105 ILCS 5/ School Code.

(105 ILCS 5/22-85.10)

Sec. 22-85.10. Parental notification of sexual misconduct.

(a) The governing body of each school district, charter school, or nonpublic school shall implement a procedure under which notice is provided to the parents or guardians of an enrolled student, unless the student is at least 18 years of age or emancipated, with whom an employee, agent of the school, or a contractor of the school is alleged to have engaged in sexual misconduct as defined in subsection (c) of Section 22-85.5 of this Code. Notice provided to the parent or guardian of a student with a disability must not conflict with the student's individualized education plan or a Section 504 plan under the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the requirements of applicable State or federal law. The procedure shall include:

(1) Consideration of the time frame for providing notice to the student and the student's parents or guardians if the alleged sexual misconduct is also being investigated by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services or law enforcement as described in Section 22-85 of this Code.

(2) Prior to notification of the student's parents or guardians, notification must first be provided to the student in a developmentally appropriate manner and include:

(A) that notice will be given to the student's parents or guardians;

(B) what information will be included in the notice to the student's parents or guardians;

(C) available resources for the student within the school and community in accordance with Article 26A of this Code and available counseling services under Section 3-550 of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code; and

(D) beginning July 1, 2025, the name and contact information for the domestic and sexual violence and parenting resource coordinator under Section 26A-35 of this Code.

(3) After notification of the student as required under paragraph (2), the student's parents or guardians shall be notified in writing:

(A) of the alleged misconduct; and

(B) of available resources for the student within the school and the community in accordance with Article 26A of this Code and, beginning on July 1, 2025, the name and contact information for the domestic and sexual violence and parenting resource coordinator under Section 26A-35 of this Code.

(4) Notification must be provided as soon as feasible after the employing entity becomes aware that alleged misconduct may have occurred, subject to the requirements of subsection (f) of Section 22-85 of this Code.

(b) The governing body of each school district, charter school, or nonpublic school shall implement a procedure under which notice is provided to the parents or guardians of a student, subject to subsection (a), when any formal action has been taken by the governing body relating to the employment of the alleged perpetrator following the investigation of sexual misconduct, including whether employment was terminated or whether the governing body accepted the resignation of the employee. Notice provided to the parents or guardians of a student with a disability must not conflict with the student's individualized education plan or a Section 504 plan under the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the requirements of applicable State or federal law. The procedure shall include:

(1) Consideration of the time frame for providing notice to the student and the student's parents or guardians if the alleged sexual misconduct is also being investigated by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services or law enforcement as described in Section 22-85 of this Code.

(2) Prior to notification of the student's parents or guardians, notification must first be provided to the student in a developmentally appropriate manner and include:

(A) that notice will be given to the student's parent or guardian of the governing body's action;

(B) what information will be included in the notice to the student's parents or guardians;

(C) available resources for the student within the school and community in accordance with Article 26A of this Code and available counseling services under Section 3-550 of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code; and

(D) beginning July 1, 2025, the name and contact information for the domestic and sexual violence and parenting resource coordinator under Section 26A-35 of this Code.

(3) After notification of the student as required in paragraph (2), the student's parents or guardians shall be notified in writing:

(A) of the governing body's action;

(B) whether a report concerning the alleged sexual misconduct was or will be submitted to the State Superintendent of Education and the applicable regional superintendent of schools pursuant to Section 10-21.9 of this Code; and

(C) of available resources for the student within the school and the community in accordance with Article 26A of this Code and, beginning on July 1, 2025, the name and contact information for the domestic and sexual violence and parenting resource coordinator under Section 26A-35 of this Code.

(4) Notification must be provided as soon as feasible after the board action is taken, subject to the requirements of subsection (f) of Section 22-85 of this Code.

(5) For the purposes of subsection (b), if the student is no longer enrolled at the time formal action is taken, sending written notice to the last known address in the student's file fulfills notification requirements.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, notification to the student prior to notification of the student's parents or guardians shall not be required to the extent an employee or agent of the school district, charter school, or nonpublic school deems it necessary to address an imminent risk of serious physical injury or death of a student or another person, including the victim. If prior notification to the student is not given, notification to the student shall be provided as soon as practicable and without delay following the notification to the student's parents or guardians.

(d) Subsections (a) and (b) shall not apply if the student's parent or guardian is the alleged perpetrator of the misconduct.

(Source: P.A. 102-702, eff. 7-1-23.)

(105 ILCS 5/22-86)

Sec. 22-86. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 101-531, eff. 8-23-19. Repealed internally, eff. 3-15-21.)

(105 ILCS 5/22-87)

Sec. 22-87. Graduation requirements; Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

(a) Beginning with the 2020-2021 school year, in addition to any other requirements under this Code, as a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma from a public high school, the parent or guardian of each student or, if a student is at least 18 years of age or legally emancipated, the student must comply with either of the following:

(1) File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid with the United States Department of Education or, if applicable, an application for State financial aid.

(2) On a form created by the State Board of Education, file a waiver with the student's school district indicating that the parent or guardian or, if applicable, the student understands what the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and application for State financial aid are and has chosen not to file an application under paragraph (1).

(b) Each school district with a high school must require each high school student to comply with this Section and must provide to each high school student and, if applicable, his or her parent or guardian any support or assistance necessary to comply with this Section. A school district must award a high school diploma to a student who is unable to meet the requirements of subsection (a) due to extenuating circumstances, as determined by the school district, if (i) the student has met all other graduation requirements under this Code and (ii) the principal attests that the school district has made a good faith effort to assist the student or, if applicable, his or her parent or guardian in filing an application or a waiver under subsection (a).

(c) The State Board of Education may adopt rules to implement this Section.

(Source: P.A. 101-180, eff. 6-1-20; 102-558, eff. 8-20-21.)

(105 ILCS 5/22-88)

Sec. 22-88. Parental notification of law enforcement detainment and questioning on school grounds.

(a) In this Section, "school grounds" means the real property comprising an active and operational elementary or secondary school during the regular hours in which school is in session and when students are present.

(b) Before detaining and questioning a student on school grounds who is under 18 years of age and who is suspected of committing a criminal act, a law enforcement officer, a school resource officer, or other school security personnel must do all of the following:

(1) Ensure that notification or attempted notification of the student's parent or guardian is made.

(2) Document the time and manner in which the notification or attempted notification under paragraph (1) occurred.

(3) Make reasonable efforts to ensure that the student's parent or guardian is present during the questioning or, if the parent or guardian is not present, ensure that school personnel, including, but not limited to, a school social worker, a school psychologist, a school nurse, a school counselor, or any other mental health professional, are present during the questioning.

(4) If practicable, make reasonable efforts to ensure that a law enforcement officer trained in promoting safe interactions and communications with youth is present during the questioning. An officer who received training in youth investigations approved or certified by his or her law enforcement agency or under Section 10.22 of the Police Training Act or a juvenile police officer, as defined under Section 1-3 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, satisfies the requirement under this paragraph.

(c) This Section does not limit the authority of a law enforcement officer to make an arrest on school grounds. This Section does not apply to circumstances that would cause a reasonable person to believe that urgent and immediate action is necessary to do any of the following:

(1) Prevent bodily harm or injury to the student or any other person.

(2) Apprehend an armed or fleeing suspect.

(3) Prevent the destruction of evidence.

(4) Address an emergency or other dangerous situation.

(Source: P.A. 101-478, eff. 8-23-19; 102-197, eff. 7-30-21; 102-558, eff. 8-20-21.)

(105 ILCS 5/22-89)

Sec. 22-89. Graduates during the 2019-2020 school year. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code, any diploma conferred during the 2019-2020 school year, including during the summer of 2020, under graduation requirements that were modified by an executive order, emergency rulemaking, or school board policy prompted by a gubernatorial disaster proclamation as a result of COVID-19 is deemed valid and is not subject to challenge or review due to a failure to meet minimum requirements otherwise required by this Code, administrative rule, or school board policy.

(Source: P.A. 101-643, eff. 6-18-20.)

(105 ILCS 5/22-90)

Sec. 22-90. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 102-813, eff. 5-13-22. Repealed internally, eff. 2-1-23.)

(105 ILCS 5/22-91)

Sec. 22-91. Modification of athletic or team uniform; nonpublic schools.

(a) A nonpublic school recognized by the State Board of Education must allow a student athlete to modify his or her athletic or team uniform for the purpose of modesty in clothing or attire that is in accordance with the requirements of his or her religion or his or her cultural values or modesty preferences. The modification of the athletic or team uniform may include, but is not limited to, the wearing of a hijab, an undershirt, or leggings. If a student chooses to modify his or her athletic or team uniform the student is responsible for all costs associated with the modification of the uniform and the student shall not be required to receive prior approval from the school for such modification. However, nothing in this Section prohibits a school from providing the modification to the student.

(b) At a minimum, any modification of the athletic or team uniform must not interfere with the movement of the student or pose a safety hazard to the student or to other athletes or players. The modification of headgear is permitted if the headgear:

(1) is black, white, the predominant color of the uniform, or the same color for all players on the team;

(2) does not cover any part of the face;

(3) is not dangerous to the player or to the other players;

(4) has no opening or closing elements around the face and neck; and

(5) has no parts extruding from its surface.

(Source: P.A. 102-51, eff. 7-9-21; 102-813, eff. 5-13-22.)

