SB2423sam001 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Sen. Kimberly A. Lightford

Filed: 3/14/2025

10400SB2423sam001 LRB104 10323 LNS 24020 a

AMENDMENT TO SENATE BILL 2423

AMENDMENT NO. ______. Amend Senate Bill 2423 by replacing everything after the enacting clause with the following:

"Section 5. The School Code is amended by changing Sections 2-3.25g, 2-3.71, 2-3.162, 10-22.6, 13B-20.25, 13B-20.30, and 13B-25.5 as follows:

(105 ILCS 5/2-3.25g) (from Ch. 122, par. 2-3.25g)

Sec. 2-3.25g. Waiver or modification of mandates within the School Code and administrative rules and regulations.

(a) In this Section:

"Board" means a school board or the governing board or administrative district, as the case may be, for a joint agreement.

"Eligible applicant" means a school district, joint agreement made up of school districts, or regional superintendent of schools on behalf of schools and programs operated by the regional office of education.

"Implementation date" has the meaning set forth in Section 24A-2.5 of this Code.

"State Board" means the State Board of Education.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this School Code or any other law of this State to the contrary, eligible applicants may petition the State Board of Education for the waiver or modification of the mandates of this School Code or of the administrative rules and regulations promulgated by the State Board of Education. Waivers or modifications of administrative rules and regulations and modifications of mandates of this School Code may be requested when an eligible applicant demonstrates that it can address the intent of the rule or mandate in a more effective, efficient, or economical manner or when necessary to stimulate innovation or improve student performance. Waivers of mandates of the School Code may be requested when the waivers are necessary to stimulate innovation or improve student performance or when the applicant demonstrates that it can address the intent of the mandate of the School Code in a more effective, efficient, or economical manner. Waivers may not be requested from laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to special education, teacher educator licensure, teacher tenure and seniority, or Section 5-2.1 or 13B-20.30 of this Code or from compliance with the Every Student Succeeds Act (Public Law 114-95). Eligible applicants may not seek a waiver or seek a modification of a mandate regarding the requirements for (i) student performance data to be a significant factor in teacher or principal evaluations or (ii) teachers and principals to be rated using the 4 categories of "excellent", "proficient", "needs improvement", or "unsatisfactory". On September 1, 2014, any previously authorized waiver or modification from such requirements shall terminate.

(c) Eligible applicants, as a matter of inherent managerial policy, and any Independent Authority established under Section 2-3.25f-5 of this Code may submit an application for a waiver or modification authorized under this Section. Each application must include a written request by the eligible applicant or Independent Authority and must demonstrate that the intent of the mandate can be addressed in a more effective, efficient, or economical manner or be based upon a specific plan for improved student performance and school improvement. Any eligible applicant requesting a waiver or modification for the reason that intent of the mandate can be addressed in a more economical manner shall include in the application a fiscal analysis showing current expenditures on the mandate and projected savings resulting from the waiver or modification. Applications and plans developed by eligible applicants must be approved by the board or regional superintendent of schools applying on behalf of schools or programs operated by the regional office of education following a public hearing on the application and plan and the opportunity for the board or regional superintendent to hear testimony from staff directly involved in its implementation, parents, and students. The time period for such testimony shall be separate from the time period established by the eligible applicant for public comment on other matters.

(c-5) If the applicant is a school district, then the district shall post information that sets forth the time, date, place, and general subject matter of the public hearing on its Internet website at least 14 days prior to the hearing. If the district is requesting to increase the fee charged for driver education authorized pursuant to Section 27-24.2 of this Code, the website information shall include the proposed amount of the fee the district will request. All school districts must publish a notice of the public hearing at least 7 days prior to the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation within the school district that sets forth the time, date, place, and general subject matter of the hearing. Districts requesting to increase the fee charged for driver education shall include in the published notice the proposed amount of the fee the district will request. If the applicant is a joint agreement or regional superintendent, then the joint agreement or regional superintendent shall post information that sets forth the time, date, place, and general subject matter of the public hearing on its Internet website at least 14 days prior to the hearing. If the joint agreement or regional superintendent is requesting to increase the fee charged for driver education authorized pursuant to Section 27-24.2 of this Code, the website information shall include the proposed amount of the fee the applicant will request. All joint agreements and regional superintendents must publish a notice of the public hearing at least 7 days prior to the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in each school district that is a member of the joint agreement or that is served by the educational service region that sets forth the time, date, place, and general subject matter of the hearing, provided that a notice appearing in a newspaper generally circulated in more than one school district shall be deemed to fulfill this requirement with respect to all of the affected districts. Joint agreements or regional superintendents requesting to increase the fee charged for driver education shall include in the published notice the proposed amount of the fee the applicant will request. The eligible applicant must notify either electronically or in writing the affected exclusive collective bargaining agent and those State legislators representing the eligible applicant's territory of its intent to seek approval of a waiver or modification and of the hearing to be held to take testimony from staff. The affected exclusive collective bargaining agents shall be notified of such public hearing at least 7 days prior to the date of the hearing and shall be allowed to attend such public hearing. The eligible applicant shall attest to compliance with all of the notification and procedural requirements set forth in this Section.

(d) A request for a waiver or modification of administrative rules and regulations or for a modification of mandates contained in this School Code shall be submitted to the State Board of Education within 15 days after approval by the board or regional superintendent of schools. The application as submitted to the State Board of Education shall include a description of the public hearing. Following receipt of the waiver or modification request, the State Board shall have 45 days to review the application and request. If the State Board fails to disapprove the application within that 45-day period, the waiver or modification shall be deemed granted. The State Board may disapprove any request if it is not based upon sound educational practices, endangers the health or safety of students or staff, compromises equal opportunities for learning, or fails to demonstrate that the intent of the rule or mandate can be addressed in a more effective, efficient, or economical manner or have improved student performance as a primary goal. Any request disapproved by the State Board may be appealed to the General Assembly by the eligible applicant as outlined in this Section.

A request for a waiver from mandates contained in this School Code shall be submitted to the State Board within 15 days after approval by the board or regional superintendent of schools. The application as submitted to the State Board of Education shall include a description of the public hearing. The description shall include, but need not be limited to, the means of notice, the number of people in attendance, the number of people who spoke as proponents or opponents of the waiver, a brief description of their comments, and whether there were any written statements submitted. The State Board shall review the applications and requests for completeness and shall compile the requests in reports to be filed with the General Assembly. The State Board shall file reports outlining the waivers requested by eligible applicants and appeals by eligible applicants of requests disapproved by the State Board with the Senate and the House of Representatives before each March 1 and October 1.

The report shall be reviewed by a panel of 4 members consisting of:

(1) the Speaker of the House of Representatives;

(2) the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives;

(3) the President of the Senate; and

(4) the Minority Leader of the Senate. The State Board of Education may provide the panel recommendations on waiver requests. The members of the panel shall review the report submitted by the State Board of Education and submit to the State Board of Education any notice of further consideration to any waiver request within 14 days after the member receives the report. If 3 or more of the panel members submit a notice of further consideration to any waiver request contained within the report, the State Board of Education shall submit the waiver request to the General Assembly for consideration. If less than 3 panel members submit a notice of further consideration to a waiver request, the waiver may be approved, denied, or modified by the State Board. If the State Board does not act on a waiver request within 10 days, then the waiver request is approved. If the waiver request is denied by the State Board, it shall submit the waiver request to the General Assembly for consideration.

The General Assembly may disapprove any waiver request submitted to the General Assembly pursuant to this subsection (d) in whole or in part within 60 calendar days after each house of the General Assembly next convenes after the waiver request is submitted by adoption of a resolution by a record vote of the majority of members elected in each house. If the General Assembly fails to disapprove any waiver request or appealed request within such 60-day period, the waiver or modification shall be deemed granted. Any resolution adopted by the General Assembly disapproving a report of the State Board in whole or in part shall be binding on the State Board.

