(105 ILCS 5/3-14.20) (from Ch. 122, par. 3-14.20)

Sec. 3-14.20. Building plans and specifications. To inspect the building plans and specifications, including but not limited to plans and specifications for the heating, ventilating, lighting, seating, water supply, toilets and safety against fire of public school rooms and buildings submitted to him by school boards, and to approve all those which comply substantially with the building code authorized in Section 2-3.12.

If a municipality or, in the case of an unincorporated area, a county or, if applicable, a fire protection district wishes to be notified of plans and specifications received by a regional office of education for any future construction or alteration of a public school facility located within that entity's jurisdiction, then the entity must register this wish with the regional superintendent of schools. Within 10 days after the regional superintendent of schools receives the plans and specifications from a school board and prior to the bidding process, he or she shall notify, in writing, the registered municipality and, if applicable, the registered fire protection district where the school that is being constructed or altered lies that plans and specifications have been received. In the case of an unincorporated area, the registered county shall be notified. If the municipality, fire protection district, or county requests a review of the plans and specifications, then the school board shall submit a copy of the plans and specifications. The municipality and, if applicable, the fire protection district or the county may comment in writing on the plans and specifications based on the building code authorized in Section 2-3.12, referencing the specific code where a discrepancy has been identified, and respond back to the regional superintendent of schools within 15 days after a copy of the plans and specifications have been received or, if needed for plan review, such additional time as agreed to by the regional superintendent of schools. This review must be at no cost to the school district.

If such plans and specifications are not approved or denied approval by the regional superintendent of schools within 3 months after the date on which they are submitted to him or her, the school board may submit such plans and specifications directly to the State Superintendent of Education for approval or denial.

(Source: P.A. 94-225, eff. 7-14-05.)

(105 ILCS 5/3-14.21) (from Ch. 122, par. 3-14.21)

Sec. 3-14.21. Inspection of schools.

(a) The regional superintendent shall inspect and survey all public schools under his or her supervision and notify the board of education, or the trustees of schools in a district with trustees, in writing before July 30, whether or not the several schools in their district have been kept as required by law, using forms provided by the State Board of Education which are based on the Health/Life Safety Code for Public Schools adopted under Section 2-3.12. The regional superintendent shall report his or her findings to the State Board of Education on forms provided by the State Board of Education.

(b) If the regional superintendent determines that a school board has failed in a timely manner to correct urgent items identified in a previous life-safety report completed under Section 2-3.12 or as otherwise previously ordered by the regional superintendent, the regional superintendent shall order the school board to adopt and submit to the regional superintendent a plan for the immediate correction of the building violations. This plan shall be adopted following a public hearing that is conducted by the school board on the violations and the plan and that is preceded by at least 7 days' prior notice of the hearing published in a newspaper of general circulation within the school district. If the regional superintendent determines in the next annual inspection that the plan has not been completed and that the violations have not been corrected, the regional superintendent shall submit a report to the State Board of Education with a recommendation that the State Board withhold from payments of general State aid or evidence-based funding due to the district an amount necessary to correct the outstanding violations. The State Board, upon notice to the school board and to the regional superintendent, shall consider the report at a meeting of the State Board, and may order that a sufficient amount of general State aid or evidence-based funding be withheld from payments due to the district to correct the violations. This amount shall be paid to the regional superintendent who shall contract on behalf of the school board for the correction of the outstanding violations.

(c) The Office of the State Fire Marshal or a qualified fire official, as defined in Section 2-3.12 of this Code, to whom the State Fire Marshal has delegated his or her authority shall conduct an annual fire safety inspection of each school building in this State. The State Fire Marshal or the fire official shall coordinate its inspections with the regional superintendent. The inspection shall be based on the fire safety code authorized in Section 2-3.12 of this Code. Any violations shall be reported in writing to the regional superintendent and shall reference the specific code sections where a discrepancy has been identified within 15 days after the inspection has been conducted. The regional superintendent shall address those violations that are not corrected in a timely manner pursuant to subsection (b) of this Section. The inspection must be at no cost to the school district.

(d) If a municipality or, in the case of an unincorporated area, a county or, if applicable, a fire protection district wishes to perform new construction inspections under the jurisdiction of a regional superintendent, then the entity must register this wish with the regional superintendent. These inspections must be based on the building code authorized in Section 2-3.12 of this Code. The inspections must be at no cost to the school district.

(Source: P.A. 100-465, eff. 8-31-17.)

(105 ILCS 5/3-14.22) (from Ch. 122, par. 3-14.22)

Sec. 3-14.22. Condemnation of school buildings. To request the Department of Public Health, the State Fire Marshal or the State Superintendent of Education to inspect public school buildings and temporary school facilities which appear to him to be unsafe, insanitary or unfit for occupancy. These officials shall inspect such buildings and temporary school facilities and if, in their opinion, such buildings or temporary facilities are unsafe, insanitary or unfit for occupancy, shall state in writing in what particular they are unsafe, insanitary or unfit for occupancy. Upon the receipt of such statement the regional superintendent shall condemn the building or temporary facility and notify the school board thereof in writing and the reasons for such condemnation. He shall also notify, in writing, the board of school trustees that the school or temporary facility so condemned is not kept as required by law.