(105 ILCS 5/22-92)

Sec. 22-92. Absenteeism and truancy policy.

(a) Each school district, charter school, or alternative school or any school receiving public funds shall develop and communicate to its students and their parent or guardian, on an annual basis, an absenteeism and truancy policy, including at least the following elements:

(1) A definition of a valid cause for absence in accordance with Section 26-2a of this Code.

(2) A description of diagnostic procedures to be used for identifying the causes of unexcused student absenteeism, which shall, at a minimum, include interviews with the student, his or her parent or guardian, and any school officials who may have information about the reasons for the student's attendance problem.

(3) The identification of supportive services to be made available to truant or chronically truant students. These services shall include, but need not be limited to, parent conferences, student counseling, family counseling, and information about existing community services that are available to truant and chronically truant students and relevant to their needs.

(4) Incorporation of the provisions relating to chronic absenteeism in accordance with Section 26-18 of this Code.

(b) The absenteeism and truancy policy must be updated every 2 years and filed with the State Board of Education and the regional superintendent of schools.

(Source: P.A. 102-157, eff. 7-1-22; 102-813, eff. 5-13-22.)

(105 ILCS 5/22-93)

Sec. 22-93. School guidance counselor; gift ban.

(a) In this Section:

"Guidance counselor" means a person employed by a school district and working in a high school to offer students advice and assistance in making career or college plans.

"Prohibited source" means any person who is employed by an institution of higher education or is an agent or spouse of or an immediate family member living with a person employed by an institution of higher education.

"Relative" means an individual related to another as father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, great-aunt, great-uncle, first cousin, nephew, niece, husband, wife, grandfather, grandmother, grandson, granddaughter, father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, stepfather, stepmother, stepson, stepdaughter, stepbrother, stepsister, half brother, or half sister or the father, mother, grandfather, or grandmother of the individual's spouse or the individual's fiance or fiancee.

(b) A guidance counselor may not intentionally solicit or accept any gift from a prohibited source or solicit or accept a gift that would be in violation of any federal or State statute or rule. A prohibited source may not intentionally offer or make a gift that violates this Section.

(c) The prohibition in subsection (b) does not apply to any of the following:

(1) Opportunities, benefits, and services that are available on the same conditions as for the general public.

(2) Anything for which the guidance counselor pays the market value.

(3) A gift from a relative.

(4) Anything provided by an individual on the basis of a personal friendship, unless the guidance counselor has reason to believe that, under the circumstances, the gift was provided because of the official position or employment of the guidance counselor and not because of the personal friendship. In determining whether a gift is provided on the basis of personal friendship, the guidance counselor must consider the circumstances in which the gift was offered, including any of the following:

(A) The history of the relationship between the individual giving the gift and the guidance counselor, including any previous exchange of gifts between those individuals.

(B) Whether, to the actual knowledge of the guidance counselor, the individual who gave the gift personally paid for the gift or sought a tax deduction or business reimbursement for the gift.

(C) Whether, to the actual knowledge of the guidance counselor, the individual who gave the gift also, at the same time, gave the same or a similar gift to other school district employees.

(5) Bequests, inheritances, or other transfers at death.

(6) Any item or items from any one prohibited source during any calendar year having a cumulative total value of less than $100.

(7) Promotional materials, including, but not limited to, pens, pencils, banners, posters, and pennants.

Each exception listed under this subsection is mutually exclusive and independent of one another.

(d) A guidance counselor is not in violation of this Section if he or she promptly takes reasonable action to return the gift to the prohibited source or donates the gift or an amount equal to its value to an appropriate charity that is exempt from income taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

A guidance counselor or prohibited source who intentionally violates this Section is guilty of a business offense and is subject to a fine of at least $1,001 and up to $5,000.

(Source: P.A. 102-327, eff. 1-1-22; 102-813, eff. 5-13-22.)

(105 ILCS 5/22-94)

Sec. 22-94. Employment history review.

(a) This Section applies to all permanent and temporary positions for employment with a school or a contractor of a school involving direct contact with children or students.

(b) In this Section:

"Contractor" means firms holding contracts with any school including, but not limited to, food service workers, school bus drivers and other transportation employees, who have direct contact with children or students.

"Direct contact with children or students" means the possibility of care, supervision, guidance, or control of children or students or routine interaction with children or students.

"School" means a public or nonpublic elementary or secondary school.

"Sexual misconduct" has the meaning ascribed to it in subsection (c) of Section 22-85.5 of this Code.

(c) Prior to hiring an applicant to work directly with children or students, a school or contractor must ensure that the following criteria are met:

(1) the school or contractor has no knowledge or information pertaining to the applicant that would disqualify the applicant from employment;

(2) the applicant swears or affirms that the applicant is not disqualified from employment;

(3) using the template developed by the State Board of Education, the applicant provides all of the following:

(A) a list, including the name, address, telephone number, and other relevant contact information of the following:

(i) the applicant's current employer;

(ii) all former employers of the applicant that were schools or school contractors, as well as all former employers at which the applicant had direct contact with children or students;

(B) A written authorization that consents to and authorizes disclosure by the applicant's current and former employers under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph (3) of the information requested under paragraph (4) of this subsection (c) and the release of related records and that releases those employers from any liability that may arise from such disclosure or release of records pursuant to subsection (e).

(C) A written statement of whether the applicant:

(i) has been the subject of a sexual misconduct allegation, unless a subsequent investigation resulted in a finding that the allegation was false, unfounded, or unsubstantiated;

(ii) has ever been discharged from, been asked to resign from, resigned from, or otherwise been separated from any employment, has ever been disciplined by an employer, or has ever had an employment contract not renewed due to an adjudication or finding of sexual misconduct or while an allegation of sexual misconduct was pending or under investigation, unless the investigation resulted in a finding that the allegation was false, unfounded, or unsubstantiated; or

(iii) has ever had a license or certificate suspended, surrendered, or revoked or had an application for licensure, approval, or endorsement denied due to an adjudication or finding of sexual misconduct or while an allegation of sexual misconduct was pending or under investigation, unless the investigation resulted in a finding that the allegation was false, unfounded, or unsubstantiated.

(4) The school or contractor shall initiate a review of the employment history of the applicant by contacting those employers listed by the applicant under subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3) of this subsection (c) and, using the template developed by the State Board of Education, request all of the following information:

(A) the dates of employment of the applicant;

(B) a statement as to whether the applicant:

(i) has been the subject of a sexual misconduct allegation, unless a subsequent investigation resulted in a finding that the allegation was false, unfounded, or unsubstantiated;

(ii) was discharged from, was asked to resign from, resigned from, or was otherwise separated from any employment, was disciplined by the employer, or had an employment contract not renewed due to an adjudication or finding of sexual misconduct or while an allegation of sexual misconduct was pending or under investigation, unless the investigation resulted in a finding that the allegation was false, unfounded, or unsubstantiated; or

(iii) has ever had a license or certificate suspended, surrendered, or revoked due to an adjudication or finding of sexual misconduct or while an allegation of sexual misconduct was pending or under investigation, unless the investigation resulted in a finding that the allegation was false, unfounded, or unsubstantiated.

(C) The template shall include the following option: if the employer does not have records or evidence regarding the questions in items (i) through (iii) of subparagraph (B) of paragraph (4) of subsection (c), the employer may state that there is no knowledge of information pertaining to the applicant that would disqualify the applicant from employment.

(5) For applicants licensed by the State Board of Education, the school district, charter school, or nonpublic school shall verify the applicant's reported previous employers with previous employers in the State Board of Education's educator licensure database to ensure accuracy.

(d) An applicant who provides false information or willfully fails to disclose information required in subsection (c) shall be subject to discipline, up to and including termination or denial of employment.

(e) No later than 20 days after receiving a request for information required under paragraph (4) of subsection (c), an employer who has or had an employment relationship with the applicant shall disclose the information requested. If the employer has an office of human resources or a central office, information shall be provided by that office. The employer who has or had an employment relationship with the applicant shall disclose the information on the template developed by the State Board of Education. For any affirmative response to items (i) through (iii) of subparagraph (B) of paragraph (4) or subsection (c), the employer who has or had an employment relationship with the applicant shall provide additional information about the matters disclosed and all related records.

A school shall complete the template at time of separation from employment, or at the request of the employee, and maintain it as part of the employee's personnel file. If the school completes an investigation after an employee's separation from employment, the school shall update the information accordingly.

Information received under this Section shall not be deemed a public record.

A school or contractor who receives information under this subsection (e) may use the information for the purpose of evaluating an applicant's fitness to be hired or for continued employment and may report the information, as appropriate, to the State Board of Education, a State licensing agency, a law enforcement agency, a child protective services agency, another school or contractor, or a prospective employer.

An employer, school, school administrator, or contractor who provides information or records about a current or former employee or applicant under this Section is immune from criminal and civil liability for the disclosure of the information or records, unless the information or records provided were knowingly false. This immunity shall be in addition to and not a limitation on any other immunity provided by law or any absolute or conditional privileges applicable to the disclosure by virtue of the circumstances or the applicant's consent to the disclosure and shall extent to any circumstances when the employer, school, school administrator, or contractor in good faith shares findings of sexual misconduct with another employer.