(e) An approved waiver or modification may remain in effect for a period not to exceed 5 school years and may be renewed upon application by the eligible applicant. However, such waiver or modification may be changed within that 5-year period by a board or regional superintendent of schools applying on behalf of schools or programs operated by the regional office of education following the procedure as set forth in this Section for the initial waiver or modification request. If neither the State Board of Education nor the General Assembly disapproves, the change is deemed granted.

(f) (Blank).

(Source: P.A. 100-465, eff. 8-31-17; 100-782, eff. 1-1-19; 101-81, eff. 7-12-19.)

(105 ILCS 5/2-3.71) (from Ch. 122, par. 2-3.71)

Sec. 2-3.71. Grants for preschool educational programs.

(a) Preschool program.

(1) Through June 30, 2026, the State Board of Education shall implement and administer a grant program under the provisions of this subsection which shall consist of grants to public school districts and other eligible entities, as defined by the State Board of Education, to conduct voluntary preschool educational programs for children ages 3 to 5 which include a parent education component. A public school district which receives grants under this subsection may subcontract with other entities that are eligible to conduct a preschool educational program. These grants must be used to supplement, not supplant, funds received from any other source.

(1.5) On and after July 1, 2026, the Department of Early Childhood shall implement and administer a grant program for school districts and other eligible entities, as defined by the Department, to conduct voluntary preschool educational programs for children ages 3 to 5 which include a parent education component. A public school district which receives grants under this subsection may subcontract with other entities that are eligible to conduct a preschool educational program. These grants must be used to supplement, not supplant, funds received from any other source.

(2) (Blank).

(3) Except as otherwise provided under this subsection (a), any teacher of preschool children in the program authorized by this subsection shall hold a Professional Educator License with an early childhood education endorsement.

(3.5) Beginning with the 2018-2019 school year and until the 2028-2029 school year, an individual may teach preschool children in an early childhood program under this Section if he or she holds a Professional Educator License with an early childhood education endorsement or with short-term approval for early childhood education or he or she pursues a Professional Educator License and holds any of the following:

(A) An ECE Credential Level of 5 awarded by the Department of Human Services under the Gateways to Opportunity Program developed under Section 10-70 of the Department of Human Services Act.

(B) An Educator License with Stipulations with a transitional bilingual educator endorsement and he or she has (i) passed an early childhood education content test or (ii) completed no less than 9 semester hours of postsecondary coursework in the area of early childhood education.

(4) (Blank).

(4.5) Through June 30, 2026, the State Board of Education shall provide the primary source of funding through appropriations for the program. On and after July 1, 2026, the Department of Early Childhood shall provide the primary source of funding through appropriations for the program. Such funds shall be distributed to achieve a goal of "Preschool for All Children" for the benefit of all children whose families choose to participate in the program. Based on available appropriations, newly funded programs shall be selected through a process giving first priority to qualified programs serving primarily at-risk children and second priority to qualified programs serving primarily children with a family income of less than 4 times the poverty guidelines updated periodically in the Federal Register by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the authority of 42 U.S.C. 9902(2). For purposes of this paragraph (4.5), at-risk children are those who because of their home and community environment are subject to such language, cultural, economic and like disadvantages to cause them to have been determined as a result of screening procedures to be at risk of academic failure. Through June 30, 2026, such screening procedures shall be based on criteria established by the State Board of Education. On and after July 1, 2026, such screening procedures shall be based on criteria established by the Department of Early Childhood.

Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph (4.5), grantees under the program must enter into a memorandum of understanding with the appropriate local Head Start agency. This memorandum must be entered into no later than 3 months after the award of a grantee's grant under the program, except that, in the case of the 2009-2010 program year, the memorandum must be entered into no later than the deadline set by the State Board of Education for applications to participate in the program in fiscal year 2011, and must address collaboration between the grantee's program and the local Head Start agency on certain issues, which shall include without limitation the following:

(A) educational activities, curricular objectives, and instruction;

(B) public information dissemination and access to programs for families contacting programs;

(C) service areas;

(D) selection priorities for eligible children to be served by programs;

(E) maximizing the impact of federal and State funding to benefit young children;

(F) staff training, including opportunities for joint staff training;

(G) technical assistance;

(H) communication and parent outreach for smooth transitions to kindergarten;

(I) provision and use of facilities, transportation, and other program elements;

(J) facilitating each program's fulfillment of its statutory and regulatory requirements;

(K) improving local planning and collaboration; and

(L) providing comprehensive services for the neediest Illinois children and families.

Through June 30, 2026, if the appropriate local Head Start agency is unable or unwilling to enter into a memorandum of understanding as required under this paragraph (4.5), the memorandum of understanding requirement shall not apply and the grantee under the program must notify the State Board of Education in writing of the Head Start agency's inability or unwillingness. The State Board of Education shall compile all such written notices and make them available to the public. On and after July 1, 2026, if the appropriate local Head Start agency is unable or unwilling to enter into a memorandum of understanding as required under this paragraph (4.5), the memorandum of understanding requirement shall not apply and the grantee under the program must notify the Department of Early Childhood in writing of the Head Start agency's inability or unwillingness. The Department of Early Childhood shall compile all such written notices and make them available to the public.

(5) Through June 30, 2026, the State Board of Education shall develop and provide evaluation tools, including tests, that school districts and other eligible entities may use to evaluate children for school readiness prior to age 5. The State Board of Education shall require school districts and other eligible entities to obtain consent from the parents or guardians of children before any evaluations are conducted. The State Board of Education shall encourage local school districts and other eligible entities to evaluate the population of preschool children in their communities and provide preschool programs, pursuant to this subsection, where appropriate.

(5.1) On and after July 1, 2026, the Department of Early Childhood shall develop and provide evaluation tools, including tests, that school districts and other eligible entities may use to evaluate children for school readiness prior to age 5. The Department of Early Childhood shall require school districts and other eligible entities to obtain consent from the parents or guardians of children before any evaluations are conducted. The Department of Early Childhood shall encourage local school districts and other eligible entities to evaluate the population of preschool children in their communities and provide preschool programs, pursuant to this subsection, where appropriate.

(6) Through June 30, 2026, the State Board of Education shall report to the General Assembly by November 1, 2018 and every 2 years thereafter on the results and progress of students who were enrolled in preschool educational programs, including an assessment of which programs have been most successful in promoting academic excellence and alleviating academic failure. Through June 30, 2026, the State Board of Education shall assess the academic progress of all students who have been enrolled in preschool educational programs.

Through fiscal year 2026, on or before November 1 of each fiscal year in which the General Assembly provides funding for new programs under paragraph (4.5) of this Section, the State Board of Education shall report to the General Assembly on what percentage of new funding was provided to programs serving primarily at-risk children, what percentage of new funding was provided to programs serving primarily children with a family income of less than 4 times the federal poverty level, and what percentage of new funding was provided to other programs.

(6.1) On and after July 1, 2026, the Department of Early Childhood shall report to the General Assembly by November 1, 2026 and every 2 years thereafter on the results and progress of students who were enrolled in preschool educational programs, including an assessment of which programs have been most successful in promoting academic excellence and alleviating academic failure. On and after July 1, 2026, the Department of Early Childhood shall assess the academic progress of all students who have been enrolled in preschool educational programs. Beginning in fiscal year 2027, on or before November 1 of each fiscal year in which the General Assembly provides funding for new programs under paragraph (4.5) of this Section, the Department of Early Childhood shall report to the General Assembly on what percentage of new funding was provided to programs serving primarily at-risk children, what percentage of new funding was provided to programs serving primarily children with a family income of less than 4 times the federal poverty level, and what percentage of new funding was provided to other programs.

(7) Due to evidence that expulsion practices in the preschool years are linked to poor child outcomes and are employed inconsistently across racial and gender groups, early childhood programs receiving State funds under this subsection (a) shall prohibit expulsions. Planned transitions to settings that are able to better meet a child's needs are not considered expulsion under this paragraph (7).