The provisions of this Section shall not preclude inspection of school premises and buildings pursuant to Section 9 of the Fire Investigation Act, although not requested as hereinabove provided.

(Source: P.A. 87-984.)

(105 ILCS 5/3-14.23) (from Ch. 122, par. 3-14.23)

Sec. 3-14.23. School bus driver permits.

(a) To conduct courses of instruction for school bus drivers pursuant to the standards established by the Secretary of State under Section 6-106.1 of the Illinois Vehicle Code and to charge a fee based upon the cost of providing such courses of up to $6 per person for fiscal years 2010, 2011, and 2012; up to $8 per person for fiscal years 2013, 2014, and 2015; and up to $10 per person for fiscal year 2016 and each fiscal year thereafter for the initial classroom course in school bus driver safety and of up to $6 per person for fiscal years 2010, 2011, and 2012; up to $8 per person for fiscal years 2013, 2014, and 2015; and up to $10 per person for fiscal year 2016 and each fiscal year thereafter for the annual refresher course.

(b) To conduct such investigations as may be necessary to insure that all persons hired to operate school buses have valid school bus driver permits as required under Sections 6-104 and 6-106.1 of the Illinois Vehicle Code. If a regional superintendent finds evidence of non-compliance with this requirement, he shall submit such evidence together with his recommendations in writing to the school board.

If the regional superintendent finds evidence of noncompliance with the requirement that all persons employed directly by the school board to operate school buses have valid school bus driver permits as required under Sections 6-104 and 6-106.1 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, the regional superintendent shall schedule a hearing on a date not less than 5 days nor more than 10 days after notifying the district of his findings. If based on the evidence presented at the hearing the regional superintendent finds that persons employed directly by the school board to operate school buses do not have valid school bus driver permits as required under Sections 6-104 and 6-106.1 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, the regional superintendent shall submit such evidence and his findings together with his recommendations to the State Superintendent of Education. The State Superintendent of Education may reduce the district's claim for reimbursement under Sections 29-5 and 14-13.01 for transportation by 1.136% for each day of noncompliance.

If a school board finds evidence of noncompliance with the requirement that all persons employed by a contractor to operate school buses have valid school bus driver permits as required under Sections 6-104 and 6-106.1 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, the school board shall request a hearing before the regional superintendent. The regional superintendent shall schedule a hearing on a date not less than 5 days nor more than 10 days after receiving the request. If based on the evidence presented at the hearing the regional superintendent finds that persons employed by a contractor to operate school buses do not have valid school bus driver permits as required under Sections 6-104 and 6-106.1 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, the school board's financial obligations under the contract shall be reduced by an amount equal to 1.136% for each day of noncompliance. The findings of the regional superintendent and the relief provided herein shall not impair the obligations of the contractor to continue to provide transportation services in accordance with the terms of the contract.

The provisions of the Administrative Review Law, and all amendments and modifications thereof and the rules adopted pursuant thereto shall apply to and govern all proceedings instituted for judicial review of final administrative decisions of the regional superintendent under this Section.

(Source: P.A. 100-863, eff. 8-14-18.)

(105 ILCS 5/3-14.25) (from Ch. 122, par. 3-14.25)

Sec. 3-14.25. Unfilled teaching positions list; subject shortage area certifications.

(a) To maintain, and make available to the public during regular business hours, a list of unfilled teaching positions within the region. The most current version of the list must be posted on or linked to the regional office of education's Internet web site. If the regional office of education does not have an Internet web site, the regional superintendent of schools must make the list available to the State Board of Education and the State Board of Education must post the list on the State Board of Education's Internet web site. The State Board of Education's Internet web site must provide a link to each regional office of education's list.

(b) To certify to the Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois that a school district has submitted satisfactory evidence of compliance with the requirements of subsection (e) of Section 16-150.1 of the Illinois Pension Code, for the purpose of authorizing the employment of retired teachers in subject shortage areas under the program established in that Section.

(Source: P.A. 92-41, eff. 7-1-01; 93-320, eff. 7-23-03.)

(105 ILCS 5/3-14.26) (from Ch. 122, par. 3-14.26)

Sec. 3-14.26. To coordinate, aid and encourage the indemnification of members of regional boards of school trustees by county boards, as provided in Section 5-1102 of the Counties Code.

(Source: P.A. 86-1475.)

(105 ILCS 5/3-14.27)

Sec. 3-14.27. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 86-721. Repealed by P.A. 95-496, eff. 8-28-07.)

(105 ILCS 5/3-14.28)

Sec. 3-14.28. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 87-559. Repealed by P.A. 98-1155, eff. 1-9-15.)