Unless the laws of another state prevent the release of the information or records requested or disclosure is restricted by the terms of a contract entered into prior to the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 102nd General Assembly, and notwithstanding any other provisions of law to the contrary, an employer, school, school administrator, contractor, or applicant shall report and disclose, in accordance with this Section, all relevant information, records, and documentation that may otherwise be confidential.

(f) A school or contractor may not hire an applicant who does not provide the information required under subsection (c) for a position involving direct contact with children or students.

(g) Beginning on the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 102nd General Assembly, a school or contractor may not enter into a collective bargaining agreement, an employment contract, an agreement for resignation or termination, a severance agreement, or any other contract or agreement or take any action that:

(1) has the effect of suppressing information concerning a pending investigation or a completed investigation in which an allegation was substantiated related to a report of suspected sexual misconduct by a current or former employee;

(2) affects the ability of the school or contractor to report suspected sexual misconduct to the appropriate authorities; or

(3) requires the school or contractor to expunge information about allegations or findings of suspected sexual misconduct from any documents maintained by the school or contractor, unless, after an investigation, an allegation is found to be false, unfounded, or unsubstantiated.

(h) Any provision of an employment contract or agreement for resignation or termination or a severance agreement that is executed, amended, or entered into on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 102nd General Assembly and that is contrary to this Section is void and unenforceable.

(i) For substitute employees, all of the following apply:

(1) The employment history review required by this Section is required only prior to the initial hiring of a substitute employee or placement on a school's approved substitute list and shall remain valid as long as the substitute employee continues to be employed by the same school or remains on the school's approved substitute list.

(2) A substitute employee seeking to be added to another school's substitute list shall undergo an additional employment history review under this Section. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection (i) or in subsection (k), the appearance of a substitute employee on one school's substitute list does not relieve another school from compliance with this Section.

(3) An employment history review conducted upon initial hiring of a substitute employee by contractor or any other entity that furnishes substitute staffing services to schools shall satisfy the requirements of this Section for all schools using the services of that contractor or other entity.

(4) A contractor or any other entity furnishing substitute staffing services to schools shall comply with paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection (j).

(j) For employees of contractors, all of the following apply:

(1) The employment history review required by this Section shall be performed, either at the time of the initial hiring of an employee or prior to the assignment of an existing employee to perform work for a school in a position involving direct contact with children or students. The review shall remain valid as long as the employee remains employed by the same contractor, even if assigned to perform work for other schools.

(2) A contractor shall maintain records documenting employment history reviews for all employees as required by this Section and, upon request, shall provide a school for whom an employee is assigned to perform work access to the records pertaining to that employee.

(3) Prior to assigning an employee to perform work for a school in a position involving direct contact with children or students, the contractor shall inform the school of any instance known to the contractor in which the employee:

(A) has been the subject of a sexual misconduct allegation unless a subsequent investigation resulted in a finding that the allegation was false, unfounded, or unsubstantiated;

(B) has ever been discharged, been asked to resign from, resigned from, or otherwise been separated from any employment, been removed from a substitute list, been disciplined by an employer, or had an employment contract not renewed due to an adjudication or finding of sexual misconduct or while an allegation of sexual misconduct was pending or under investigation, unless the investigation resulted in a finding that the allegation was false, unfounded, or unsubstantiated; or

(C) has ever had a license or certificate suspended, surrendered, or revoked due to an adjudication or finding of sexual misconduct or while an allegation of sexual misconduct was pending or under investigation, unless the investigation resulted in a finding that the allegation was false, unfounded, or unsubstantiated.

(4) The contractor may not assign an employee to perform work for a school in a position involving direct contact with children or students if the school objects to the assignment after being informed of an instance listed in paragraph (3).

(k) An applicant who has undergone an employment history review under this Section and seeks to transfer to or provide services to another school in the same school district, diocese, or religious jurisdiction, or to another school established and supervised by the same organization is not required to obtain additional reports under this Section before transferring.

(l) Nothing in this Section shall be construed:

(1) to prevent a prospective employer from conducting further investigations of prospective employees or from requiring applicants to provide additional background information or authorizations beyond what is required under this Section, nor to prevent a current or former employer from disclosing more information than what is required under this Section;

(2) to relieve a school, school employee, contractor of the school, or agent of the school from any legal responsibility to report sexual misconduct in accordance with State and federal reporting requirements;

(3) to relieve a school, school employee, contractor of the school, or agent of the school from any legal responsibility to implement the provisions of Section 7926 of Chapter 20 of the United States Code; or

(4) to prohibit the right of the exclusive bargaining representative under a collective bargaining agreement to grieve and arbitrate the validity of an employee's termination or discipline for just cause.

(m) The State Board of Education shall develop the templates required under paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection (c).

(Source: P.A. 102-702, eff. 7-1-23.)

(105 ILCS 5/22-95)

(Text of Section from P.A. 103-413)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on February 1, 2029)

Sec. 22-95. Whole Child Task Force.

(a) The General Assembly makes all of the following findings:

(1) The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed systemic inequities in American society. Students, educators, and families throughout this State have been deeply affected by the pandemic, and the impact of the pandemic will be felt for years to come. The negative consequences of the pandemic have impacted students and communities differently along the lines of race, income, language, and special needs. However, students in this State faced significant unmet physical health, mental health, and social and emotional needs even prior to the pandemic.

(2) The path to recovery requires a commitment from adults in this State to address our students cultural, physical, emotional, and mental health needs and to provide them with stronger and increased systemic support and intervention.

(3) It is well documented that trauma and toxic stress diminish a child's ability to thrive. Forms of childhood trauma and toxic stress include adverse childhood experiences, systemic racism, poverty, food and housing insecurity, and gender-based violence. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues and brought them into focus.

(4) It is estimated that, overall, approximately 40% of children in this State have experienced at least one adverse childhood experience and approximately 10% have experienced 3 or more adverse childhood experiences. However, the number of adverse childhood experiences is higher for Black and Hispanic children who are growing up in poverty. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the number of students who have experienced childhood trauma. Also, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted preexisting inequities in school disciplinary practices that disproportionately impact Black and Brown students. Research shows, for example, that girls of color are disproportionately impacted by trauma, adversity, and abuse, and instead of receiving the care and trauma-informed support they may need, many Black girls in particular face disproportionately harsh disciplinary measures.

(5) The cumulative effects of trauma and toxic stress adversely impact the physical health of students, as well as the students' ability to learn, form relationships, and self-regulate. If left unaddressed, these effects increase a student's risk for depression, alcoholism, anxiety, asthma, smoking, and suicide, all of which are risks that disproportionately affect Black youth and may lead to a host of medical diseases as an adult. Access to infant and early childhood mental health services is critical to ensure the social and emotional well-being of this State's youngest children, particularly those children who have experienced trauma.

(6) Although this State enacted measures through Public Act 100-105 to address the high rate of early care and preschool expulsions of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers and the disproportionately higher rate of expulsion for Black and Hispanic children, a recent study found a wide variation in the awareness, understanding, and compliance with the law by providers of early childhood care. Further work is needed to implement the law, which includes providing training to early childhood care providers to increase the providers' understanding of the law, increasing the availability and access to infant and early childhood mental health services, and building aligned data collection systems to better understand expulsion rates and to allow for accurate reporting as required by the law.

(7) Many educators and schools in this State have embraced and implemented evidence-based restorative justice and trauma-responsive and culturally relevant practices and interventions. However, the use of these interventions on students is often isolated or is implemented occasionally and only if the school has the appropriate leadership, resources, and partners available to engage seriously in this work. It would be malpractice to deny our students access to these practices and interventions, especially in the aftermath of a once-in-a-century pandemic.

(b) The Whole Child Task Force created by Public Act 101-654 is reestablished for the purpose of establishing an equitable, inclusive, safe, and supportive environment in all schools for every student in this State. The task force shall have all of the following goals, which means key steps have to be taken to ensure that every child in every school in this State has access to teachers, social workers, school leaders, support personnel, and others who have been trained in evidence-based interventions and restorative practices:

(1) To create a common definition of a trauma-responsive school, a trauma-responsive district, and a trauma-responsive community.

(2) To outline the training and resources required to create and sustain a system of support for trauma-responsive schools, districts, and communities and to identify this State's role in that work, including recommendations concerning options for redirecting resources from school resource officers to classroom-based support.

(3) To identify or develop a process to conduct an analysis of the organizations that provide training in restorative practices, implicit bias, anti-racism, and trauma-responsive systems, mental health services, and social and emotional services to schools.

(4) To provide recommendations concerning the key data to be collected and reported to ensure that this State has a full and accurate understanding of the progress toward ensuring that all schools, including programs and providers of care to pre-kindergarten children, employ restorative, anti-racist, and trauma-responsive strategies and practices. The data collected must include information relating to the availability of trauma responsive support structures in schools, as well as disciplinary practices employed on students in person or through other means, including during remote or blended learning. It should also include information on the use of and funding for school resource officers and other similar police personnel in school programs.

(5) To recommend an implementation timeline, including the key roles, responsibilities, and resources to advance this State toward a system in which every school, district, and community is progressing toward becoming trauma-responsive.

(6) To seek input and feedback from stakeholders, including parents, students, and educators, who reflect the diversity of this State.

(7) To recommend legislation, policies, and practices to prevent learning loss in students during periods of suspension and expulsion, including, but not limited to, remote instruction.

