. In determining whether to grant Learning Zone designation, the board shall consider the following factors:

(1) The extent to which the application demonstrates that improved student learning will be the paramount priority and outcome;

(2) Proposed adoption of high, rigorous standards of achievement and outcome for all students and staff;

(3) Proposed use of shared, collegial decision‑making;

(4) Creative, flexible, and innovative proposed restructuring of the applicant attendance centers to create student‑centered learning environments;

(5) Parental and community integration and involvement;

(6) Development of collaborative relationships with health and human services agencies;

(7) Ability to function on a localized, decentralized basis within the Chicago public school system;

(8) Appropriateness of budget and resource allocations, including those functions to be assumed and those to remain centralized;

(9) Impact of the statutes, regulations, rules, and policies for which waivers are sought; and

(10) Such other factors, not confined to the foregoing, that are fiscally sound and reasonably determinative of successful student outcome.

(Source: P.A. 89‑3, eff. 2‑27‑95; 89‑15, eff. 5‑30‑95.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑8.12)

Sec. 34‑8.12. Attendance center support. Applications for Learning Zone designation must include evidence that the application is supported by the principal of the attendance center and by a majority vote of the Local School Council and attendance center staff. Applications shall include that evidence for each participating attendance center.

(Source: P.A. 89‑3, eff. 2‑27‑95.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑8.13)

Sec. 34‑8.13. Learning Zone designation principles. In performing its duties under this Law, the board shall be guided by the following additional principles:

(1) Learning Zone designations should be effective for an initial period of no less than 3 and no more than 6 years;

(2) Learning Zone designations should encompass clusters of attendance centers through joint application from secondary and feeder elementary schools or in other reasonably related clusters;

(3) Learning Zone designations should encompass, in the aggregate, approximately 10% of the students enrolled in attendance centers within Chicago;

(4) Learning Zone designations should, in the aggregate, be reflective of the racial and ethnic diversity and demography of students enrolled in attendance centers within Chicago;

(5) Learning Zone designations should be fully operational commencing with the 1996‑97 school year; and

(6) Learning Zone designation renewals, revisions, and applications for additional waivers of statutes, regulations, rules, and policies should be evaluated in light of the goals of this Law.

(Source: P.A. 89‑3, eff. 2‑27‑95; 89‑15, eff. 5‑30‑95.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑8.14)

Sec. 34‑8.14. Non‑waivable provisions. Notwithstanding anything in the School Code to the contrary, statutes, regulations, rules, and policy provisions concerning the following shall not be waivable:

(1) Student civil rights;

(2) Staff civil rights;

(3) Health and safety;

(4) Performance and financial audits;

(5) Local School Council provisions, including required statements of economic disclosure;

(6) The Open Meetings Act;

(7) The Freedom of Information Act;

(8) The Illinois goals assessment program;

(9) Chicago learning outcomes;

(10) Sections 2‑3.25a through 2‑3.25j of the School Code; and

(11) Collective bargaining agreements.

(Source: P.A. 89‑3, eff. 2‑27‑95.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑8.15)

Sec. 34‑8.15. Reports. The board shall file reports describing statutory waivers encompassed in the Learning Zone designations it grants under Section 34‑8.10 with the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Secretary of State before October 1, 1995 and thereafter before each May 1 and October 1. The provisions in the report or as amended by the General Assembly shall take effect as provided by law.

(Source: P.A. 89‑3, eff. 2‑27‑95; 89‑15, eff. 5‑30‑95.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑8.16)

Sec. 34‑8.16. Disapproval or amendment of reports. The General Assembly may disapprove the report of the board in whole, or amend it within 30 calendar days after each house of the legislature next convenes after the report is filed, by adoption of a resolution by a record vote of the majority of the members elected in each house directed to the board. The resolution shall be binding upon the board. Reports shall become effective if the General Assembly fails to disapprove or amend the report within the 30 day period.

For the initial report that the board is required to file before October 1, 1995, the General Assembly may, by January 1, 1996, disapprove the report of the board in whole or amend it, after the report is filed, by the adoption of a resolution by a record vote of the majority of the members. The initial report shall become effective if the General Assembly fails to disapprove or amend the report by January 1, 1996.