(A) When persistent and serious challenging behaviors emerge, the early childhood program shall document steps taken to ensure that the child can participate safely in the program; including observations of initial and ongoing challenging behaviors, strategies for remediation and intervention plans to address the behaviors, and communication with the parent or legal guardian, including participation of the parent or legal guardian in planning and decision-making.

(B) The early childhood program shall, with parental or legal guardian consent as required, utilize a range of community resources, if available and deemed necessary, including, but not limited to, developmental screenings, referrals to programs and services administered by a local educational agency or early intervention agency under Parts B and C of the federal Individual with Disabilities Education Act, and consultation with infant and early childhood mental health consultants and the child's health care provider. The program shall document attempts to engage these resources, including parent or legal guardian participation and consent attempted and obtained. Communication with the parent or legal guardian shall take place in a culturally and linguistically competent manner.

(C) If there is documented evidence that all available interventions and supports recommended by a qualified professional have been exhausted and the program determines in its professional judgment that transitioning a child to another program is necessary for the well-being of the child or his or her peers and staff, with parent or legal guardian permission, both the current and pending programs shall create a transition plan designed to ensure continuity of services and the comprehensive development of the child. Communication with families shall occur in a culturally and linguistically competent manner.

(D) Nothing in this paragraph (7) shall preclude a parent's or legal guardian's right to voluntarily withdraw his or her child from an early childhood program. Early childhood programs shall request and keep on file, when received, a written statement from the parent or legal guardian stating the reason for his or her decision to withdraw his or her child.

(E) In the case of the determination of a serious safety threat to a child or others or in the case of behaviors listed in subsection (d) of Section 10-22.6 of this Code, the temporary removal of a child from attendance in group settings may be used. Temporary removal of a child from attendance in a group setting shall trigger the process detailed in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of this paragraph (7), with the child placed back in a group setting as quickly as possible.

(F) Early childhood programs may utilize and the Department of Early Childhood, State Board of Education, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Children and Family Services shall recommend training, technical support, and professional development resources to improve the ability of teachers, administrators, program directors, and other staff to promote social-emotional development and behavioral health, to address challenging behaviors, and to understand trauma and trauma-informed care, cultural competence, family engagement with diverse populations, the impact of implicit bias on adult behavior, and the use of reflective practice techniques. Support shall include the availability of resources to contract with infant and early childhood mental health consultants.

(G) Through June 30, 2026, early childhood programs shall annually report to the State Board of Education, and, beginning in fiscal year 2020, the State Board of Education shall make available on a biennial basis, in an existing report, all of the following data for children from birth to age 5 who are served by the program:

(i) Total number served over the course of the program year and the total number of children who left the program during the program year.

(ii) Number of planned transitions to another program due to children's behavior, by children's race, gender, disability, language, class/group size, teacher-child ratio, and length of program day.

(iii) Number of temporary removals of a child from attendance in group settings due to a serious safety threat under subparagraph (E) of this paragraph (7), by children's race, gender, disability, language, class/group size, teacher-child ratio, and length of program day.

(iv) Hours of infant and early childhood mental health consultant contact with program leaders, staff, and families over the program year.

(G-5) On and after July 1, 2026, early childhood programs shall annually report to the Department of Early Childhood, and beginning in fiscal year 2028, the Department of Early Childhood shall make available on a biennial basis, in a report, all of the following data for children from birth to age 5 who are served by the program:

(i) Total number served over the course of the program year and the total number of children who left the program during the program year.

(ii) Number of planned transitions to another program due to children's behavior, by children's race, gender, disability, language, class/group size, teacher-child ratio, and length of program day.

(iii) Number of temporary removals of a child from attendance in group settings due to a serious safety threat under subparagraph (E) of this paragraph (7), by children's race, gender, disability, language, class/group size, teacher-child ratio, and length of program day.

(iv) Hours of infant and early childhood mental health consultant contact with program leaders, staff, and families over the program year.

(H) Changes to services for children with an individualized education program or individual family service plan shall be construed in a manner consistent with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

The Department of Early Childhood, in consultation with the Department of Children and Family Services, shall adopt rules to administer this paragraph (7).

(8) Due to evidence that suspension practices in the preschool years are linked to poor child outcomes and are employed inconsistently across racial and gender groups, early childhood programs receiving State funds under this subsection (a) shall restrict suspensions. Planned transitions to settings that are able to better meet a child's needs are not considered suspension under this paragraph (8). In no case may the decision to suspend a student in preschool for 3 or more days be made by anyone other than the superintendent of the school district, director of an early childhood program, or their equivalent nor may the length of the suspension for any student in preschool be for longer than the number of days required by the school district or early childhood program to develop and implement a behavior intervention plan or safety plan.

(b) (Blank).

(c) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section, grantees may serve children ages 0 to 12 of essential workers if the Governor has declared a disaster due to a public health emergency pursuant to Section 7 of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act. For the purposes of this subsection, essential workers include those outlined in Executive Order 20-8 and school employees. The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to administer this subsection.

(d) Paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(1.5), (a)(4.5), (a)(5), (a)(5.1), (a)(6), (a)(6.1), and (a)(7) and subsection (c) of this Section are inoperative on and after July 1, 2026.

(Source: P.A. 103-111, eff. 6-29-23; 103-594, eff. 6-25-24.)

(105 ILCS 5/2-3.162)

Sec. 2-3.162. Student discipline report; school discipline improvement plan.

(a) On or before October 31, 2015 and on or before October 31 of each subsequent year, the State Board of Education, through the State Superintendent of Education, shall prepare a report on student discipline in all school districts in this State, including State-authorized charter schools. This report shall include data from all public schools within school districts, including district-authorized charter schools. This report must be posted on the Internet website of the State Board of Education. The report shall include data on the issuance of out-of-school suspensions, expulsions, and removals to alternative settings in lieu of another disciplinary action, disaggregated by race and ethnicity, gender, age, grade level, whether a student is an English learner, incident type, and discipline duration. Such data shall be reported to the State Board of Education annually by all school districts in this State, including State-authorized charter schools, in a form and manner as specified by the State Board of Education, no later than July 31 for the previous school year and by July 31 of each year thereafter.

(b) The State Board of Education shall analyze the data under subsection (a) of this Section on an annual basis and determine the top 20% of school districts for the following metrics:

(1) Total number of out-of-school suspensions divided by the total district enrollment by the last school day in September for the year in which the data was collected, multiplied by 100.

(2) Total number of out-of-school expulsions divided by the total district enrollment by the last school day in September for the year in which the data was collected, multiplied by 100.

(3) Racial disproportionality, defined as the overrepresentation of students of color or white students in comparison to the total number of students of color or white students on October 1st of the school year in which data are collected, with respect to the use of out-of-school suspensions and expulsions, which must be calculated using the same method as the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights uses.

The analysis must be based on data collected over 3 consecutive school years, beginning with the 2014-2015 school year.

Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, the State Board of Education shall require each of the school districts that are identified in the top 20% of any of the metrics described in this subsection (b) for 3 consecutive years to submit a plan identifying the strategies the school district will implement to reduce the use of exclusionary disciplinary practices or racial disproportionality or both, if applicable. School districts that no longer meet the criteria described in any of the metrics described in this subsection (b) for 3 consecutive years shall no longer be required to submit a plan.

This plan may be combined with any other improvement plans required under federal or State law.

The calculation of the top 20% of any of the metrics described in this subsection (b) shall exclude all school districts, State-authorized charter schools, and special charter districts that issued fewer than a total of 10 out-of-school suspensions or expulsions, whichever is applicable, during the school year. The calculation of the top 20% of the metric described in subdivision (3) of this subsection (b) shall exclude all school districts with an enrollment of fewer than 50 white students or fewer than 50 students of color.