(c) Members of the Whole Child Task Force shall be appointed by the State Superintendent of Education. Members of this task force must represent the diversity of this State and possess the expertise needed to perform the work required to meet the goals of the task force set forth under subsection (a). Members of the task force shall include all of the following:

(1) One member of a statewide professional teachers' organization.

(2) One member of another statewide professional teachers' organization.

(3) One member who represents a school district serving a community with a population of 500,000 or more.

(4) One member of a statewide organization representing social workers.

(5) One member of an organization that has specific expertise in trauma-responsive school practices and experience in supporting schools in developing trauma-responsive and restorative practices.

(6) One member of another organization that has specific expertise in trauma-responsive school practices and experience in supporting schools in developing trauma-responsive and restorative practices.

(7) One member of a statewide organization that represents school administrators.

(8) One member of a statewide policy organization that works to build a healthy public education system that prepares all students for a successful college, career, and civic life.

(9) One member of a statewide organization that brings teachers together to identify and address issues critical to student success.

(10) One member of the General Assembly recommended by the President of the Senate.

(11) One member of the General Assembly recommended by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

(12) One member of the General Assembly recommended by the Minority Leader of the Senate.

(13) One member of the General Assembly recommended by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.

(14) One member of a civil rights organization that works actively on issues regarding student support.

(15) One administrator from a school district that has actively worked to develop a system of student support that uses a trauma-informed lens.

(16) One educator from a school district that has actively worked to develop a system of student support that uses a trauma-informed lens.

(17) One member of a youth-led organization.

(18) One member of an organization that has demonstrated expertise in restorative practices.

(19) One member of a coalition of mental health and school practitioners who assist schools in developing and implementing trauma-informed and restorative strategies and systems.

(20) One member of an organization whose mission is to promote the safety, health, and economic success of children, youth, and families in this State.

(21) One member who works or has worked as a restorative justice coach or disciplinarian.

(22) One member who works or has worked as a social worker.

(23) One member of the State Board of Education.

(24) One member who represents a statewide principals' organization.

(25) One member who represents a statewide organization of school boards.

(26) One member who has expertise in pre-kindergarten education.

(27) One member who represents a school social worker association.

(28) One member who represents an organization that represents school districts in the south suburbs of the City of Chicago.

(29) One member who is a licensed clinical psychologist who (i) has a doctor of philosophy in the field of clinical psychology and has an appointment at an independent free-standing children's hospital located in the City of Chicago, (ii) serves as an associate professor at a medical school located in the City of Chicago, and (iii) serves as the clinical director of a coalition of voluntary collaboration of organizations that are committed to applying a trauma lens to the member's efforts on behalf of families and children in the State.

(30) One member who represents a school district in the west suburbs of the City of Chicago.

(31) One member from a governmental agency who has expertise in child development and who is responsible for coordinating early childhood mental health programs and services.

(32) One member who has significant expertise in early childhood mental health and childhood trauma.

(33) One member who represents an organization that represents school districts in the collar counties around the City of Chicago.

(34) One member who represents an organization representing regional offices of education.

(d) The Whole Child Task Force shall meet at the call of the State Superintendent of Education or his or her designee, who shall serve as the chairperson. The State Board of Education shall provide administrative and other support to the task force. Members of the task force shall serve without compensation.

(e) The Whole Child Task Force shall reconvene by March 2027 to review progress on the recommendations in the March 2022 report submitted pursuant to Public Act 101-654 and shall submit a new report on its assessment of the State's progress and any additional recommendations to the General Assembly, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, the State Board of Education, and the Governor on or before December 31, 2027.

(f) This Section is repealed on February 1, 2029.

(Source: P.A. 103-413, eff. 1-1-24.)

(Text of Section from P.A. 103-472)

(This Section may contain text from a Public Act with a delayed effective date)

Sec. 22-95. Policy on discrimination, harassment, and retaliation; response procedures.

(a) As used in this Section, "policy" means either the use of a singular policy or multiple policies.

(b) Each school district, charter school, or nonpublic, nonsectarian elementary or secondary school must create, implement, and maintain at least one written policy that prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, and national origin and prohibits retaliation. The policy may be included as part of a broader anti-harassment or anti-discrimination policy, provided that the policy prohibiting discrimination and harassment based on race, color, and national origin and retaliation shall be distinguished with an appropriate title, heading, or label. This policy must comply with and be distributed in accordance with all of the following:

(1) The policy must be in writing and must include at a minimum, the following information:

(A) descriptions of various forms of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, and national origin, including examples;

(B) the school district's, charter school's, or nonpublic, nonsectarian elementary or secondary school's internal process for filing a complaint regarding a violation of the policy described in this subsection, or a reference to that process if described elsewhere in policy;

(C) an overview of the school district's, charter school's, or nonpublic, nonsectarian elementary or secondary school's prevention and response program pursuant to subsection (c);

(D) potential remedies for a violation of the policy described in this subsection;

(E) a prohibition on retaliation for making a complaint or participating in the complaint process;

(F) the legal recourse available through the Department of Human Rights and through federal agencies if a school district, charter school, or nonpublic, nonsectarian elementary or secondary school fails to take corrective action, or a reference to that process if described elsewhere in policy; and

(G) directions on how to contact the Department of Human Rights or a reference to those directions if described elsewhere in the policy.

The policy shall make clear that the policy does not impair or otherwise diminish the rights of unionized employees under federal law, State law, or a collective bargaining agreement to request an exclusive bargaining representative to be present during investigator interviews, nor does the policy diminish any rights available under the applicable negotiated collective bargaining agreement, including, but not limited to, the grievance procedure.

(2) The policy described in this subsection shall be posted in a prominent and accessible location and distributed in such a manner as to ensure notice of the policy to all employees. If the school district, charter school, or nonpublic, nonsectarian elementary or secondary school maintains an Internet website or has an employee Intranet, the website or Intranet shall be considered a prominent and accessible location for the purpose of this paragraph (2). Posting and distribution shall be effectuated by the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year and shall occur annually thereafter.

(3) The policy described in this subsection shall be published on the school district's, charter school's, or nonpublic, nonsectarian elementary or secondary school's Internet website, if one exists, and in a student handbook, if one exists. A summary of the policy in accessible, age-appropriate language shall be distributed annually to students and to the parents or guardians of minor students. School districts, charter schools, and nonpublic, nonsectarian elementary or secondary schools shall provide a summary of the policy in the parent or guardian's native language. For the annual distribution of the summary, inclusion of the summary in a student handbook is deemed compliant.

(c) Each school district, charter school, and nonpublic, nonsectarian elementary or secondary school must establish procedures for responding to complaints of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, and national origin and retaliation. These procedures must comply with subsection (b) of this Section. Based on these procedures, school districts, charter schools, and nonpublic, nonsectarian elementary or secondary schools:

(1) shall reduce or remove, to the extent practicable, barriers to reporting discrimination, harassment, and retaliation;

(2) shall permit any person who reports or is the victim of an incident of alleged discrimination, harassment, or retaliation to be accompanied when making a report by a support individual of the person's choice who complies with the school district's, charter school's, or nonpublic, nonsectarian elementary or secondary school's policies or rules;

(3) shall permit anonymous reporting, except that this paragraph (3) may not be construed to permit formal disciplinary action solely on the basis of an anonymous report;

(4) shall offer remedial interventions or take such disciplinary action as may be appropriate on a case-by-case basis;

(5) may offer, but not require or unduly influence, a person who reports or is the victim of an incident of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation the option to resolve allegations directly with the offender; and

(6) may not cause a person who reports or is the victim of an incident of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation to suffer adverse consequences as a result of a report of, an investigation of, or a response to the incident; this protection may not permit victims to engage in retaliation against the offender or limit a school district, charter school, or nonpublic, nonsectarian elementary or secondary school from applying disciplinary measures in response to other acts or conduct not related to the process of reporting, investigating, or responding to a report of an incident of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.

(Source: P.A. 103-472, eff. 8-1-24.)

(Text of Section from P.A. 103-481)

Sec. 22-95. Retirement and deferred compensation plans.

(a) This Section applies only to school districts, other than a school district organized under Article 34, with a full-time licensed teacher population of 575 or more teachers that maintain a 457 plan. Every applicable school district shall make available to participants more than one financial institution or investment provider to provide services to the school district's 457 plan.

(b) A financial institution or investment provider, by entering into a written agreement, may offer or provide services to a plan offered, established, or maintained by a school district under Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 if the written agreement is not combined with any other written agreement for the administration of the school district's 457 plan.

Each school district that offers a 457 plan shall make available to participants, in the manner provided in subsection (d), more than one financial institution or investment provider that has not entered into a written agreement to provide administration services and that provides services to a 457 plan offered to school districts.

(c) A financial institution or investment provider providing services for any plan offered, established, or maintained by a school district under Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall:

(1) enter into an agreement with the school district or the school district's independent compliance administrator that requires the financial institution or investment provider to provide, in an electronic format, all data necessary for the administration of the 457 plan, as determined by the school district or the school district's compliance administrator;

(2) provide all data required by the school district or the school district's compliance administrator to facilitate disclosure of all fees, charges, expenses, commissions, compensation, and payments to third parties related to investments offered under the 457 plan; and

(3) cover all plan administration costs agreed to by the school district relating to the administration of the 457 plan.

