Delivered via email: November 21, 2024
Both chambers adjourned on November 21 with plans to return for Lame Duck Session. While no official date has been scheduled, any session must be scheduled before the January 8, 2025, inauguration day for the 104th General Assembly.
For those planning to visit the Capitol in the future, please be aware that security procedures have been heightened. All visitors without state-issued credentials now need to pass through additional security screenings, which may result in longer wait times. Please plan accordingly.
Testimony was provided by students and their families and highlighted concerns about the fairness of the transfer process, with some advocating for rule changes to allow more flexibility in student transfers. School superintendents and ISHA Executive Director Craig Anderson expressed concerns that the proposed changes could erode local control and lead to negative outcomes for students' well-being and academic success.
The Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) will continue to monitor this issue, as the sponsor indicated that a more comprehensive bill would be filed this spring.
The IASB Delegate Assembly will take place on Saturday, November 23, at 10:30 a.m. as part of the Joint Annual Conference in Chicago. Delegates do not have to be registered for the Conference to take part in the Delegate Assembly. If your District has not named a delegate there will be onsite registration available for limited hours on Friday and Saturday morning of Conference.
A webinar is available online which offers a preview of what members can expect at the Delegate Assembly. Registered delegates, as well as interested board members, are encouraged to view the video on the IASB website in the Advocacy tab.
We will also share information about the Advocacy Ambassadors Program, including how you can get involved and make a difference in state and federal advocacy efforts. We hope to see you there!
The Second and Final Week of Veto Session
As the Illinois General Assembly entered the second and final week of the Fall Veto Session, activity on the floor remained light, with most discussions focused on planning for the upcoming Lame Duck and Spring Legislative sessions. Legislators are using this time to lay the groundwork for larger legislative proposals expected in the coming months. The Senate Education Committee did meet to pass SB469 on an agreed bill list. This bill was essentially a trailer bill to clarify and clean-up legislation that passed during the 2024 Spring Session. However, there was no significant action this week for K-12 public schools.Both chambers adjourned on November 21 with plans to return for Lame Duck Session. While no official date has been scheduled, any session must be scheduled before the January 8, 2025, inauguration day for the 104th General Assembly.
For those planning to visit the Capitol in the future, please be aware that security procedures have been heightened. All visitors without state-issued credentials now need to pass through additional security screenings, which may result in longer wait times. Please plan accordingly.
IHSA Subject Matter Hearing
The Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools Committee held a Subject Matter Hearing to review Illinois High School Association (IHSA) transfer rules, focusing on the student impact of public-to-private and public-to-public athletic transfer requests. Rep. Camille Lilly, who introduced HB334 and HR599 last year, has been advocating for policy changes that could provide more flexibility for students who transfer schools, particularly during sports seasons.Testimony was provided by students and their families and highlighted concerns about the fairness of the transfer process, with some advocating for rule changes to allow more flexibility in student transfers. School superintendents and ISHA Executive Director Craig Anderson expressed concerns that the proposed changes could erode local control and lead to negative outcomes for students' well-being and academic success.
The Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) will continue to monitor this issue, as the sponsor indicated that a more comprehensive bill would be filed this spring.
SB469
SB469 is cleanup legislation to Public Act 103-0790, which dealt with Cook County township trustee of schools. SB469 clarifies that Public Act 103-0790 applies to all townships and school districts within Cook County. SB469 passed out of the Senate Education committee on Tuesday 10-0-0.
IASB Delegate Assembly
The IASB Delegate Assembly will take place on Saturday, November 23, at 10:30 a.m. as part of the Joint Annual Conference in Chicago. Delegates do not have to be registered for the Conference to take part in the Delegate Assembly. If your District has not named a delegate there will be onsite registration available for limited hours on Friday and Saturday morning of Conference.A webinar is available online which offers a preview of what members can expect at the Delegate Assembly. Registered delegates, as well as interested board members, are encouraged to view the video on the IASB website in the Advocacy tab.
Brewing Advocacy in You: A Blend of Passion and Purpose
Join the IASB Governmental Relations team on Sunday, November 24 at 8:30 a.m. at the Hyatt East Grand A, Ballroom Level, for the Coffee & Conversation session Brewing Advocacy in You: A Blend of Passion and Purpose at the Joint Annual Conference. This informative session will include a recap of Fall Veto Session, a preview of the upcoming Lame Duck and 2025 Spring Session, as well as a discussion of legislative priorities.We will also share information about the Advocacy Ambassadors Program, including how you can get involved and make a difference in state and federal advocacy efforts. We hope to see you there!