The plan must be approved at a public school board meeting and posted on the school district's Internet website. Within one year after being identified, the school district shall submit to the State Board of Education and post on the district's Internet website a progress report describing the implementation of the plan and the results achieved.

(Source: P.A. 99-30, eff. 7-10-15; 99-78, eff. 7-20-15; 100-863, eff. 8-14-18.)

(105 ILCS 5/10-22.6) (from Ch. 122, par. 10-22.6)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 102-466)

Sec. 10-22.6. Suspension or expulsion of students; school searches.

(a) To expel students guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct, including gross disobedience or misconduct perpetuated by electronic means, pursuant to subsection (b-20) of this Section, and no action shall lie against them for such expulsion. Expulsion shall take place only after the parents have been requested to appear at a meeting of the board, or with a hearing officer appointed by it, to discuss their child's behavior. Such request shall be made by registered or certified mail and shall state the time, place and purpose of the meeting. The board, or a hearing officer appointed by it, at such meeting shall state the reasons for dismissal and the date on which the expulsion is to become effective. If a hearing officer is appointed by the board, the hearing officer shall report to the board a written summary of the evidence heard at the meeting and the board may take such action thereon as it finds appropriate. If the board acts to expel a student, the written expulsion decision shall detail the specific reasons why removing the student from the learning environment is in the best interest of the school. The expulsion decision shall also include a rationale as to the specific duration of the expulsion. An expelled student may be immediately transferred to an alternative program in the manner provided in Article 13A or 13B of this Code. A student must not be denied transfer because of the expulsion, except in cases in which such transfer is deemed to cause a threat to the safety of students or staff in the alternative program.

(b) To suspend or by policy to authorize the superintendent of the district or the principal, assistant principal, or dean of students of any school to suspend students guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct, or to suspend students guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct on the school bus from riding the school bus, pursuant to subsections (b-15) and (b-20) of this Section, and no action shall lie against them for such suspension. The board may by policy authorize the superintendent of the district or the principal, assistant principal, or dean of students of any school to suspend students guilty of such acts for a period not to exceed 10 school days. If a student is suspended due to gross disobedience or misconduct on a school bus, the board may suspend the student in excess of 10 school days for safety reasons.

Any suspension shall be reported immediately to the parents or guardian of a student along with a full statement of the reasons for such suspension and a notice of their right to a review. The school board must be given a summary of the notice, including the reason for the suspension and the suspension length. Upon request of the parents or guardian, the school board or a hearing officer appointed by it shall review such action of the superintendent or principal, assistant principal, or dean of students. At such review, the parents or guardian of the student may appear and discuss the suspension with the board or its hearing officer. If a hearing officer is appointed by the board, he shall report to the board a written summary of the evidence heard at the meeting. After its hearing or upon receipt of the written report of its hearing officer, the board may take such action as it finds appropriate. If a student is suspended pursuant to this subsection (b), the board shall, in the written suspension decision, detail the specific act of gross disobedience or misconduct resulting in the decision to suspend. The suspension decision shall also include a rationale as to the specific duration of the suspension.

(b-5) Among the many possible disciplinary interventions and consequences available to school officials, school exclusions, such as out-of-school suspensions and expulsions, are the most serious. School officials shall limit the number and duration of expulsions and suspensions to the greatest extent practicable, and it is recommended that they use them only for legitimate educational purposes. To ensure that students are not excluded from school unnecessarily, it is recommended that school officials consider forms of non-exclusionary discipline prior to using out-of-school suspensions or expulsions.

(b-10) Unless otherwise required by federal law or this Code, school boards may not institute zero-tolerance policies by which school administrators are required to suspend or expel students for particular behaviors.

(b-15) Out-of-school suspensions of 3 days or less may be used only if the student's continuing presence in school would pose a threat to school safety or a disruption to other students' learning opportunities. For purposes of this subsection (b-15), "threat to school safety or a disruption to other students' learning opportunities" shall be determined on a case-by-case basis by the school board or its designee. School officials shall make all reasonable efforts to resolve such threats, address such disruptions, and minimize the length of suspensions to the greatest extent practicable.

(b-20) Unless otherwise required by this Code, out-of-school suspensions of longer than 3 days, expulsions, and disciplinary removals to alternative schools may be used only if other appropriate and available behavioral and disciplinary interventions have been exhausted and the student's continuing presence in school would either (i) pose a threat to the safety of other students, staff, or members of the school community or (ii) substantially disrupt, impede, or interfere with the operation of the school. For purposes of this subsection (b-20), "threat to the safety of other students, staff, or members of the school community" and "substantially disrupt, impede, or interfere with the operation of the school" shall be determined on a case-by-case basis by school officials. For purposes of this subsection (b-20), the determination of whether "appropriate and available behavioral and disciplinary interventions have been exhausted" shall be made by school officials. School officials shall make all reasonable efforts to resolve such threats, address such disruptions, and minimize the length of student exclusions to the greatest extent practicable. Within the suspension decision described in subsection (b) of this Section or the expulsion decision described in subsection (a) of this Section, it shall be documented whether other interventions were attempted or whether it was determined that there were no other appropriate and available interventions.

(b-25) Students who are suspended out-of-school for longer than 3 school days shall be provided appropriate and available support services during the period of their suspension. For purposes of this subsection (b-25), "appropriate and available support services" shall be determined by school authorities. Within the suspension decision described in subsection (b) of this Section, it shall be documented whether such services are to be provided or whether it was determined that there are no such appropriate and available services.

A school district may refer students who are expelled to appropriate and available support services.

A school district shall create a policy to facilitate the re-engagement of students who are suspended out-of-school, expelled, or returning from an alternative school setting. In consultation with stakeholders deemed appropriate by the State Board of Education, the State Board of Education shall draft and publish guidance for the re-engagement of students who are suspended out-of-school, expelled, or returning from an alternative school setting in accordance with this Section and Section 13A-4 on or before July 1, 2025.

(b-30) A school district shall create a policy by which suspended students, including those students suspended from the school bus who do not have alternate transportation to school, shall have the opportunity to make up work for equivalent academic credit. It shall be the responsibility of a student's parent or guardian to notify school officials that a student suspended from the school bus does not have alternate transportation to school.

(c) A school board must invite a representative from a local mental health agency to consult with the board at the meeting whenever there is evidence that mental illness may be the cause of a student's expulsion or suspension.

(c-5) School districts shall make reasonable efforts to provide ongoing professional development to all school personnel, school board members, and school resource officers, on the requirements of this Section and Section 10-20.14, the adverse consequences of school exclusion and justice-system involvement, effective classroom management strategies, culturally responsive discipline, trauma-responsive learning environments, as defined in subsection (b) of Section 3-11, the appropriate and available supportive services for the promotion of student attendance and engagement, and developmentally appropriate disciplinary methods that promote positive and healthy school climates.

(d) The board may expel a student for a definite period of time not to exceed 2 calendar years, as determined on a case-by-case basis. A student who is determined to have brought one of the following objects to school, any school-sponsored activity or event, or any activity or event that bears a reasonable relationship to school shall be expelled for a period of not less than one year:

(1) A firearm. For the purposes of this Section, "firearm" means any gun, rifle, shotgun, weapon as defined by Section 921 of Title 18 of the United States Code, firearm as defined in Section 1.1 of the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act, or firearm as defined in Section 24-1 of the Criminal Code of 2012. The expulsion period under this subdivision (1) may be modified by the superintendent, and the superintendent's determination may be modified by the board on a case-by-case basis.

(2) A knife, brass knuckles or other knuckle weapon regardless of its composition, a billy club, or any other object if used or attempted to be used to cause bodily harm, including "look alikes" of any firearm as defined in subdivision (1) of this subsection (d). The expulsion requirement under this subdivision (2) may be modified by the superintendent, and the superintendent's determination may be modified by the board on a case-by-case basis. Expulsion or suspension shall be construed in a manner consistent with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. A student who is subject to suspension or expulsion as provided in this Section may be eligible for a transfer to an alternative school program in accordance with Article 13A of the School Code.