(d) A school district that offers, establishes, or maintains a plan under Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, except for a plan established under Section 16-204 of the Illinois Pension Code, shall select more than one financial institution or investment provider, in addition to the financial institution or investment provider that has entered into a written agreement under subsection (b), to provide services to the 457 plan. A financial institution or investment provider shall be designated a 457 plan provider if the financial institution or investment provider enters into an agreement in accordance with subsection (c).

(e) A school district shall have one year after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly to find a 457 plan provider under this Section.

(f) Nothing in this Section shall apply to or impact the optional defined contribution benefit established by the Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois under Section 16-204 of the Illinois Pension Code. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Teachers' Retirement System may elect to share plan data for the 457 plan established pursuant to Section 16-204 of the Illinois Pension Code with the school district, upon request by the school district, in order to facilitate school districts' compliance with this Section and Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. If a school district requests that the Teachers' Retirement System share plan information for the 457 plan established pursuant to Section 16-204 of the Illinois Pension Code, the Teachers' Retirement System may assess a fee on the applicable school district.

(Source: P.A. 103-481, eff. 1-1-24.)

(Text of Section from P.A. 103-497)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on December 31, 2031)

Sec. 22-95. Rural Education Advisory Council.

(a) The Rural Education Advisory Council is created as a statewide advisory council to exchange thoughtful dialogue concerning the needs, challenges, and opportunities of rural schools districts and to provide policy recommendations to the State. The Council shall perform all of the following functions:

(1) Convey and impart the perspective of rural communities and provide context during policy discussions on various statewide issues with the State Superintendent of Education.

(2) Present to the State Superintendent of Education the opportunity to speak directly with representatives of rural communities on various policy and legal issues, to present feedback on critical issues facing rural communities, to generate ideas, and to communicate information to the State Superintendent.

(3) Provide feedback about this State's pre-kindergarten through grade 12 practices and policies so that the application of policies in rural areas may be more fully understood.

(b) The Council shall consist of all of the following members:

(1) The State Superintendent of Education or his or her designee.

(2) One representative of an association representing rural and small schools, appointed by the State Superintendent of Education.

(3) Five superintendents of rural school districts who represent 3 super-regions of this State and who are recommended by an association representing rural and small schools, appointed by the State Superintendent of Education.

(4) One principal from a rural school district recommended by a statewide organization representing school principals, appointed by the State Superintendent of Education.

(5) One representative from a rural school district recommended by a statewide organization representing school boards, appointed by the State Superintendent of Education.

(6) One representative of a statewide organization representing district superintendents, appointed by the State Superintendent of Education.

(7) One representative of a statewide organization representing regional superintendents of schools, appointed by the State Superintendent of Education.

(8) One student who is at least 15 years old, who is a member of the State Board of Education's Student Advisory Council, and who is from a rural school district, appointed by the State Superintendent of Education.

Council members must reflect, as much as possible, the racial and ethnic diversity of this State.

Council members shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for their reasonable and necessary expenses from funds appropriated to the State Board of Education for that purpose, subject to the rules of the appropriate travel control board.

(c) The Council shall meet initially at the call of the State Superintendent of Education, shall select one member as chairperson at its initial meeting, and shall thereafter meet at the call of the chairperson.

(d) The State Board of Education shall provide administrative and other support to the Council as needed.

(e) The Council is dissolved and this Section is repealed on December 31, 2031.

(Source: P.A. 103-497, eff. 1-1-24.)

(105 ILCS 5/22-96)

Sec. 22-96. Hiring or assigning priority.

(a) When hiring or assigning physical education, music, and visual arts educators, a school district must prioritize the hiring or assigning of educators who hold an educator license and endorsement in the content area to be taught.

(b) A licensed educator assigned to physical education, music, or visual arts who does not hold an endorsement in the content area to be taught must acquire short-term approval under Part 25 of Title 23 of the Illinois Administrative Code by the State Board of Education in the content area to be taught prior to his or her assignment or employment start date. If no short-term approval is available in the content area to be taught, the licensed educator shall meet equivalent criteria specified by the State Board of Education. In order to retain his or her employment for subsequent school years, the educator must acquire the full endorsement in the content area to be taught prior to the end of the validity period of the short-term approval.

(c) In the case of a reduction in force, a school district may follow its employee contract language for filling positions.

(d) Instead of holding the credentials specified in subsection (a) or (b) of this Section, an educator assigned to a position under this Section may meet any requirements set forth under Title 23 of the Illinois Administrative Code as applicable to the content area to be taught, except that subsection (b) of Section 1.710 of Title 23 of the Illinois Administrative Code does not apply to an educator assigned to a position under this subsection (d).

(Source: P.A. 103-46, eff. 1-1-24; 103-564, eff. 11-17-23.)

(105 ILCS 5/Art. 23 heading) ARTICLE 23. SCHOOL BOARD ASSOCIATIONS

(105 ILCS 5/23-1) (from Ch. 122, par. 23-1)

Sec. 23-1. Purpose of article.

This Article has for its purpose the education of school board members as to their duties and responsibilities so as to improve the management of the public schools, through associations of school boards. The activities of any association which complies with this Article are hereby declared to constitute a public purpose.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/23-2) (from Ch. 122, par. 23-2)

Sec. 23-2. Boards may form or join associations.

School boards are authorized to form, join and provide for the expenses of associations of Illinois school boards formed for the purpose of conducting county or regional school board institutes and otherwise disseminating and interchanging information regarding school board problems, duties and responsibilities, provided such associations comply with the requirements of this Article.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/23-3) (from Ch. 122, par. 23-3)

Sec. 23-3. Filing copy of constitution, by-laws and amendments.

Within 30 days after the adoption by any such association of its constitution or by-laws or any amendment thereto, it shall file a copy thereof, certified by its president and executive director, with the Governor, the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the county superintendent of schools of each county in which it has any membership.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/23-4) (from Ch. 122, par. 23-4)

Sec. 23-4. Election of officers and governing body.

The constitution or by-laws of any such association shall provide for the election of its officers and governing body at an annual meeting of the association, or in some other manner which will insure that all member boards have an equal opportunity to participate in the election.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/23-5) (from Ch. 122, par. 23-5)

Sec. 23-5. Membership.

Any such association shall admit to its membership any school board whose district lies wholly or in part within the area covered by the association.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/23-6) (from Ch. 122, par. 23-6)

Sec. 23-6. Annual report. Each association shall make an annual report within 60 days after the close of its fiscal year to the Governor, the State Board of Education and the regional superintendent of schools of each region in which it has members, setting forth the activities of the association for the preceding fiscal year, the institutes held, the subjects discussed, and the attendance, and shall furnish the Governor, the State Board of Education and such regional superintendents with copies of all publications sent to its members.

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

(105 ILCS 5/23-7) (from Ch. 122, par. 23-7)

Sec. 23-7. Compensation and expenses.

No school board member shall receive any compensation for service rendered to any such association, whether as an officer or otherwise, but shall be entitled to reimbursement for expenses actually incurred in the work of such association.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 31.)

(105 ILCS 5/23-8) (from Ch. 122, par. 23-8)

Sec. 23-8. Powers and duties.

Each association shall perform such duties and exercise such powers as if it were a state institution for the purposes of Article 16 of the "Illinois Pension Code", approved March 18, 1963, as amended.

(Source: Laws 1965, p. 3746.)

(105 ILCS 5/Art. 24 heading) ARTICLE 24. EMPLOYMENT OF TEACHERS--TENURE--DUTIES OF TEACHERS

(105 ILCS 5/24-1) (from Ch. 122, par. 24-1)

Sec. 24-1. Appointment-Salaries-Payment-School month-School term.) School boards shall appoint all teachers, determine qualifications of employment and fix the amount of their salaries subject to limitation set forth in this Act. They shall pay the wages of teachers monthly, subject, however, to the provisions of Section 24-21. The school month shall be the same as the calendar month but by resolution the school board may adopt for its use a month of 20 days, including holidays. The school term shall consist of at least the minimum number of pupil attendance days required by Section 10-19, any additional legal school holidays, days of teachers' institutes, or equivalent professional educational experiences, and one or two days at the beginning of the school term when used as a teachers' workshop.

(Source: P.A. 80-249.)

(105 ILCS 5/24-1.1) (from Ch. 122, par. 24-1.1)

Sec. 24-1.1. Employment of public school employees by nonpublic schools. Employees of public schools may be employed on a part-time or temporary basis by private or parochial schools, providing that such employment is in no way connected with or subsidized by their public school employment, and provided further that such private or parochial employment does not conflict or interfere with an employee's public school duties.

(Source: P.A. 80-287.)

(105 ILCS 5/24-1.5)

Sec. 24-1.5. New or vacant teaching positions. A school district's selection of a candidate for a new or vacant teaching position not otherwise required to be filled pursuant to Section 24-12 of this Code must be based upon the consideration of factors that include without limitation certifications, qualifications, merit and ability (including performance evaluations, if available), and relevant experience, provided that the length of continuing service with the school district must not be considered as a factor, unless all other factors are determined by the school district to be equal. A school district's decision to select a particular candidate to fill a new or vacant position is not subject to review under grievance resolution procedures adopted pursuant to subsection (c) of Section 10 of the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act, provided that, in making such a decision, the district does not fail to adhere to procedural requirements in a collective bargaining agreement relating to the filling of new or vacant teaching positions. Provisions regarding the filling of new and vacant positions in a collective bargaining agreement between a school district and the exclusive bargaining representative of its teachers in existence on the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 97th General Assembly shall remain in full force and effect for the term of the agreement, unless terminated by mutual agreement.