(Source: P.A. 89‑3, eff. 2‑27‑95; 89‑15, eff. 5‑30‑95.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑8.17)

Sec. 34‑8.17. Lump‑sum allocation; key centralized functions. Final designation as a Learning Zone under this Law shall entitle the participating attendance centers to receive funds in lump‑sum allocations, to budget and spend those funds, and to operate in accordance with the designation and this Law. Lump‑sum allocations shall be based on the number of enrolled regular and special needs students and shall include all operating funds for compensation, supplies, equipment, repairs, energy, maintenance, transportation, and professional services, and all special funds that follow special populations, including desegregation, special education, bilingual, federal, and State Chapter 1 funds. A sum equal to 3.2% of operating funds shall be deducted by the board to provide key centralized functions, unless a designated Learning Zone obtains one or more of those functions elsewhere, in which case the sum shall be appropriately adjusted. As used in this Law, key centralized functions shall mean:

(1) Equity assurance staff to ensure that services are maintained for students with disabilities, limited English proficient students, low‑income students, and any other special need students as required by federal law;

(2) Payroll services and background and credential checks;

(3) Budget and treasury services to levy and collect taxes and distribute lump‑sum funding;

(4) Central computer systems providing information distribution and networking;

(5) On‑line data collection and analysis centers for student and school data;

(6) Emergency pool funding; and

(7) Legal and labor departmental services for system‑wide litigation and collective bargaining negotiations.

(Source: P.A. 89‑3, eff. 2‑27‑95; 89‑15, eff. 5‑30‑95.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑8.18)

Sec. 34‑8.18. The board shall revoke Learning Zone designation and the attendance center or centers involved shall return to their prior status upon a finding of:

(1) A material violation of conditions, standards, or procedures established in the designation or this Law;

(2) Failure to meet or make reasonable progress toward achievement of goals;

(3) Failure to meet generally accepted standards of fiscal management; or

(4) Conditions jeopardizing the health or safety of students.

Technical assistance designed to resolve items (1) through (4) may, in the discretion of the board, be provided to attendance centers prior to or in lieu of revocation of Learning Zone designations.

(Source: P.A. 89‑3, eff. 2‑27‑95; 89‑15, eff. 5‑30‑95.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑8.19)

Sec. 34‑8.19. (Repealed).

(Source: Repealed by P.A. 89‑15, eff. 5‑30‑95.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑9) (from Ch. 122, par. 34‑9)

Sec. 34‑9. Report and estimates.

On or before December 1, 1972, on or before December 1, 1973, on or before August 1, 1974 and on or before August 1 of each fiscal year thereafter, the general superintendent of schools shall submit to the board a report containing:

1. A separate balance sheet for each fund under the control of the board, showing, by classes, the estimated current assets and liabilities thereof as of the beginning of the next fiscal year and the amounts of such assets available for appropriation in such year, either for expenditures or charges to be made or incurred during such year or for liabilities unpaid at the beginning thereof. Estimates of taxes to be received from prior levies shall be net, after deducting amounts sufficient to cover the loss and cost of collecting taxes and also deferred collections thereof and abatements in the amount of taxes extended or to be extended upon the collectors' books. Estimates of the liabilities of the respective funds shall include (a) all final judgments, and accrued interest thereon, entered against the board and unpaid at the beginning of such next fiscal year, (b) the principal of all general obligation notes or anticipation tax warrants and all temporary loans and all accrued interest thereon unpaid at the beginning of such next fiscal year, (c) any amount for which the board is required to reimburse the working cash fund from the educational purposes fund pursuant to the provisions of Sections 34‑‑30 to 34‑‑36 inclusive, and (d) estimates of all accounts payable including estimates of audited vouchers, participation certificates, interfund loans and purchase orders payable.

2. Detailed estimates, by funds, of all taxes to be levied for the next fiscal year and of all other current revenues to be derived from other sources, which will be applicable to expenditures or charges to be made or incurred during such year. In estimating taxes to be levied for any purpose, except for the payment of bonded indebtedness or interest thereon and except for pension fund or working cash fund purposes, the general superintendent of schools shall be governed by the limitations in Sections 34‑‑43 to 34‑‑52, inclusive.