(d-5) The board may suspend or by regulation authorize the superintendent of the district or the principal, assistant principal, or dean of students of any school to suspend a student for a period not to exceed 10 school days or may expel a student for a definite period of time not to exceed 2 calendar years, as determined on a case-by-case basis, if (i) that student has been determined to have made an explicit threat on an Internet website against a school employee, a student, or any school-related personnel, (ii) the Internet website through which the threat was made is a site that was accessible within the school at the time the threat was made or was available to third parties who worked or studied within the school grounds at the time the threat was made, and (iii) the threat could be reasonably interpreted as threatening to the safety and security of the threatened individual because of the individual's duties or employment status or status as a student inside the school.

(e) To maintain order and security in the schools, school authorities may inspect and search places and areas such as lockers, desks, parking lots, and other school property and equipment owned or controlled by the school, as well as personal effects left in those places and areas by students, without notice to or the consent of the student, and without a search warrant. As a matter of public policy, the General Assembly finds that students have no reasonable expectation of privacy in these places and areas or in their personal effects left in these places and areas. School authorities may request the assistance of law enforcement officials for the purpose of conducting inspections and searches of lockers, desks, parking lots, and other school property and equipment owned or controlled by the school for illegal drugs, weapons, or other illegal or dangerous substances or materials, including searches conducted through the use of specially trained dogs. If a search conducted in accordance with this Section produces evidence that the student has violated or is violating either the law, local ordinance, or the school's policies or rules, such evidence may be seized by school authorities, and disciplinary action may be taken. School authorities may also turn over such evidence to law enforcement authorities.

(f) Suspension or expulsion may include suspension or expulsion from school and all school activities and a prohibition from being present on school grounds.

(g) A school district may adopt a policy providing that if a student is suspended or expelled for any reason from any public or private school in this or any other state, the student must complete the entire term of the suspension or expulsion in an alternative school program under Article 13A of this Code or an alternative learning opportunities program under Article 13B of this Code before being admitted into the school district if there is no threat to the safety of students or staff in the alternative program.

(h) School officials shall not advise or encourage students to drop out voluntarily due to behavioral or academic difficulties.

(i) A student may not be issued a monetary fine or fee as a disciplinary consequence, though this shall not preclude requiring a student to provide restitution for lost, stolen, or damaged property.

(j) Subsections (a) through (i) of this Section shall apply to elementary and secondary schools, charter schools, special charter districts, and school districts organized under Article 34 of this Code.

(k) The expulsion of students enrolled in programs funded under Section 1C-2 of this Code is subject to the requirements under paragraph (7) of subsection (a) of Section 2-3.71 of this Code.

(l) An in-school suspension program provided by a school district for any students in kindergarten through grade 12 may focus on promoting non-violent conflict resolution and positive interaction with other students and school personnel. A school district may employ a school social worker or a licensed mental health professional to oversee an in-school suspension program in kindergarten through grade 12.

(Source: P.A. 102-539, eff. 8-20-21; 102-813, eff. 5-13-22; 103-594, eff. 6-25-24; 103-896, eff. 8-9-24; revised 9-25-24.)

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 102-466)

Sec. 10-22.6. Suspension or expulsion of students; school searches.

(a) To expel students in grades 3 through 12 or, if required by the federal Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 or State law, students in kindergarten through grade 2 guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct, including gross disobedience or misconduct perpetuated by electronic means, pursuant to subsection (b-20) of this Section, and no action shall lie against them for such expulsion. Unless otherwise required by the federal Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 or State law, in no case may a school board expel a student in kindergarten through grade 2. Subject to this grade level restriction, expulsion Expulsion shall take place only after the parents or guardians have been requested to appear at a meeting of the board, or with a hearing officer appointed by it, to discuss their child's behavior. Such request shall be made by registered or certified mail and shall state the time, place and purpose of the meeting. The board, or a hearing officer appointed by it, at such meeting shall state the reasons for dismissal and the date on which the expulsion is to become effective. If a hearing officer is appointed by the board, the hearing officer shall report to the board a written summary of the evidence heard at the meeting and the board may take such action thereon as it finds appropriate. If the board acts to expel a student, the written expulsion decision shall detail the specific reasons why removing the student from the learning environment is in the best interest of the school. The expulsion decision shall also include a rationale as to the specific duration of the expulsion. An expelled student may be immediately transferred to an alternative program in the manner provided in Article 13A or 13B of this Code. A student must not be denied transfer because of the expulsion, except in cases in which such transfer is deemed to cause a threat to the safety of students or staff in the alternative program.

(b) For students in grades 3 through 12, to To suspend or by policy to authorize the superintendent of the district or the principal, assistant principal, or dean of students of any school to suspend students guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct, or to suspend students guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct on the school bus from riding the school bus, pursuant to subsections (b-15) and (b-20) of this Section, and no action shall lie against them for such suspension. The board may by policy authorize the superintendent of the district or the principal, assistant principal, or dean of students of any school to suspend students guilty of such acts for a period not to exceed 10 school days. If a student is suspended due to gross disobedience or misconduct on a school bus, the board may suspend the student in excess of 10 school days for safety reasons. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section, in no case may the decision to suspend a student in kindergarten through grade 2 for 3 or more days be made by anyone other than the superintendent of the district nor may the length of the suspension for any student in kindergarten through grade 2 be for longer than the number of days required by the district to develop and implement a behavior intervention plan or safety plan.

Any suspension shall be reported immediately to the parents or guardians of a student along with a full statement of the reasons for such suspension and a notice of their right to a review. The school board must be given a summary of the notice, including the reason for the suspension and the suspension length. Upon request of the parents or guardians, the school board or a hearing officer appointed by it shall review such action of the superintendent or principal, assistant principal, or dean of students. At such review, the parents or guardians of the student may appear and discuss the suspension with the board or its hearing officer. If a hearing officer is appointed by the board, he shall report to the board a written summary of the evidence heard at the meeting. After its hearing or upon receipt of the written report of its hearing officer, the board may take such action as it finds appropriate. If a student is suspended pursuant to this subsection (b), the board shall, in the written suspension decision, detail the specific act of gross disobedience or misconduct resulting in the decision to suspend. The suspension decision shall also include a rationale as to the specific duration of the suspension.

(b-5) Among the many possible disciplinary interventions and consequences available to school officials, school exclusions, such as out-of-school suspensions and expulsions, are the most serious. School officials shall limit the number and duration of expulsions and suspensions to the greatest extent practicable, and it is recommended that they use them only for legitimate educational purposes. To ensure that students are not excluded from school unnecessarily, it is recommended that school officials consider forms of non-exclusionary discipline prior to using out-of-school suspensions or expulsions.

(b-10) Unless otherwise required by the federal Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 or State law federal law or this Code, school boards may not institute zero-tolerance policies by which school administrators are required to suspend or expel students for particular behaviors.

(b-15) Out-of-school suspensions of 3 days or less may be used only if the student's continuing presence in school would pose a threat to school safety or a disruption to other students' learning opportunities. For purposes of this subsection (b-15), "threat to school safety or a disruption to other students' learning opportunities" shall be determined on a case-by-case basis by the school board or its designee. School officials shall make all reasonable efforts to resolve such threats, address such disruptions, and minimize the length of suspensions to the greatest extent practicable.