Nothing in this amendatory Act of the 97th General Assembly (i) limits or otherwise impacts school districts' management right to hire new employees, (ii) affects what currently is or may be a mandatory subject of bargaining under the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act, or (iii) creates a statutory cause of action for a candidate or a candidate's representative to challenge a school district's selection decision based on the school district's failure to adhere to the requirements of this Section.

(Source: P.A. 97-8, eff. 6-13-11.)

(105 ILCS 5/24-2) (from Ch. 122, par. 24-2)

(Text of Section from P.A. 103-15)

Sec. 24-2. Holidays.

(a) Teachers shall not be required to teach on Saturdays, nor, except as provided in subsection (b) of this Section, shall teachers or other school employees, other than noncertificated school employees whose presence is necessary because of an emergency or for the continued operation and maintenance of school facilities or property, be required to work on legal school holidays, which are January 1, New Year's Day; the third Monday in January, the Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; February 12, the Birthday of President Abraham Lincoln; the first Monday in March (to be known as Casimir Pulaski's birthday); Good Friday; the day designated as Memorial Day by federal law; June 19, Juneteenth National Freedom Day; July 4, Independence Day; the first Monday in September, Labor Day; the second Monday in October, Columbus Day; November 11, Veterans' Day; the Thursday in November commonly called Thanksgiving Day; and December 25, Christmas Day. School boards may grant special holidays whenever in their judgment such action is advisable. No deduction shall be made from the time or compensation of a school employee on account of any legal or special holiday.

(b) A school board or other entity eligible to apply for waivers and modifications under Section 2-3.25g of this Code is authorized to hold school or schedule teachers' institutes, parent-teacher conferences, or staff development on the third Monday in January (the Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.); February 12 (the Birthday of President Abraham Lincoln); the first Monday in March (known as Casimir Pulaski's birthday); the second Monday in October (Columbus Day); and November 11 (Veterans' Day), provided that:

(1) the person or persons honored by the holiday are recognized through instructional activities conducted on that day or, if the day is not used for student attendance, on the first school day preceding or following that day; and

(2) the entity that chooses to exercise this authority first holds a public hearing about the proposal. The entity shall provide notice preceding the public hearing to both educators and parents. The notice shall set forth the time, date, and place of the hearing, describe the proposal, and indicate that the entity will take testimony from educators and parents about the proposal.

(c) Commemorative holidays, which recognize specified patriotic, civic, cultural or historical persons, activities, or events, are regular school days. Commemorative holidays are: January 17 (the birthday of Muhammad Ali), January 28 (to be known as Christa McAuliffe Day and observed as a commemoration of space exploration), February 15 (the birthday of Susan B. Anthony), March 29 (Viet Nam War Veterans' Day), September 11 (September 11th Day of Remembrance), September 17 (Constitution Day), the school day immediately preceding Veterans' Day (Korean War Veterans' Day), October 1 (Recycling Day), October 7 (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Remembrance Day), December 7 (Pearl Harbor Veterans' Day), and any day so appointed by the President or Governor. School boards may establish commemorative holidays whenever in their judgment such action is advisable. School boards shall include instruction relative to commemorated persons, activities, or events on the commemorative holiday or at any other time during the school year and at any point in the curriculum when such instruction may be deemed appropriate. The State Board of Education shall prepare and make available to school boards instructional materials relative to commemorated persons, activities, or events which may be used by school boards in conjunction with any instruction provided pursuant to this paragraph.

(d) City of Chicago School District 299 shall observe March 4 of each year as a commemorative holiday. This holiday shall be known as Mayors' Day which shall be a day to commemorate and be reminded of the past Chief Executive Officers of the City of Chicago, and in particular the late Mayor Richard J. Daley and the late Mayor Harold Washington. If March 4 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, Mayors' Day shall be observed on the following Monday.

(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of State law to the contrary, November 3, 2020 shall be a State holiday known as 2020 General Election Day and shall be observed throughout the State pursuant to this amendatory Act of the 101st General Assembly. All government offices, with the exception of election authorities, shall be closed unless authorized to be used as a location for election day services or as a polling place.

Notwithstanding any other provision of State law to the contrary, November 8, 2022 shall be a State holiday known as 2022 General Election Day and shall be observed throughout the State under Public Act 102-15.

(Source: P.A. 102-14, eff. 1-1-22; 102-15, eff. 6-17-21; 102-334, eff. 8-9-21; 102-411, eff. 1-1-22; 102-813, eff. 5-13-22; 103-15, eff. 7-1-23.)

(Text of Section from P.A. 103-395)

Sec. 24-2. Holidays.

(a) Teachers shall not be required to teach on Saturdays, nor, except as provided in subsection (b) of this Section, shall teachers, educational support personnel employees, or other school employees, other than noncertificated school employees whose presence is necessary because of an emergency or for the continued operation and maintenance of school facilities or property, be required to work on legal school holidays, which are January 1, New Year's Day; the third Monday in January, the Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; February 12, the Birthday of President Abraham Lincoln; the first Monday in March (to be known as Casimir Pulaski's birthday); Good Friday; the day designated as Memorial Day by federal law; June 19, Juneteenth National Freedom Day; July 4, Independence Day; the first Monday in September, Labor Day; the second Monday in October, Columbus Day; November 11, Veterans' Day; the Thursday in November commonly called Thanksgiving Day; and December 25, Christmas Day. School boards may grant special holidays whenever in their judgment such action is advisable. No deduction shall be made from the time or compensation of a school employee, including an educational support personnel employee, on account of any legal or special holiday in which that employee would have otherwise been scheduled to work but for the legal or special holiday.

(b) A school board or other entity eligible to apply for waivers and modifications under Section 2-3.25g of this Code is authorized to hold school or schedule teachers' institutes, parent-teacher conferences, or staff development on the third Monday in January (the Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.); February 12 (the Birthday of President Abraham Lincoln); the first Monday in March (known as Casimir Pulaski's birthday); the second Monday in October (Columbus Day); and November 11 (Veterans' Day), provided that:

(1) the person or persons honored by the holiday are recognized through instructional activities conducted on that day or, if the day is not used for student attendance, on the first school day preceding or following that day; and

(2) the entity that chooses to exercise this authority first holds a public hearing about the proposal. The entity shall provide notice preceding the public hearing to both educators and parents. The notice shall set forth the time, date, and place of the hearing, describe the proposal, and indicate that the entity will take testimony from educators and parents about the proposal.

(c) Commemorative holidays, which recognize specified patriotic, civic, cultural or historical persons, activities, or events, are regular school days. Commemorative holidays are: January 17 (the birthday of Muhammad Ali), January 28 (to be known as Christa McAuliffe Day and observed as a commemoration of space exploration), February 15 (the birthday of Susan B. Anthony), March 29 (Viet Nam War Veterans' Day), September 11 (September 11th Day of Remembrance), the school day immediately preceding Veterans' Day (Korean War Veterans' Day), October 1 (Recycling Day), October 7 (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Remembrance Day), December 7 (Pearl Harbor Veterans' Day), and any day so appointed by the President or Governor. School boards may establish commemorative holidays whenever in their judgment such action is advisable. School boards shall include instruction relative to commemorated persons, activities, or events on the commemorative holiday or at any other time during the school year and at any point in the curriculum when such instruction may be deemed appropriate. The State Board of Education shall prepare and make available to school boards instructional materials relative to commemorated persons, activities, or events which may be used by school boards in conjunction with any instruction provided pursuant to this paragraph.

(d) City of Chicago School District 299 shall observe March 4 of each year as a commemorative holiday. This holiday shall be known as Mayors' Day which shall be a day to commemorate and be reminded of the past Chief Executive Officers of the City of Chicago, and in particular the late Mayor Richard J. Daley and the late Mayor Harold Washington. If March 4 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, Mayors' Day shall be observed on the following Monday.

(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of State law to the contrary, November 3, 2020 shall be a State holiday known as 2020 General Election Day and shall be observed throughout the State pursuant to this amendatory Act of the 101st General Assembly. All government offices, with the exception of election authorities, shall be closed unless authorized to be used as a location for election day services or as a polling place.

Notwithstanding any other provision of State law to the contrary, November 8, 2022 shall be a State holiday known as 2022 General Election Day and shall be observed throughout the State under Public Act 102-15.

(Source: P.A. 102-14, eff. 1-1-22; 102-15, eff. 6-17-21; 102-334, eff. 8-9-21; 102-411, eff. 1-1-22; 102-813, eff. 5-13-22; 103-395, eff. 1-1-24.)

(Text of Section from P.A. 103-467)

Sec. 24-2. Holidays.

