HB0007ham002 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Rep. Rita Mayfield

Filed: 4/12/2021

10200HB0007ham002 LRB102 02691 CMG 23739 a

AMENDMENT TO HOUSE BILL 7

AMENDMENT NO. ______. Amend House Bill 7 by replacing everything after the enacting clause with the following:

"Section 1. This Act may be referred to as the Classrooms First Act.

Section 5. The School Code is amended by changing Sections 11E-35, 11E-40, 11E-45, 11E-50, and 11E-135 and by adding Section 11E-140 as follows:

(105 ILCS 5/11E-35)

Sec. 11E-35. Petition filing.

(a) A petition shall be filed with the regional superintendent of schools of the educational service region in which the territory described in the petition or that part of the territory with the greater percentage of equalized assessed valuation is situated. The petition must do the following: (1) be signed by at least 50 legal resident voters or 10% of the legal resident voters, whichever is less, residing within each affected district; or (2) be approved by the school board in each affected district.

(b) The petition shall contain all of the following:

(1) A request to submit the proposition at a regular scheduled election for the purpose of voting:

(A) for or against a high school - unit conversion;

(B) for or against a unit to dual conversion;

(C) for or against the establishment of a combined elementary district;

(D) for or against the establishment of a combined high school district;

(E) for or against the establishment of a combined unit district;

(F) for or against the establishment of a unit district from dual district territory exclusively;

(G) for or against the establishment of a unit district from both dual district and unit district territory;

(H) for or against the establishment of a combined high school - unit district from a combination of one or more high school districts and one or more unit districts;

(I) for or against the establishment of a combined high school - unit district and one or more new elementary districts through a multi-unit conversion;

(J) for or against the establishment of an optional elementary unit district from a combination of a substantially coterminous dual district; or

(K) for or against dissolving and becoming part of an optional elementary unit district.

(2) A description of the territory comprising the districts proposed to be dissolved and those to be created, which, for an entire district, may be a general reference to all of the territory included within that district.

(3) A specification of the maximum tax rates for various purposes the proposed district or districts shall be authorized to levy for various purposes and, if applicable, the specifications related to the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law, in accordance with Section 11E-80 of this Code.

(4) A description of how supplementary State deficit difference payments made under subsection (c) of Section 11E-135 of this Code will be allocated among the new districts proposed to be formed.

(5) Where applicable, a division of assets and liabilities to be allocated to the proposed new or annexing school district or districts in the manner provided in Section 11E-105 of this Code.

(6) If desired, a request that at that same election as the reorganization proposition a school board or boards be elected on a separate ballot or ballots to serve as the school board or boards of the proposed new district or districts. Any election of board members at the same election at which the proposition to create the district or districts to be served by the board or boards is submitted to the voters shall proceed under the supervision of the regional superintendent of schools as provided in Section 11E-55 of this Code.

(7) If desired, a request that the referendum at which the proposition is submitted for the purpose of voting for or against the establishment of a unit district (other than a partial elementary unit district) include as part of the proposition the election of board members by school board district rather than at large. Any petition requesting the election of board members by district shall divide the proposed school district into 7 school board districts, each of which must be compact and contiguous and substantially equal in population to each other school board district. Any election of board members by school board district shall proceed under the supervision of the regional superintendent of schools as provided in Section 11E-55 of this Code.

(8) If desired, a request that the referendum at which the proposition is submitted for the purpose of voting for or against the establishment of a unit to dual conversion include as part of the proposition the election of board members for the new high school district (i) on an at large basis, (ii) with board members representing each of the forming elementary school districts, or (iii) a combination of both. The format for the election of the new high school board must be defined in the petition. When 4 or more unit school districts and a combination of board members representing each of the forming elementary school districts are involved and at large formats are used, one member must be elected from each of the forming elementary school districts. The remaining members may be elected on an at large basis, provided that none of the underlying elementary school districts have a majority on the resulting high school board. When 3 unit school districts and a combination of board members representing each of the forming elementary school districts are involved and at large formats are used, 2 members must be elected from each of the forming elementary school districts. The remaining member must be elected at large.

(9) If desired, a request that the referendum at which the proposition shall be submitted include a proposition on a separate ballot authorizing the issuance of bonds by the district or districts when organized in accordance with this Article. However, if the petition is submitted for the purpose of voting for or against the establishment of an optional elementary unit district, the petition may request only that the referendum at which the proposition is submitted include a proposition on a separate ballot authorizing the issuance of bonds for high school purposes (and not elementary purposes) by the district when organized in accordance with this Article. The principal amount of the bonds and the purposes of issuance, including a specification of elementary or high school purposes if the proposed issuance is to be made by a combined high school - unit district, shall be stated in the petition and in all notices and propositions submitted thereunder. Only residents in the territory of the district proposing the bond issuance may vote on the bond issuance.

(10) A designation of a committee of ten of the petitioners as attorney in fact for all petitioners, any 7 of whom may at any time, prior to the final decision of the regional superintendent of schools, amend the petition in all respects (except that, for a unit district formation, there may not be an increase or decrease of more than 25% of the territory to be included in the proposed district) and make binding stipulations on behalf of all petitioners as to any question with respect to the petition, including the power to stipulate to accountings or the waiver thereof between school districts.

(c) The regional superintendent of schools shall not accept for filing under the authority of this Section any petition that includes any territory already included as part of the territory described in another pending petition filed under the authority of this Section.