(b-20) Unless otherwise required by this Code, out-of-school suspensions of longer than 3 days, expulsions for students in grades 3 through 12 or, if required by the federal Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 or State law, expulsions for students in kindergarten through grade 2, and disciplinary removals to alternative schools for students who meet the grade-level restrictions set forth in Articles 13A and 13B may be used only if other appropriate and available behavioral and disciplinary interventions have been exhausted and the student's continuing presence in school would either (i) pose a threat to the safety of other students, staff, or members of the school community or (ii) substantially disrupt, impede, or interfere with the operation of the school. For purposes of this subsection (b-20), "threat to the safety of other students, staff, or members of the school community" and "substantially disrupt, impede, or interfere with the operation of the school" shall be determined on a case-by-case basis by school officials. For purposes of this subsection (b-20), the determination of whether "appropriate and available behavioral and disciplinary interventions have been exhausted" shall be made by school officials. School officials shall make all reasonable efforts to resolve such threats, address such disruptions, and minimize the length of student exclusions to the greatest extent practicable. Within the suspension decision described in subsection (b) of this Section or the expulsion decision described in subsection (a) of this Section, it shall be documented whether other interventions were attempted or whether it was determined that there were no other appropriate and available interventions.

(b-25) Students who are suspended out-of-school for longer than 3 school days shall be provided appropriate and available support services during the period of their suspension. For purposes of this subsection (b-25), "appropriate and available support services" shall be determined by school authorities. Within the suspension decision described in subsection (b) of this Section, it shall be documented whether such services are to be provided or whether it was determined that there are no such appropriate and available services.

A school district may refer students who are expelled to appropriate and available support services.

A school district shall create a policy to facilitate the re-engagement of students who are suspended out-of-school, expelled, or returning from an alternative school setting. In consultation with stakeholders deemed appropriate by the State Board of Education, the State Board of Education shall draft and publish guidance for the re-engagement of students who are suspended out-of-school, expelled, or returning from an alternative school setting in accordance with this Section and Section 13A-4 on or before July 1, 2025.

(b-30) A school district shall create a policy by which suspended students, including those students suspended from the school bus who do not have alternate transportation to school, shall have the opportunity to make up work for equivalent academic credit. It shall be the responsibility of a student's parents or guardians to notify school officials that a student suspended from the school bus does not have alternate transportation to school.

(b-35) In all suspension review hearings conducted under subsection (b) or expulsion hearings conducted under subsection (a), a student may disclose any factor to be considered in mitigation, including his or her status as a parent, expectant parent, or victim of domestic or sexual violence, as defined in Article 26A. A representative of the parent's or guardian's choice, or of the student's choice if emancipated, must be permitted to represent the student throughout the proceedings and to address the school board or its appointed hearing officer. With the approval of the student's parent or guardian, or of the student if emancipated, a support person must be permitted to accompany the student to any disciplinary hearings or proceedings. The representative or support person must comply with any rules of the school district's hearing process. If the representative or support person violates the rules or engages in behavior or advocacy that harasses, abuses, or intimidates either party, a witness, or anyone else in attendance at the hearing, the representative or support person may be prohibited from further participation in the hearing or proceeding. A suspension or expulsion proceeding under this subsection (b-35) must be conducted independently from any ongoing criminal investigation or proceeding, and an absence of pending or possible criminal charges, criminal investigations, or proceedings may not be a factor in school disciplinary decisions.

(b-40) During a suspension review hearing conducted under subsection (b) or an expulsion hearing conducted under subsection (a) that involves allegations of sexual violence by the student who is subject to discipline, neither the student nor his or her representative shall directly question nor have direct contact with the alleged victim. The student who is subject to discipline or his or her representative may, at the discretion and direction of the school board or its appointed hearing officer, suggest questions to be posed by the school board or its appointed hearing officer to the alleged victim.

(c) A school board must invite a representative from a local mental health agency to consult with the board at the meeting whenever there is evidence that mental illness may be the cause of a student's expulsion or suspension.

(c-5) School districts shall make reasonable efforts to provide ongoing professional development to all school personnel, school board members, and school resource officers on the requirements of this Section and Section 10-20.14, the adverse consequences of school exclusion and justice-system involvement, effective classroom management strategies, culturally responsive discipline, trauma-responsive learning environments, as defined in subsection (b) of Section 3-11, the appropriate and available supportive services for the promotion of student attendance and engagement, and developmentally appropriate disciplinary methods that promote positive and healthy school climates.

(d) The board may expel a student in grades 3 through 12 or, if required by the federal Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 or State law, a student in kindergarten through grade 2 for a definite period of time not to exceed 2 calendar years, as determined on a case-by-case basis. A student who is determined to have brought one of the following objects to school, any school-sponsored activity or event, or any activity or event that bears a reasonable relationship to school shall be expelled for a period of not less than one year:

(1) A firearm. For the purposes of this Section, "firearm" means any gun, rifle, shotgun, weapon as defined by Section 921 of Title 18 of the United States Code, firearm as defined in Section 1.1 of the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act, or firearm as defined in Section 24-1 of the Criminal Code of 2012. The expulsion period under this subdivision (1) may be modified by the superintendent, and the superintendent's determination may be modified by the board on a case-by-case basis.

(2) For a student in grades 3 through 12, a A knife, brass knuckles or other knuckle weapon regardless of its composition, a billy club, or any other object if used or attempted to be used to cause bodily harm, including "look alikes" of any firearm as defined in subdivision (1) of this subsection (d). The expulsion requirement under this subdivision (2) may be modified by the superintendent, and the superintendent's determination may be modified by the board on a case-by-case basis. Expulsion or suspension shall be construed in a manner consistent with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. A student who is subject to suspension or expulsion as provided in this Section may be eligible for a transfer to an alternative school program in accordance with Article 13A of the School Code.

(d-5) For a student in grades 3 through 12, the The board may suspend or by regulation authorize the superintendent of the district or the principal, assistant principal, or dean of students of any school to suspend or, for a student in kindergarten through grade 2, the board may suspend or by regulation authorize the superintendent of the district to suspend a student for a period not to exceed 10 school days or may expel a student in grades 3 through 12 or, if required by the federal Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 or State law, a student in kindergarten through grade 2 for a definite period of time not to exceed 2 calendar years, as determined on a case-by-case basis, if (i) that student has been determined to have made an explicit threat on an Internet website against a school employee, a student, or any school-related personnel, (ii) the Internet website through which the threat was made is a site that was accessible within the school at the time the threat was made or was available to third parties who worked or studied within the school grounds at the time the threat was made, and (iii) the threat could be reasonably interpreted as threatening to the safety and security of the threatened individual because of the individual's duties or employment status or status as a student inside the school.

(e) To maintain order and security in the schools, school authorities may inspect and search places and areas such as lockers, desks, parking lots, and other school property and equipment owned or controlled by the school, as well as personal effects left in those places and areas by students, without notice to or the consent of the student, and without a search warrant. As a matter of public policy, the General Assembly finds that students have no reasonable expectation of privacy in these places and areas or in their personal effects left in these places and areas. School authorities may request the assistance of law enforcement officials for the purpose of conducting inspections and searches of lockers, desks, parking lots, and other school property and equipment owned or controlled by the school for illegal drugs, weapons, or other illegal or dangerous substances or materials, including searches conducted through the use of specially trained dogs. If a search conducted in accordance with this Section produces evidence that the student has violated or is violating either the law, local ordinance, or the school's policies or rules, such evidence may be seized by school authorities, and disciplinary action may be taken. School authorities may also turn over such evidence to law enforcement authorities.

(f) Suspension or expulsion may include suspension or expulsion from school and all school activities and a prohibition from being present on school grounds.

(g) A school district may adopt a policy providing that if a student is suspended or expelled for any reason from any public or private school in this or any other state, the student must complete the entire term of the suspension or expulsion in an alternative school program under Article 13A of this Code or an alternative learning opportunities program under Article 13B of this Code before being admitted into the school district if there is no threat to the safety of students or staff in the alternative program. A school district that adopts a policy under this subsection (g) must include a provision allowing for consideration of any mitigating factors, including, but not limited to, a student's status as a parent, expectant parent, or victim of domestic or sexual violence, as defined in Article 26A.