(a) Teachers shall not be required to teach on Saturdays, nor, except as provided in subsection (b) of this Section, shall teachers or other school employees, other than noncertificated school employees whose presence is necessary because of an emergency or for the continued operation and maintenance of school facilities or property, be required to work on legal school holidays, which are January 1, New Year's Day; the third Monday in January, the Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; February 12, the Birthday of President Abraham Lincoln; the first Monday in March (to be known as Casimir Pulaski's birthday); Good Friday; the day designated as Memorial Day by federal law; June 19, Juneteenth National Freedom Day; July 4, Independence Day; the first Monday in September, Labor Day; the second Monday in October, Columbus Day; November 11, Veterans' Day; the Thursday in November commonly called Thanksgiving Day; and December 25, Christmas Day. School boards may grant special holidays whenever in their judgment such action is advisable. No deduction shall be made from the time or compensation of a school employee on account of any legal or special holiday.

(b) A school board or other entity eligible to apply for waivers and modifications under Section 2-3.25g of this Code is authorized to hold school or schedule teachers' institutes, parent-teacher conferences, or staff development on the third Monday in January (the Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.); February 12 (the Birthday of President Abraham Lincoln); the first Monday in March (known as Casimir Pulaski's birthday); the second Monday in October (Columbus Day); and November 11 (Veterans' Day), provided that:

(1) the person or persons honored by the holiday are recognized through instructional activities conducted on that day or, if the day is not used for student attendance, on the first school day preceding or following that day; and

(2) the entity that chooses to exercise this authority first holds a public hearing about the proposal. The entity shall provide notice preceding the public hearing to both educators and parents. The notice shall set forth the time, date, and place of the hearing, describe the proposal, and indicate that the entity will take testimony from educators and parents about the proposal.

(c) Commemorative holidays, which recognize specified patriotic, civic, cultural or historical persons, activities, or events, are regular school days. Commemorative holidays are: January 17 (the birthday of Muhammad Ali), January 28 (to be known as Christa McAuliffe Day and observed as a commemoration of space exploration), February 15 (the birthday of Susan B. Anthony), March 29 (Viet Nam War Veterans' Day), September 11 (September 11th Day of Remembrance), the school day immediately preceding Veterans' Day (Korean War Veterans' Day), October 1 (Recycling Day), October 7 (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Remembrance Day), December 7 (Pearl Harbor Veterans' Day), and any day so appointed by the President or Governor. School boards may establish commemorative holidays whenever in their judgment such action is advisable. School boards shall include instruction relative to commemorated persons, activities, or events on the commemorative holiday or at any other time during the school year and at any point in the curriculum when such instruction may be deemed appropriate. The State Board of Education shall prepare and make available to school boards instructional materials relative to commemorated persons, activities, or events which may be used by school boards in conjunction with any instruction provided pursuant to this paragraph.

(d) City of Chicago School District 299 shall observe March 4 of each year as a commemorative holiday. This holiday shall be known as Mayors' Day which shall be a day to commemorate and be reminded of the past Chief Executive Officers of the City of Chicago, and in particular the late Mayor Richard J. Daley and the late Mayor Harold Washington. If March 4 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, Mayors' Day shall be observed on the following Monday.

(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of State law to the contrary, November 3, 2020 shall be a State holiday known as 2020 General Election Day and shall be observed throughout the State pursuant to this amendatory Act of the 101st General Assembly. All government offices, with the exception of election authorities, shall be closed unless authorized to be used as a location for election day services or as a polling place.

Notwithstanding any other provision of State law to the contrary, November 8, 2022 shall be a State holiday known as 2022 General Election Day and shall be observed throughout the State under Public Act 102-15.

Notwithstanding any other provision of State law to the contrary, November 5, 2024 shall be a State holiday known as 2024 General Election Day and shall be observed throughout this State pursuant to this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly.

(Source: P.A. 102-14, eff. 1-1-22; 102-15, eff. 6-17-21; 102-334, eff. 8-9-21; 102-411, eff. 1-1-22; 102-813, eff. 5-13-22; 103-467, eff. 8-4-23.)

(105 ILCS 5/24-3) (from Ch. 122, par. 24-3)

Sec. 24-3. Attendance at teachers' institute. The days in any school year spent by a teacher or educational support personnel during the term time spent in attendance upon a teachers' institute or equivalent professional educational experiences held under the direction of the county superintendent of schools shall be considered time expended in the service of the district and no deduction of wages shall be made for such attendance. The board may make a pro-rata deduction from the salary of any teacher or educational support personnel who fail or refuse to attend such institute, unless, in the case of educational support personnel, they are exempt from attending. The boards shall close the schools for county institute.

(Source: P.A. 97-525, eff. 1-1-12.)

(105 ILCS 5/24-3.5)

Sec. 24-3.5. Attendance for federal advocacy work. Any teacher who is a member of a statewide association representing teachers and who is elected by the association's membership to represent the association in federal advocacy work may spend up to 10 days during a school term representing the association in federal advocacy work. No deduction of wages may be made for such absence, and the statewide association shall reimburse the employing school district for the cost of the need for a substitute teacher as the result of the teacher's absence.

(Source: P.A. 103-308, eff. 1-1-24.)

(105 ILCS 5/24-4) (from Ch. 122, par. 24-4)

Sec. 24-4. The color, race, sex, nationality, religion or religious affiliation of any applicant seeking employment either as a superintendent, principal, teacher or otherwise in the public elementary or high schools, shall not be considered either a qualification or disqualification for any such employment. Nor shall color, race, sex, nationality, religion or religious affiliation be considered in assigning any person to an office or position or to any school in the school system. If any member of a school board, superintendent, principal or other school officer violates the foregoing provision or directly or indirectly requires, asks or seeks information concerning the color, race, sex, nationality, religion or religious affiliation of any person in connection with his employment or assignment, or if any person, agency, bureau, corporation or association employed or maintained to obtain or aid in obtaining employment of the kind described, directly or indirectly requires, asks, seeks, indicates or transmits orally or in writing information concerning the color, race, sex, nationality, religion or religious affiliation of an applicant for such employment, with the intent to influence such appointment, he shall be liable to a penalty of not less than $100 nor more than $500, to be recovered by the person aggrieved thereby in any court of competent jurisdiction, and he shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor.

(Source: P.A. 81-1509.)

(105 ILCS 5/24-4.1) (from Ch. 122, par. 24-4.1)

Sec. 24-4.1. Residence requirements.) Residency within any school district shall not be considered in determining the employment or the compensation of a teacher or whether to retain, promote, assign or transfer that teacher.

(Source: P.A. 82-381.)

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

Sec. 24-5. Physical fitness and professional growth.

(a) In this Section, "employee" means any employee of a school district, a student teacher, an employee of a contractor that provides services to students or in schools, or any other individual subject to the requirements of Section 10-21.9 or 34-18.5 of this Code.

(b) This subsection (b) does not apply to substitute teacher employees. School boards shall require of new employees evidence of physical fitness to perform duties assigned and freedom from communicable disease. Such evidence shall consist of a physical examination by a physician licensed in Illinois or any other state to practice medicine and surgery in all its branches, a licensed advanced practice registered nurse, or a licensed physician assistant not more than 90 days preceding time of presentation to the board, and the cost of such examination shall rest with the employee. A new or existing employee may be subject to additional health examinations, including screening for tuberculosis, as required by rules adopted by the Department of Public Health or by order of a local public health official. The board may from time to time require an examination of any employee by a physician licensed in Illinois to practice medicine and surgery in all its branches, a licensed advanced practice registered nurse, or a licensed physician assistant and shall pay the expenses thereof from school funds.

(b-5) School boards may require of new substitute teacher employees evidence of physical fitness to perform duties assigned and shall require of new substitute teacher employees evidence of freedom from communicable disease. Evidence may consist of a physical examination by a physician licensed in Illinois or any other state to practice medicine and surgery in all its branches, a licensed advanced practice registered nurse, or a licensed physician assistant not more than 90 days preceding time of presentation to the board, and the cost of such examination shall rest with the substitute teacher employee. A new or existing substitute teacher employee may be subject to additional health examinations, including screening for tuberculosis, as required by rules adopted by the Department of Public Health or by order of a local public health official. The board may from time to time require an examination of any substitute teacher employee by a physician licensed in Illinois to practice medicine and surgery in all its branches, a licensed advanced practice registered nurse, or a licensed physician assistant and shall pay the expenses thereof from school funds.

(c) School boards may require teachers in their employ to furnish from time to time evidence of continued professional growth.

(Source: P.A. 100-513, eff. 1-1-18; 100-855, eff. 8-14-18; 101-81, eff. 7-12-19.)

(105 ILCS 5/24-6)

Sec. 24-6. Sick leave. The school boards of all school districts, including special charter districts, but not including school districts in municipalities of 500,000 or more, shall grant their full-time teachers, and also shall grant such of their other employees as are eligible to participate in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund under the "600-Hour Standard" established, or under such other eligibility participation standard as may from time to time be established, by rules and regulations now or hereafter promulgated by the Board of that Fund under Section 7-198 of the Illinois Pension Code, as now or hereafter amended, sick leave provisions not less in amount than 10 days at full pay in each school year. If any such teacher or employee does not use the full amount of annual leave thus allowed, the unused amount shall be allowed to accumulate to a minimum available leave of 180 days at full pay, including the leave of the current year. Sick leave shall be interpreted to mean personal illness, mental or behavioral health complications, quarantine at home, or serious illness or death in the immediate family or household. The school board may require a certificate from a physician licensed in Illinois to practice medicine and surgery in all its branches, a mental health professional licensed in Illinois providing ongoing care or treatment to the teacher or employee, a chiropractic physician licensed under the Medical Practice Act of 1987, a licensed advanced practice registered nurse, a licensed physician assistant, or, if the treatment is by prayer or spiritual means, a spiritual adviser or practitioner of the teacher's or employee's faith as a basis for pay during leave after an absence of 3 days for personal illness or as the school board may deem necessary in other cases. If the school board does require a certificate as a basis for pay during leave of less than 3 days for personal illness, the school board shall pay, from school funds, the expenses incurred by the teachers or other employees in obtaining the certificate.

