Section 1.295  Bullying Prevention Policy

a)         For purposes of this Section, “bullying” and “policy on bullying” have the meanings given to those terms under Section 27-23.7 of the School Code [105 ILCS 5].

b)         Each school district, charter school, and non-public, non-sectarian elementary or secondary school shall create, maintain, and implement a policy on bullying, which policy must be filed with the State Board of Education (see Section 27-23.7(d) of the School Code). Such policies shall contain all of the requirements of Section 27-23.7 of the School Code and shall specify the date of adoption (indicated by month, date, and year) by the district or school.

c)         Every 2 years, each school district, charter school, and non-public, non-sectarian elementary or secondary school shall conduct a review and re-evaluation of its policy and make any necessary and appropriate revisions. Such biennial policy reviews and re-evaluations shall be filed no later than September 30 of the year due and must be filed electronically through the IWAS system with the State Board of Education after being updated (see Section 27-23.7(d) of the School Code).

1)         If the school or district has an Internet website, the policy must be posted on the website and the school or district must provide the website address to the State Board of Education.

2)         The school or district must submit the entire updated policy with the amendment or modification date included in the reference portion of the policy.

3)         If, after review and re-evaluation of its bullying policy, the school or district determines that no revisions are necessary, a copy of board minutes clearly indicating that the policy was re-evaluated and no changes were deemed to be necessary, or a signed statement from the board president indicating that the policy was re-evaluated and no changes were deemed to be necessary, shall be submitted electronically through the IWAS system to the State Board of Education. In instances in which the school does not have a board or board president, the school’s chief school administrator may submit the signed statement.

d)         Upon receiving an updated policy or other documentation under subsection (c), State Board staff will review the policy or documentation to ensure its compliance with Section 27-23.7 of the School Code, as applicable. The agency will notify the school or district in writing if the policy or documentation has been approved or disapproved. If a policy or documentation has been disapproved, the school or district may correct the deficiency. The school or district must re-submit the policy no later than 90 days after the notification provided in this subsection (d).

e)         Pursuant to Section 27-23.7(d) of the School Code, the State Board of Education shall monitor and provide technical support for the implementation of policies. If a school or district fails to submit a policy or submits a policy on bullying that does not meet the requirements of Section 27-23.7 of the School Code and this Section, State Board staff will:

1)         Provide the school or district with technical assistance and resources to assist with meeting the requirements of Section 27-23.7 of the School Code and this Section, including, but not limited to, the following:

A)        referencing any deficiencies in the policy to assist the school or district with bringing the policy into compliance with the requirements of Section 27-23.7(b) of the School Code; or

B)        providing the school or district with bullying prevention policy guidance, a model policy toolkit, and sample bullying policies that will assist the school or district with creating a compliant policy.

2)         As appropriate, notify the school’s or district’s regional office of education or intermediate service center of failure to submit a bullying prevention policy that meets the requirements of Section 27-23.7 of the School Code and this Section. 

3)         Upon continued non-compliance with the requirements of Section 27-23.7 of the School Code and this Section, issue a letter stating the school’s or district’s failure to comply. 

4)         Be available for technical assistance throughout the process. 

(Source:  Added at 46 Ill. Reg. 12736, effective July 13, 2022)