(h) School officials shall not advise or encourage students to drop out voluntarily due to behavioral or academic difficulties.

(i) A student may not be issued a monetary fine or fee as a disciplinary consequence, though this shall not preclude requiring a student to provide restitution for lost, stolen, or damaged property.

(j) Subsections (a) through (i) of this Section shall apply to elementary and secondary schools, charter schools, special charter districts, and school districts organized under Article 34 of this Code.

(k) Through June 30, 2026, the expulsion of students enrolled in programs funded under Section 1C-2 of this Code is subject to the requirements under paragraph (7) of subsection (a) of Section 2-3.71 of this Code and the suspension of students enrolled in programs funded under Section 1C-2 of this Code is subject to the requirements under paragraph (8) of subsection (a) of Section 2-3.71 of this Code.

(k-5) On and after July 1, 2026, the expulsion of children enrolled in programs funded under Section 15-25 of the Department of Early Childhood Act is subject to the requirements of paragraph (7) of subsection (a) of Section 15-30 of the Department of Early Childhood Act and the suspension of students enrolled in programs funded under Section 15-25 of the Department of Early Childhood Act is subject to the requirements under paragraph (8) of subsection (a) of Section 15-30 of the Department of Early Childhood Act.

(l) An in-school suspension program provided by a school district for any students in kindergarten through grade 12 may focus on promoting non-violent conflict resolution and positive interaction with other students and school personnel. A school district may employ a school social worker or a licensed mental health professional to oversee an in-school suspension program in kindergarten through grade 12.

(Source: P.A. 102-466, eff. 7-1-25; 102-539, eff. 8-20-21; 102-813, eff. 5-13-22; 103-594, eff. 6-25-24; 103-896, eff. 8-9-24; revised 9-25-24.)

(105 ILCS 5/13B-20.25)

Sec. 13B-20.25. Eligible students. Students in kindergarten grades 4 through grade 12 who meet enrollment criteria established by the school district and who meet the definition of "student at risk of academic failure" are eligible to participate in an alternative learning opportunities program funded under this Article. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, enrollment in a charter alternative learning opportunities program shall be open to any student pupil who has been expelled or suspended for more than 20 days under Section 10-22.6 or 34-19 of this Code. All rights granted under this Article to a student's parent or guardian become exclusively those of the student upon the student's 18th birthday.

(Source: P.A. 97-495, eff. 1-1-12.)

(105 ILCS 5/13B-20.30)

Sec. 13B-20.30. Location of program. A school district must consider offering an alternative learning opportunities program on-site in the regular school. An alternative learning opportunities program may be provided at facilities separate from the regular school or in classrooms elsewhere on school premises; however, in no instance shall a student in kindergarten through grade 5 who is enrolled in an alternative learning opportunities program participate in that program or receive services outside of the student's home school. A school district is encouraged to ensure that the educational support and other services are provided to the student as part of the student's activities in the classroom to which the student is originally assigned, unless the nature of the services dictate otherwise.

(Source: P.A. 92-42, eff. 1-1-02.)

(105 ILCS 5/13B-25.5)

Sec. 13B-25.5. General standards for eligibility for funding. To be eligible for funding, an alternative learning opportunities program must provide evidence of an administrative structure, program activities, program staff, a budget, and a specific curriculum that is consistent with Illinois Learning Standards but may be different from the regular school program in terms of location, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 13B-20.30, length of school day, program sequence, pace, instructional activities, or any combination of these.

(Source: P.A. 92-42, eff. 1-1-02.)

Section 10. The Department of Early Childhood Act is amended by changing Section 15-30 as follows:

(325 ILCS 3/15-30)

Sec. 15-30. Grants for preschool educational programs.

(a) Preschool program.

(1) Through June 30, 2026, The State Board of Education shall implement and administer a grant program to conduct voluntary preschool educational programs for children ages 3 to 5, which include a parent education component, pursuant to Section 2-3.71 of the School Code.

(2) On and after July 1, 2026, the Department of Early Childhood shall implement and administer a grant program for school districts and other eligible entities, as defined by the Department, to conduct voluntary preschool educational programs for children ages 3 to 5 which include a parent education component. A public school district which receives grants under this subsection may subcontract with other entities that are eligible to conduct a preschool educational program. These grants must be used to supplement, not supplant, funds received from any other source.

(3) Except as otherwise provided under this subsection (a), any teacher of preschool children in the program authorized by this subsection shall hold a Professional Educator License with an early childhood education endorsement.

(3.5) Beginning with the 2018-2019 school year and until the 2028-2029 school year, an individual may teach preschool children in an early childhood program under this Section if he or she holds a Professional Educator License with an early childhood education endorsement or with short-term approval for early childhood education or he or she pursues a Professional Educator License and holds any of the following:

(A) An ECE Credential Level of 5 awarded by the Department of Human Services under the Gateways to Opportunity Program developed under Section 10-70 of the Department of Human Services Act.

(B) An Educator License with Stipulations with a transitional bilingual educator endorsement and he or she has (i) passed an early childhood education content test or (ii) completed no less than 9 semester hours of postsecondary coursework in the area of early childhood education.

(4) Through June 30, 2026, the State Board of Education shall provide the primary source of funding through appropriations for the program. On and after July 1, 2026, the Department of Early Childhood shall provide the primary source of funding through appropriations for the program. Such funds shall be distributed to achieve a goal of "Preschool for All Children" for the benefit of all children whose families choose to participate in the program. Based on available appropriations, newly funded programs shall be selected through a process giving first priority to qualified programs serving primarily at-risk children and second priority to qualified programs serving primarily children with a family income of less than 4 times the poverty guidelines updated periodically in the Federal Register by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the authority of 42 U.S.C. 9902(2). For purposes of this paragraph (4), at-risk children are those who because of their home and community environment are subject to such language, cultural, economic and like disadvantages to cause them to have been determined as a result of screening procedures to be at risk of academic failure. Through June 30, 2026, such screening procedures shall be based on criteria established by the State Board of Education. On and after July 1, 2026, such screening procedures shall be based on criteria established by the Department of Early Childhood. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph (4), grantees under the program must enter into a memorandum of understanding with the appropriate local Head Start agency. This memorandum must be entered into no later than 3 months after the award of a grantee's grant under the program and must address collaboration between the grantee's program and the local Head Start agency on certain issues, which shall include without limitation the following:

(A) educational activities, curricular objectives, and instruction;

(B) public information dissemination and access to programs for families contacting programs;

(C) service areas;

(D) selection priorities for eligible children to be served by programs;

(E) maximizing the impact of federal and State funding to benefit young children;

(F) staff training, including opportunities for joint staff training;

(G) technical assistance;

(H) communication and parent outreach for smooth transitions to kindergarten;

(I) provision and use of facilities, transportation, and other program elements;

(J) facilitating each program's fulfillment of its statutory and regulatory requirements;

(K) improving local planning and collaboration; and

(L) providing comprehensive services for the neediest Illinois children and families. Through June 30, 2026, if the appropriate local Head Start agency is unable or unwilling to enter into a memorandum of understanding as required under this paragraph (4), the memorandum of understanding requirement shall not apply and the grantee under the program must notify the State Board of Education in writing of the Head Start agency's inability or unwillingness. Through June 30, 2026, the State Board of Education shall compile all such written notices and make them available to the public. On and after July 1, 2026, if the appropriate local Head Start agency is unable or unwilling to enter into a memorandum of understanding as required under this paragraph (4), the memorandum of understanding requirement shall not apply and the grantee under the program must notify the Department of Early Childhood in writing of the Head Start agency's inability or unwillingness. The Department of Early Childhood shall compile all such written notices and make them available to the public.