Sick leave shall also be interpreted to mean birth, adoption, placement for adoption, and the acceptance of a child in need of foster care. Teachers and other employees to which this Section applies are entitled to use up to 30 days of paid sick leave because of the birth of a child that is not dependent on the need to recover from childbirth. Paid sick leave because of the birth of a child may be used absent medical certification for up to 30 working school days, which days may be used at any time within the 12-month period following the birth of the child. The use of up to 30 working school days of paid sick leave because of the birth of a child may not be diminished as a result of any intervening period of nonworking days or school not being in session, such as for summer, winter, or spring break or holidays, that may occur during the use of the paid sick leave. For paid sick leave for adoption, placement for adoption, or the acceptance of a child in need of foster care, the school board may require that the teacher or other employee to which this Section applies provide evidence that the formal adoption process or the formal foster care process is underway, and such sick leave is limited to 30 days unless a longer leave has been negotiated with the exclusive bargaining representative. Paid sick leave for adoption, placement for adoption, or the acceptance of a child in need of foster care need not be used consecutively once the formal adoption process or the formal foster care process is underway, and such sick leave may be used for reasons related to the formal adoption process or the formal foster care process prior to taking custody of the child or accepting the child in need of foster care, in addition to using such sick leave upon taking custody of the child or accepting the child in need of foster care.

If, by reason of any change in the boundaries of school districts, or by reason of the creation of a new school district, the employment of a teacher is transferred to a new or different board, the accumulated sick leave of such teacher is not thereby lost, but is transferred to such new or different district.

Any sick leave used by a teacher or employee during the 2021-2022 school year shall be returned to a teacher or employee who receives all doses required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as defined in Section 10-20.83 of this Code, if:

(1) the sick leave was taken because the teacher or employee was restricted from being on school district property because the teacher or employee:

(A) had a confirmed positive COVID-19 diagnosis via a molecular amplification diagnostic test, such as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19;

(B) had a probable COVID-19 diagnosis via an antigen diagnostic test;

(C) was in close contact with a person who had a confirmed case of COVID-19 and was required to be excluded from school; or

(D) was required by the school or school district policy to be excluded from school district property due to COVID-19 symptoms; or

(2) the sick leave was taken to care for a child of the teacher or employee who was unable to attend elementary or secondary school because the child:

(A) had a confirmed positive COVID-19 diagnosis via a molecular amplification diagnostic test, such as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19;

(B) had a probable COVID-19 diagnosis via an antigen diagnostic test;

(C) was in close contact with a person who had a confirmed case of COVID-19 and was required to be excluded from school; or

(D) was required by the school or school district policy to be excluded from school district property due to COVID-19 symptoms.

For purposes of return of sick leave used in the 2021-2022 school year pursuant this Section, an "employee" is a teacher or employee employed by the school district on or after April 5, 2022 (the effective date of Public Act 102-697).

Leave shall be returned to a teacher or employee pursuant to this Section provided that the teacher or employee has received all required doses to meet the definition of "fully vaccinated against COVID-19" under Section 10-20.83 of this Code no later than 5 weeks after April 5, 2022 (the effective date of Public Act 102-697).

No school may rescind any sick leave returned to a teacher or employee on the basis of a revision to the definition of "fully vaccinated against COVID-19" by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Public Health, provided that the teacher or employee received all doses required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as defined in Section 10-20.83 of this Code, at the time the sick leave was returned to the teacher or employee.

For purposes of this Section, "immediate family" shall include parents, spouse, brothers, sisters, children, grandparents, grandchildren, parents-in-law, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and legal guardians.

(Source: P.A. 102-275, eff. 8-6-21; 102-697, eff. 4-5-22; 102-866, eff. 5-13-22; 103-154, eff. 6-30-23.)

(105 ILCS 5/24-6.1) (from Ch. 122, par. 24-6.1)

Sec. 24-6.1. Sabbatical leave. Every school board may grant a sabbatical leave of absence to a teacher, principal or superintendent performing contractual continued service, for a period of at least 4 school months but not in excess of one school term, for resident study, research, travel or other purposes designed to improve the school system. The grant of a sabbatical leave by a school board shall constitute a finding that the leave is deemed to benefit the school system by improving the quality and level of experience of the teaching force.

This leave may be granted after completion of at least 6 years of satisfactory service as a full time teacher, principal or superintendent and may again be granted after completion of a subsequent period of 6 years of such service. However, 2 sabbatical leaves, each consisting of at least 4 months but totaling no more than the equivalent of one school year, may be granted within a 6 year period. A leave granted for a period of one school year or less shall bar a further sabbatical leave until completion of 6 years additional satisfactory service, except that 2 leaves which total no more than the equivalent of one school year shall bar a further sabbatical leave only until the completion of 6 years additional satisfactory service following the completion of the first such leave. The leave shall be conditional upon a plan for resident study, research, travel or other activities proposed by the applicant and deemed by the board to benefit the school system, which plan shall be approved by the board and not thereafter modified without the approval of the board.

Before a leave is granted pursuant to this Section, the applicant shall agree in writing that if at the expiration of such leave he does not return to and perform contractual continued service in the district for at least one school year after his return, all sums of money received from the board during his sabbatical leave will be refunded to the board unless such return and performance is prevented by illness or incapacity.

During absence pursuant to such leave, such teacher, principal or superintendent shall receive the same basic salary as if in actual service, except that there may be deducted therefrom an amount equivalent to the amount payable for substitute service. However, such salary after deduction for substitute service shall in no case be less than the minimum provided by Section 24-8 of this Act or 1/2 of the basic salary, whichever is greater. The person on leave shall not engage in any activity for which salary or compensation is paid unless the activity is directly related to the purpose for which the leave is granted and is approved by the board. A sabbatical leave may be granted to enable the applicant, if otherwise eligible, to accept scholarships for study or research. Unless justified by illness or incapacity, failure of any person granted a leave under this Section to devote the entire period to the purposes for which the leave was granted shall constitute a cause for removal from teaching service.

Upon expiration of a leave granted pursuant to this Section, and upon presentation of evidence satisfactory to the board showing compliance with the conditions of the leave, the teacher, principal or superintendent shall be returned to a position equivalent to that formerly occupied. The contractual continued service status of the person on sabbatical leave shall not be affected.

Absence during a leave granted pursuant to this Section shall not be construed as a discontinuance of service for any purpose, including progression on the salary schedule if one is in effect in the district. The board shall pay the contribution to the Teachers' Retirement System required of the person on leave computed on the annual full-time salary rate under which the member last received earnings immediately prior to the leave or a proportionate part of such rate for a partial year of sabbatical leave credit.

This Section in no way limits the power of the board to grant leaves for other purposes.

(Source: P.A. 83-186.)

(105 ILCS 5/24-6.2) (from Ch. 122, par. 24-6.2)

Sec. 24-6.2. Association president leave. Each school board shall grant paid leaves of absence to the local association president of a state teacher association that is an exclusive bargaining agent in the district, or his or her teacher designee, for the purpose of attending meetings, workshops or seminars designated by the State Board of Education, the regional superintendent of schools, the general superintendent of schools in a school district subject to the provisions of Article 34, or the superintendent of schools in any school district having a population of less than 500,000 inhabitants to deal with issues arising from the education reform legislation of the 84th General Assembly.

(Source: P.A. 84-1401.)

(105 ILCS 5/24-6.3) (from Ch. 122, par. 24-6.3)

Sec. 24-6.3. Retirement trustee leave.

(a) Each school board employing a teacher who is an elected trustee of the Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois shall make available to the elected trustee at least 20 days of paid leave of absence per year for the purpose of attending meetings of the System's Board of Trustees, committee meetings of such Board, and seminars regarding issues for which such Board is responsible. The Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois shall reimburse affected school districts for the actual cost of hiring a substitute teacher during such leaves of absence.

(b) Each school board employing an employee who is an elected trustee of the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund shall make available to the elected trustee at least 20 days of paid leave of absence per year for the purpose of attending meetings of the Fund's Board of Trustees, committee meetings of the Board of Trustees, and seminars regarding issues for which the Board of Trustees is responsible. The Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund may reimburse affected school districts for the actual cost of hiring a substitute employee during such leaves of absence.

(c) The school board established under Article 34 and employers under Article 17 of the Illinois Pension Code shall make available to each active teacher who is an elected trustee of the Board of Trustees of the Public School Teachers' Pension and Retirement Fund of Chicago established under Article 17 of the Illinois Pension Code up to 22 days of paid leave of absence per year for the purpose of attending meetings of the Board of Trustees, committee meetings of the Board of Trustees, and seminars regarding issues for which the Board of Trustees is responsible. The allocation of the days of paid leave shall be at the discretion of the Board of Trustees of the Public School Teachers' Pension and Retirement Fund of Chicago.

(Source: P.A. 103-552, eff. 8-11-23.)