Boards Keep Policy in Mind When Planning PD 

IASB’s Policy Reference Education Subscription Service (PRESS) has a sample policy that addresses mandatory professional development for board members and permits and encourages other ongoing leadership training opportunities. Sample PRESS Policy, 2:120, Board Member Development, provides sample text regarding issues related to setting considerations for board member training. 
 
The Joint Annual Conference is covered under this sample policy as it provides training and professional development opportunities.   
  
It is important for boards of education to be as transparent as possible about Conference expenses. Two additional sample policies are available through PRESS on this topic, 2:125, Board Member Compensation; Expenses (for board member expenses), and 5:60, Expenses (employee expenses). 
  
The content of these policies is stipulated in state law (105 ILCS 5/10-9, 5/10-10, and 5/22-1 (no compensation allowed, conflicts of interest prohibited); 105 ILCS 5/10-22.32 (expense advancements); and the Local Government Travel Expense Control Act (ECA) 50 ILCS 150/10 (regulation of travel expenses). The purpose of these policies is to ensure legal compliance of Illinois statutes. 
  
Prior to attending Conference, school boards should consider reviewing their existing policies or adopting a policy to confirm they are in line with the necessary laws. It is also advisable to communicate these policies to the community and district residents with the goal of ensuring transparency of district expenses and attendance at professional development activities. 
  
The 2024 Joint Annual Conference will be held November 22-24 in Chicago. Additional information can be found on the Conference webpage or by following along on social media using #ILjac24.