(5) Through June 30, 2026, the State Board of Education shall develop and provide evaluation tools, including tests, that school districts and other eligible entities may use to evaluate children for school readiness prior to age 5. The State Board of Education shall require school districts and other eligible entities to obtain consent from the parents or guardians of children before any evaluations are conducted. The State Board of Education shall encourage local school districts and other eligible entities to evaluate the population of preschool children in their communities and provide preschool programs, pursuant to this subsection, where appropriate.

(5.1) On and after July 1, 2026, the Department of Early Childhood shall develop and provide evaluation tools, including tests, that school districts and other eligible entities may use to evaluate children for school readiness prior to age 5. The Department of Early Childhood shall require school districts and other eligible entities to obtain consent from the parents or guardians of children before any evaluations are conducted. The Department of Early Childhood shall encourage local school districts and other eligible entities to evaluate the population of preschool children in their communities and provide preschool programs, pursuant to this subsection, where appropriate.

(6) Through June 30, 2026, the State Board of Education shall report to the General Assembly by November 1, 2018 and every 2 years thereafter on the results and progress of students who were enrolled in preschool educational programs, including an assessment of which programs have been most successful in promoting academic excellence and alleviating academic failure. Through June 30, 2026, the State Board of Education shall assess the academic progress of all students who have been enrolled in preschool educational programs. Through Fiscal Year 2026, on or before November 1 of each fiscal year in which the General Assembly provides funding for new programs under paragraph (4) of this Section, the State Board of Education shall report to the General Assembly on what percentage of new funding was provided to programs serving primarily at-risk children, what percentage of new funding was provided to programs serving primarily children with a family income of less than 4 times the federal poverty level, and what percentage of new funding was provided to other programs.

(6.1) On and after July 1, 2026, the Department of Early Childhood shall report to the General Assembly by November 1, 2026 and every 2 years thereafter on the results and progress of students who were enrolled in preschool educational programs, including an assessment of which programs have been most successful in promoting academic excellence and alleviating academic failure. On and after July 1, 2026, the Department of Early Childhood shall assess the academic progress of all students who have been enrolled in preschool educational programs. Beginning in Fiscal Year 2027, on or before November 1 of each fiscal year in which the General Assembly provides funding for new programs under paragraph (4) of this Section, the Department of Early Childhood shall report to the General Assembly on what percentage of new funding was provided to programs serving primarily at-risk children, what percentage of new funding was provided to programs serving primarily children with a family income of less than 4 times the federal poverty level, and what percentage of new funding was provided to other programs.

(7) Due to evidence that expulsion practices in the preschool years are linked to poor child outcomes and are employed inconsistently across racial and gender groups, early childhood programs receiving State funds under this subsection (a) shall prohibit expulsions. Planned transitions to settings that are able to better meet a child's needs are not considered expulsion under this paragraph (7).

(A) When persistent and serious challenging behaviors emerge, the early childhood program shall document steps taken to ensure that the child can participate safely in the program; including observations of initial and ongoing challenging behaviors, strategies for remediation and intervention plans to address the behaviors, and communication with the parent or legal guardian, including participation of the parent or legal guardian in planning and decision-making.

(B) The early childhood program shall, with parental or legal guardian consent as required, use a range of community resources, if available and deemed necessary, including, but not limited to, developmental screenings, referrals to programs and services administered by a local educational agency or early intervention agency under Parts B and C of the federal Individual with Disabilities Education Act, and consultation with infant and early childhood mental health consultants and the child's health care provider. The program shall document attempts to engage these resources, including parent or legal guardian participation and consent attempted and obtained. Communication with the parent or legal guardian shall take place in a culturally and linguistically competent manner.

(C) If there is documented evidence that all available interventions and supports recommended by a qualified professional have been exhausted and the program determines in its professional judgment that transitioning a child to another program is necessary for the well-being of the child or his or her peers and staff, with parent or legal guardian permission, both the current and pending programs shall create a transition plan designed to ensure continuity of services and the comprehensive development of the child. Communication with families shall occur in a culturally and linguistically competent manner.

(D) Nothing in this paragraph (7) shall preclude a parent's or legal guardian's right to voluntarily withdraw his or her child from an early childhood program. Early childhood programs shall request and keep on file, when received, a written statement from the parent or legal guardian stating the reason for his or her decision to withdraw his or her child.

(E) In the case of the determination of a serious safety threat to a child or others or in the case of behaviors listed in subsection (d) of Section 10-22.6 of the School Code, the temporary removal of a child from attendance in group settings may be used. Temporary removal of a child from attendance in a group setting shall trigger the process detailed in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of this paragraph (7), with the child placed back in a group setting as quickly as possible.

(F) Early childhood programs may use and the Department of Early Childhood, State Board of Education, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Children and Family Services shall recommend training, technical support, and professional development resources to improve the ability of teachers, administrators, program directors, and other staff to promote social-emotional development and behavioral health, to address challenging behaviors, and to understand trauma and trauma-informed care, cultural competence, family engagement with diverse populations, the impact of implicit bias on adult behavior, and the use of reflective practice techniques. Support shall include the availability of resources to contract with infant and early childhood mental health consultants.

(G) Through June 30, 2026, early childhood programs shall annually report to the State Board of Education, and, beginning in Fiscal Year 2020, the State Board of Education shall make available on a biennial basis, in an existing report, all of the following data for children from birth to age 5 who are served by the program:

(i) Total number served over the course of the program year and the total number of children who left the program during the program year.

(ii) Number of planned transitions to another program due to children's behavior, by children's race, gender, disability, language, class/group size, teacher-child ratio, and length of program day.

(iii) Number of temporary removals of a child from attendance in group settings due to a serious safety threat under subparagraph (E) of this paragraph (7), by children's race, gender, disability, language, class/group size, teacher-child ratio, and length of program day.

(iv) Hours of infant and early childhood mental health consultant contact with program leaders, staff, and families over the program year.

(G-5) On and after July 1, 2026, early childhood programs shall annually report to the Department of Early Childhood, and beginning in Fiscal Year 2028, the Department of Early Childhood shall make available on a biennial basis, in a report, all of the following data for children from birth to age 5 who are served by the program:

(i) Total number served over the course of the program year and the total number of children who left the program during the program year.

(ii) Number of planned transitions to another program due to children's behavior, by children's race, gender, disability, language, class/group size, teacher-child ratio, and length of program day.

(iii) Number of temporary removals of a child from attendance in group settings due to a serious safety threat under subparagraph (E) of this paragraph (7), by children's race, gender, disability, language, class/group size, teacher-child ratio, and length of program day.

(iv) Hours of infant and early childhood mental health consultant contact with program leaders, staff, and families over the program year.

(H) Changes to services for children with an individualized education program or individual family service plan shall be construed in a manner consistent with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

The Department of Early Childhood, in consultation with the Department of Children and Family Services, shall adopt rules to administer this paragraph (7).

(8) Due to evidence that suspension practices in the preschool years are linked to poor child outcomes and are employed inconsistently across racial and gender groups, early childhood programs receiving State funds under this subsection (a) shall restrict suspensions. Planned transitions to settings that are able to better meet a child's needs are not considered suspension under this paragraph (8). In no case may the decision to suspend a student in preschool for 3 or more days be made by anyone other than the superintendent of the school district, director of an early childhood program, or their equivalent nor may the length of the suspension for any student in preschool be for longer than the number of days required by the school district or early childhood program to develop and implement a behavior intervention plan or safety plan.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section, grantees may serve children ages 0 to 12 of essential workers if the Governor has declared a disaster due to a public health emergency pursuant to Section 7 of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act. The Department of Early Childhood may adopt rules to administer this subsection.

(Source: P.A. 103-594, eff. 6-25-24.)

Section 95. No acceleration or delay. Where this Act makes changes in a statute that is represented in this Act by text that is not yet or no longer in effect (for example, a Section represented by multiple versions), the use of that text does not accelerate or delay the taking effect of (i) the changes made by this Act or (ii) provisions derived from any other Public Act.".