3. Estimates, by funds, of the amounts necessary for the board to appropriate for expenditures or charges to be made or incurred during the next succeeding fiscal year, including estimates of the interest to accrue during such year upon general obligation notes or anticipation tax warrants and temporary loans. Such estimates shall be so classified as to show the different objects and purposes for which expenditures or charges are to be made or incurred and the amount required for each object or purpose.

4. Such other information concerning the financial affairs of the board as the board may prescribe.

(Source: P. A. 77‑2734.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑10) (from Ch. 122, par. 34‑10)

Sec. 34‑10. Revised report‑Amendments‑Excessive appropriations.

Within the first 15 days of each fiscal year the general superintendent of schools may submit to the board a revised report on all matters specified in Section 34‑‑9, upon the basis of information then available, and may submit amendments to such report at any time prior to the passage of the annual school budget. He shall also submit to the board, whenever requested by it, any additional or supplemental information he may have concerning matters upon which he is required to report. He shall, within 10 days after the first regular meeting of the board occurring not less than 7 days after the adoption of the school budget, report to the board the extent to which and in what respects, if any, the appropriations contained in such budget in his judgment exceed the appropriations which the board is by law authorized to make.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑11) (from Ch. 122, par. 34‑11)

Sec. 34‑11. Duties of general counsel; assistants. The board by a majority vote of its full membership shall appoint a general counsel who shall have charge and control, subject to the approval of the board, of the law department and of all litigation, legal questions and such other legal matters as may be referred to the department by the board or by the general superintendent of schools. Appointments, promotions and discharge of assistant attorneys shall be made by a majority of the board upon recommendation of the attorney or by a majority vote of the full membership of the board. The general counsel shall hold this office for an indefinite term subject to removal by a majority vote of the full membership of the board. In this Article, "attorney" means general counsel.

(Source: P.A. 91‑622, eff. 8‑19‑99.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑12) (from Ch. 122, par. 34‑12)

Sec. 34‑12. Participation in meetings by superintendent and attorney. The general superintendent of schools and the general counsel may be present at all meetings of the board and shall have a right to take part in its discussions and deliberations, but shall have no vote.

(Source: P.A. 91‑622, eff. 8‑19‑99.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑13) (from Ch. 122, par. 34‑13)

Sec. 34‑13. Appointment, removal or suspension of attorney and assistants. The appointment and removal of the general superintendent of schools, heads of general departments now in existence or hereafter established, the general counsel, and all assistant attorneys shall not be subject to the civil service law. The heads of general departments now in existence or hereafter established may be removed by a majority vote of the full membership of the board upon the recommendation of the general superintendent of schools or by a majority vote of the full membership of the board.

(Source: P.A. 91‑622, eff. 8‑19‑99.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑13.1)

Sec. 34‑13.1. Inspector General.

(a) The Inspector General and his office in existence on the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1995 shall be transferred to the jurisdiction of the board upon appointment of the Chicago School Reform Board of Trustees. The Inspector General shall have the authority to conduct investigations into allegations of or incidents of waste, fraud, and financial mismanagement in public education within the jurisdiction of the board by a local school council member or an employee, contractor, or member of the board or involving school projects managed or handled by the Public Building Commission. The Inspector General shall make recommendations to the board about the investigations. The Inspector General in office on the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1996 shall serve for a term expiring on June 30, 1998. His or her successors in office shall each be appointed by the Mayor, without the consent or approval of the City Council, for 4 year terms expiring on June 30th of an even numbered year. If the Inspector General leaves office or if a vacancy in that office otherwise occurs, the Mayor shall appoint, without the consent or approval of the City Council, a successor to serve under this Section for the remainder of the unexpired term. The Inspector General shall be independent of the operations of the board and the School Finance Authority, and shall perform other duties requested by the board.

(b) The Inspector General shall have access to all information and personnel necessary to perform the duties of the office. If the Inspector General determines that a possible criminal act has been committed or that special expertise is required in the investigation, he or she shall immediately notify the Chicago Police Department and the Cook County State's Attorney. All investigations conducted by the Inspector General shall be conducted in a manner that ensures the preservation of evidence for use in criminal prosecutions.