(105 ILCS 5/3-14.29)

Sec. 3-14.29. Sharing information on school lunch applicants. Whenever requested by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (formerly Department of Public Aid), to agree in writing with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (as the State agency that administers the State Medical Assistance Program as provided in Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act and the State Children's Health Insurance Program as provided in Title XXI of the federal Social Security Act) to share with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services information on applicants for free or reduced-price lunches. This sharing of information shall be for the sole purpose of helping the Department of Healthcare and Family Services identify and enroll children in the State Medical Assistance Program or the State Children's Health Insurance Program or both as allowed under 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1758(b)(2)(C)(iii)(IV) and under the restrictions set forth in 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1758(b)(2)(C)(vi) and (vii).

(Source: P.A. 95-331, eff. 8-21-07.)

(105 ILCS 5/3-14.30)

Sec. 3-14.30. Grant applications. To assist and support school districts with the preparation and submission of grant applications.

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

(105 ILCS 5/3-14.31)

Sec. 3-14.31. School facility and resources occupation tax proceeds.

(a) Within 30 days after receiving any proceeds of a school facility and resources occupation tax under Section 5-1006.7 of the Counties Code, each regional superintendent must disburse those proceeds to each school district that is located in the county in which the tax was collected.

(b) The proceeds must be disbursed on an enrollment basis and allocated based upon the number of each school district's resident pupils that reside within the county collecting the tax divided by the total number of resident students within the county.

(Source: P.A. 101-455, eff. 8-23-19.)

(105 ILCS 5/3-15) (from Ch. 122, par. 3-15)

Sec. 3-15. Powers of county superintendent. The county superintendent shall have the powers enumerated in the subsequent sections of this article.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/3-15.1) (from Ch. 122, par. 3-15.1)

Sec. 3-15.1. Reports. To require the appointed school treasurer in Class II counties, in each school district which forms a part of a Class II county school unit but which is not subject to the jurisdiction of the trustees of schools of any township in which such district is located, and in each school district of the Class I counties to prepare and forward to his office on or before October 15, annually, and at such other times as may be required by him or by the State Board of Education a statement exhibiting the financial condition of the school for the preceding year commencing on July 1 and ending June 30.

In Class I county school units, and in each school district which forms a part of a Class II county school unit but which is not subject to the jurisdiction of the trustees of schools of any township in which such school district is located, the statement shall in the case of districts on the accrual basis show the assets, liabilities and fund balance of the funds as of the end of the fiscal year. The statement shall show the operation of the funds for the fiscal year with a reconciliation and analysis of changes in the funds at the end of the period. For districts on a cash basis the statement shall show the receipts and disbursements by funds including the source of receipts and purpose for which the disbursements were made together with the balance at the end of the fiscal year. Each school district that is the administrator of a joint agreement shall cause an Annual Financial Statement to be submitted on forms prescribed by the State Board of Education exhibiting the financial condition of the program established pursuant to the joint agreement, for the fiscal year ending on the immediately preceding June 30.

The regional superintendent shall send all required reports to the State Board of Education on or before November 15, annually.

For all districts the statements shall show bonded debt, tax warrants, taxes received and receivable by funds and such other information as may be required by the State Board of Education. Any district from which such report is not so received when required shall have its portion of the distributive fund withheld for the next ensuing year until such report is filed.

If a district is divided by a county line or lines the foregoing required statement shall be forwarded to the regional superintendent of schools having supervision and control of the district.

(Source: P.A. 86-1441; 87-473.)

(105 ILCS 5/3-15.2) (from Ch. 122, par. 3-15.2)

Sec. 3-15.2. Recommending imposition or remission of penalty. To recommend to the State Board of Education the imposition or remission of the penalty provided in Section 2-3.24.

(Source: P.A. 88-641, eff. 9-9-94.)

(105 ILCS 5/3-15.3) (from Ch. 122, par. 3-15.3)

Sec. 3-15.3. School treasurer's accounts. To direct in what manner school treasurers shall keep their books and accounts.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/3-15.4) (from Ch. 122, par. 3-15.4)

Sec. 3-15.4. Suit against county collector. To bring suit against the county collector for failure to pay the amount due upon the auditor's warrant.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/3-15.5) (from Ch. 122, par. 3-15.5)

Sec. 3-15.5. Removal of school board members. To remove any member of a school board from office for wilful failure to perform his official duties.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/3-15.6) (from Ch. 122, par. 3-15.6)

Sec. 3-15.6. Additional employees. To employ, with the approval of the county board, such additional employees as are needed for the discharge of the duties of the office. The non-clerical employees shall be persons versed in the principles and methods of education, familiar with public school work, competent to visit schools, and licensed pursuant to this Code if their duties are comparable to those for which licensure is required by this Code.

On and after July 1, 1994, the provisions of this Section shall have no application in any educational service region having a population of 2,000,000 or more inhabitants.

(Source: P.A. 99-30, eff. 7-10-15.)