SR0431 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0431 LRB097 14309 RPM 59099 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Regional superintendents of schools have performed vital roles for the State, local school districts, and taxpayers since their inception as county superintendents in 1865; and

WHEREAS, Regional superintendents are facing an unprecedented crisis this summer after Governor Quinn cut funding from the State budget for their salaries; and

WHEREAS, Regional superintendents around the State have remained committed to their duties as dedicated public servants, elected by the people of Illinois, by continuing to work hard in their jobs, despite not receiving pay since July 1st; and

WHEREAS, Regional superintendents perform duties and services for school districts in Illinois that cannot be duplicated, either under the law or practically, by either State government or the local districts; and

WHEREAS, These valuable services and duties include issuing, registering, and renewing certificates for 120,000 teachers and 700 administrators each year, providing safety training for 20,000 bus drivers each year, inspecting 4,000 school and school-related buildings each year for safety, auditing school district financial numbers, administering truancy and alternative education programs for students with behavior problems, and coordinating school consolidation and reorganization hearings, to name a few; and

WHEREAS, The emotional and financial toll on the part of the regional superintendents from not receiving a paycheck, yet continuing to work through this crisis, is great and growing; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we wholeheartedly recognize the extremely difficult situation facing the regional superintendents these last few months and moving forward; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we disagree with Governor Quinn's contention that the regional superintendents could and should be funded at the local level; and be it further

RESOLVED, That State law clearly recognizes regional superintendents of schools as State employees and a real value to the taxpayers of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That State legislators should override the Governor's veto and restore the regional superintendents' State funding in the upcoming fall veto session; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to Governor Pat Quinn and the Illinois State Board of Education.