(c) At all times the Inspector General shall be granted access to any building or facility that is owned, operated, or leased by the board, the Public Building Commission, or the city in trust and for the use and benefit of the schools of the district.

(d) The Inspector General shall have the power to subpoena witnesses and compel the production of books and papers pertinent to an investigation authorized by this Code. Any person who (1) fails to appear in response to a subpoena; (2) fails to answer any question; (3) fails to produce any books or papers pertinent to an investigation under this Code; or (4) knowingly gives false testimony during an investigation under this Code, is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

(e) The Inspector General shall provide to the board and the Illinois General Assembly a summary of reports and investigations made under this Section for the previous fiscal year no later than January 1 of each year, except that the Inspector General shall provide the summary of reports and investigations made under this Section for the period commencing July 1, 1998 and ending April 30, 1999 no later than May 1, 1999. The summaries shall detail the final disposition of those recommendations. The summaries shall not contain any confidential or identifying information concerning the subjects of the reports and investigations. The summaries shall also include detailed recommended administrative actions and matters for consideration by the General Assembly.

(f) (Blank).

(g) (Blank).

(Source: P.A. 89‑15, eff. 5‑30‑95; 89‑698, eff. 1‑14‑97.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑14) (from Ch. 122, par. 34‑14)

Sec. 34‑14. Section 34‑15 Not limited by Sections 34‑6 To 34‑13.

Nothing contained in Sections 34‑6, 34‑7, 34‑8, 34‑9, 34‑10, 34‑11, 34‑12, or 34‑13 of this Act shall in any wise be construed to limit the scope, effect and applicability of Section 34‑15 of this Act.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑15) (from Ch. 122, par. 34‑15)

Sec. 34‑15. Other officers and employees. The board may appoint, or provide for the appointment of, such other officers and employees as it deems necessary.

(Source: P.A. 89‑15, eff. 5‑30‑95.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑15a) (from Ch. 122, par. 34‑15a)

Sec. 34‑15a. Active military service. Any certificated or non‑certificated employee of the Board of Education who is a member of any reserve component of the United States Armed Services, including the Illinois National Guard, and who is mobilized to active military duty on or after August 1, 1990, shall for each pay period beginning on or after August 1, 1990 continue to receive the same regular compensation that he receives or was receiving as an employee of the Board of Education at the time he is or was so mobilized to active military duty, plus any health insurance and other benefits he is or was receiving or accruing at that time, minus the amount of his base pay for military service, for the duration of his active military service. Such active military duty shall not result in the loss or diminishment of any employment benefit, service credit, or status accrued at the time the duty commenced if the duty commenced on or after September 1, 2001.

In the event any provision of a collective bargaining agreement or any board of education or district policy covering any employee so ordered to active duty is more generous than the provisions contained in this Section, the collective bargaining agreement or board of education or district policy shall be controlling.

(Source: P.A. 92‑660, eff. 7‑16‑02.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑16) (from Ch. 122, par. 34‑16)

Sec. 34‑16. Powers of board respecting officers and employees.

The board shall, subject to the limitations in this Article, prescribe the duties, compensation and terms of office of its officers and the duties, compensation and terms of employment of its employees and determine which of its officers and employees shall give bond, on what conditions, and in what amount.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑17) (from Ch. 122, par. 34‑17)

Sec. 34‑17. Powers not exercised by city council.

No power vested in the board or in any of its officers, agents or employees shall be exercised by the city council.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/34‑18) (from Ch. 122, par. 34‑18)

Sec. 34‑18. Powers of the board. The board shall exercise general supervision and jurisdiction over the public education and the public school system of the city, and, except as otherwise provided by this Article, shall have power:

1. To make suitable provision for the establishment and maintenance throughout the year or for such portion thereof as it may direct, not less than 9 months, of schools of all grades and kinds, including normal schools, high schools, night schools, schools for defectives and delinquents, parental and truant schools, schools for the blind, the deaf and the crippled, schools or classes in manual training, constructural and vocational teaching, domestic arts and physical culture, vocation and extension schools and lecture courses, and all other educational courses and facilities, including establishing, equipping, maintaining and operating playgrounds and recreational programs, when such programs are conducted in, adjacent to, or connected with any public school under the general supervision and jurisdiction of the board; provided that the calendar for the school term and any changes must be submitted to and approved by the State Board of Education before the calendar or changes may take effect, and provided that in allocating funds from year to year for the operation of all attendance centers within the district, the board shall ensure that supplemental general State aid funds are allocated and applied in accordance with Section 18‑8 or 18‑8.05. To admit to such schools without charge foreign exchange students who are participants in an organized exchange student program which is authorized by the board. The board shall permit all students to enroll in apprenticeship programs in trade schools operated by the board, whether those programs are union‑sponsored or not. No student shall be refused admission into or be excluded from any course of instruction offered in the common schools by reason of that student's sex. No student shall be denied equal access to physical education and interscholastic athletic programs supported from school district funds or denied participation in comparable physical education and athletic programs solely by reason of the student's sex. Equal access to programs supported from school district funds and comparable programs will be defined in rules promulgated by the State Board of Education in consultation with the Illinois High School Association. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article, neither the board of education nor any local school council or other school official shall recommend that children with disabilities be placed into regular education classrooms unless those children with disabilities are provided with supplementary services to assist them so that they benefit from the regular classroom instruction and are included on the teacher's regular education class register;

2. To furnish lunches to pupils, to make a reasonable charge therefor, and to use school funds for the payment of such expenses as the board may determine are necessary in conducting the school lunch program;

3. To co‑operate with the circuit court;

4. To make arrangements with the public or quasi‑public libraries and museums for the use of their facilities by teachers and pupils of the public schools;

5. To employ dentists and prescribe their duties for the purpose of treating the pupils in the schools, but accepting such treatment shall be optional with parents or guardians;

6. To grant the use of assembly halls and classrooms when not otherwise needed, including light, heat, and attendants, for free public lectures, concerts, and other educational and social interests, free of charge, under such provisions and control as the principal of the affected attendance center may prescribe;

7. To apportion the pupils to the several schools; provided that no pupil shall be excluded from or segregated in any such school on account of his color, race, sex, or nationality. The board shall take into consideration the prevention of segregation and the elimination of separation of children in public schools because of color, race, sex, or nationality. Except that children may be committed to or attend parental and social adjustment schools established and maintained either for boys or girls only. All records pertaining to the creation, alteration or revision of attendance areas shall be open to the public. Nothing herein shall limit the board's authority to establish multi‑area attendance centers or other student assignment systems for desegregation purposes or otherwise, and to apportion the pupils to the several schools. Furthermore, beginning in school year 1994‑95, pursuant to a board plan adopted by October 1, 1993, the board shall offer, commencing on a phased‑in basis, the opportunity for families within the school district to apply for enrollment of their children in any attendance center within the school district which does not have selective admission requirements approved by the board. The appropriate geographical area in which such open enrollment may be exercised shall be determined by the board of education. Such children may be admitted to any such attendance center on a space available basis after all children residing within such attendance center's area have been accommodated. If the number of applicants from outside the attendance area exceed the space available, then successful applicants shall be selected by lottery. The board of education's open enrollment plan must include provisions that allow low income students to have access to transportation needed to exercise school choice. Open enrollment shall be in compliance with the provisions of the Consent Decree and Desegregation Plan cited in Section 34‑1.01;

8. To approve programs and policies for providing transportation services to students. Nothing herein shall be construed to permit or empower the State Board of Education to order, mandate, or require busing or other transportation of pupils for the purpose of achieving racial balance in any school;

9. Subject to the limitations in this Article, to establish and approve system‑wide curriculum objectives and standards, including graduation standards, which reflect the multi‑cultural diversity in the city and are consistent with State law, provided that for all purposes of this Article courses or proficiency in American Sign Language shall be deemed to constitute courses or proficiency in a foreign language; and to employ principals and teachers, appointed as provided in this Article, and fix their compensation. The board shall prepare such reports related to minimal competency testing as may be requested by the State Board of Education, and in addition shall monitor and approve special education and bilingual education programs and policies within the district to assure that appropriate services are provided in accordance with applicable State and federal laws to children requiring services and education in those areas;

10. To employ non‑teaching personnel or utilize volunteer personnel for: (i) non‑teaching duties not requiring instructional judgment or evaluation of pupils, including library duties; and (ii) supervising study halls, long distance teaching reception areas used incident to instructional programs transmitted by electronic media such as computers, video, and audio, detention and discipline areas, and school‑sponsored extracurricular activities. The board may further utilize volunteer non‑certificated personnel or employ non‑certificated personnel to assist in the instruction of pupils under the immediate supervision of a teacher holding a valid certificate, directly engaged in teaching subject matter or conducting activities; provided that the teacher shall be continuously aware of the non‑certificated persons' activities and shall be able to control or modify them. The general superintendent shall determine qualifications of such personnel and shall prescribe rules for determining the duties and activities to be assigned to such personnel;

10.5. To utilize volunteer personnel from a regional School Crisis Assistance Team (S.C.A.T.), created as part of the Safe to Learn Program established pursuant to Section 25 of the Illinois Violence Prevention Act of 1995, to provide assistance to schools in times of violence or other traumatic incidents within a school community by providing crisis intervention services to lessen the effects of emotional trauma on individuals and the community; the School Crisis Assistance Team Steering Committee shall determine the qualifications for volunteers;

11. To provide television studio facilities in not to exceed one school building and to provide programs for educational purposes, provided, however, that the board shall not construct, acquire, operate, or maintain a television transmitter; to grant the use of its studio facilities to a licensed television station located in the school district; and to maintain and operate not to exceed one school radio transmitting station and provide programs for educational purposes;

12. To offer, if deemed appropriate, outdoor education courses, including field trips within the State of Illinois, or adjacent states, and to use school educational funds for the expense of the said outdoor educational programs, whether within the school district or not;

13. During that period of the calendar year not embraced within the regular school term, to provide and conduct courses in subject matters normally embraced in the program of the schools during the regular school term and to give regular school credit for satisfactory completion by the student of such courses as may be approved for credit by the State Board of Education;

14. To insure against any loss or liability of the board, the former School Board Nominating Commission, Local School Councils, the Chicago Schools Academic Accountability Council, or the former Subdistrict Councils or of any member, officer, agent or employee thereof, resulting from alleged violations of civil rights arising from incidents occurring on or after September 5, 1967 or from the wrongful or negligent act or omission of any such person whether occurring within or without the school premises, provided the officer, agent or employee was, at the time of the alleged violation of civil rights or wrongful act or omission, acting within the scope of his employment or under direction of the board, the former School Board Nominating Commission, the Chicago Schools Academic Accountability Council, Local School Councils, or the former Subdistrict Councils; and to provide for or participate in insurance plans for its officers and employees, including but not limited to retirement annuities, medical, surgical and hospitalization benefits in such types and amounts as may be determined by the board; provided, however, that the board shall contract for such insurance only with an insurance company authorized to do business in this State. Such insurance may include provision for employees who rely on treatment by prayer or spiritual means alone for healing, in accordance with the tenets and practice of a recognized religious denomination;

15. To contract with the corporate authorities of any municipality or the county board of any county, as the case may be, to provide for the regulation of traffic in parking areas of property used for school purposes, in such manner as is provided by Section 11‑209 of The Illinois Vehicle Code, approved September 29, 1969, as amended;

16. (a) To provide, on an equal basis, access to a high school campus and student directory information to the official recruiting representatives of the armed forces of Illinois and the United States for the purposes of informing students of the educational and career opportunities available in the military if the board has provided such access to persons or groups whose purpose is to acquaint students with educational or occupational opportunities available to them. The board is not required to give greater notice regarding the right of access to recruiting representatives than is given to other persons and groups. In this paragraph 16, "directory information" means a high school student's name, address, and telephone number.

(b) If a student or his or her parent or guardian submits a signed, written request to the high school before the end of the student's sophomore year (or if the student is a transfer student, by another time set by the high school) that indicates that the student or his or her parent or guardian does not want the student's directory information to be provided to official recruiting representatives under subsection (a) of this Section, the high school may not provide access to the student's directory information to these recruiting representatives. The high school shall notify its students and their parents or guardians of the provisions of this subsection (b).

(c) A high school may require official recruiting representatives of the a