(d)(1) Those designated as the Committee of Ten shall serve in that capacity until such time as the regional superintendent of schools determines that, because of death, resignation, transfer of residency from the territory, failure to qualify, or any other reason, the office of a particular member of the Committee of Ten is vacant. Upon determination by the regional superintendent of schools that these vacancies exist, he or she shall declare the vacancies and shall notify the remaining members to appoint a petitioner or petitioners, as the case may be, to fill the vacancies in the Committee of Ten so designated. An appointment by the Committee of Ten to fill a vacancy shall be made by a simple majority vote of the designated remaining members.

(2) Failure of a person designated as a member of the Committee of Ten to sign the petition shall not disqualify that person as a member of the Committee of Ten, and that person may sign the petition at any time prior to final disposition of the petition and the conclusion of the proceedings to form a new school district or districts, including all litigation pertaining to the petition or proceedings.

(3) Except as stated in item (10) of subsection (b) of this Section, the Committee of Ten shall act by majority vote of the membership.

(4) The regional superintendent of schools may accept a stipulation made by the Committee of Ten instead of evidence or proof of the matter stipulated or may refuse to accept the stipulation, provided that the regional superintendent sets forth the basis for the refusal.

(5) The Committee of Ten may voluntarily dismiss its petition at any time before a final decision is issued by the State Superintendent of Education.

(Source: P.A. 94-1019, eff. 7-10-06; 95-903, eff. 8-25-08.)

(105 ILCS 5/11E-40)

Sec. 11E-40. Notice and petition amendments.

(a) Upon the filing of a petition with the regional superintendent of schools as provided in Section 11E-35 of this Code, the regional superintendent shall do all of the following:

(1) Cause a copy of the petition to be given to each school board of the affected districts and the regional superintendent of schools of any other educational service region in which territory described in the petition is situated.

(2) Cause a notice thereof to be published at least once each week for 3 successive weeks in at least one newspaper having general circulation within the area of all of the territory of the proposed district or districts. The expense of publishing the notice shall be borne by the petitioners and paid on behalf of the petitioners by the Committee of Ten.

(a-5) Upon receiving the copy of the petition from the regional superintendent, the school boards of the affected districts shall, if those districts maintain an official website, cause a copy of the petition to be published on the website, with a link to the recommendation hosted prominently on the homepage of the website through the date of the next general election.

(b) The notice shall state all of the following:

(1) When and to whom the petition was presented.

(2) The prayer of the petition.

(3) A description of the territory comprising the districts proposed to be dissolved and those to be created, which, for an entire district, may be a general reference to all of the territory included within that district.

(4) If applicable, the proposition to elect, by separate ballot, school board members at the same election, indicating whether the board members are to be elected at large or by school board district.

(5) If requested in the petition, the proposition to issue bonds, indicating the amount and purpose thereof.

(6) The day, time, and location on which the hearing on the action proposed in the petition shall be held.

(c) The requirements of subsection (g) of Section 28-2 of the Election Code do not apply to any petition filed under this Article. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in the Election Code, the regional superintendent of schools shall make all determinations regarding the validity of the petition, including without limitation signatures on the petition, subject to State Superintendent and administrative review in accordance with Section 11E-50 of this Code.

(d) Prior to the hearing described in Section 11E-45 of this Code, the regional superintendent of schools shall inform the Committee of Ten as to whether the petition, as amended or filed, is proper and in compliance with all applicable petition requirements set forth in the Election Code. If the regional superintendent determines that the petition is not in proper order or not in compliance with any applicable petition requirements set forth in the Election Code, the regional superintendent must identify the specific alleged defects in the petition and include specific recommendations to cure the alleged defects. The Committee of Ten may amend the petition to cure the alleged defects at any time prior to the receipt of the regional superintendent's written order made in accordance with subsection (a) of Section 11E-50 of this Code or may elect not to amend the petition, in which case the Committee of Ten may appeal a denial by the regional superintendent following the hearing in accordance with Section 11E-50 of this Code.

(Source: P.A. 94-1019, eff. 7-10-06; 95-903, eff. 8-25-08.)

(105 ILCS 5/11E-45)

Sec. 11E-45. Hearing.

(a) No more than 15 days after the last date on which the required notice under Section 11E-40 of this Code is published, the regional superintendent of schools with whom the petition is required to be filed shall hold a hearing on the petition. Prior to the hearing, the Committee of Ten shall submit to the regional superintendent maps showing the districts involved and any other information deemed pertinent by the Committee of Ten to the proposed action. The regional superintendent of schools may adjourn the hearing from time to time or may continue the matter for want of sufficient notice or other good cause.

(b) At the hearing, the regional superintendent of schools shall allow public testimony on the action proposed in the petition. The Committee of Ten shall present, or arrange for the presentation of all of the following:

(1) Evidence as to the school needs and conditions in the territory described in the petition and the area adjacent thereto.

(2) Evidence with respect to the ability of the proposed district or districts to meet standards of recognition as prescribed by the State Board of Education.

(3) A consideration of the division of funds and assets that will occur if the petition is approved.

(4) A description of the maximum tax rates the proposed district or districts is authorized to levy for various purposes and, if applicable, the specifications related to the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law, in accordance with Section 11E-80 of this Code.

(5) For a non-contiguous combined school district, as specified in paragraph (3) of subsection (a), paragraph (2) of subsection (b), or paragraph (2) of subsection (c) of Section 11E-20 of this Code, evidence that the action proposed in the petition meets the requirements of the respective paragraph.

(c) Any regional superintendent of schools entitled under the provisions of this Article to be given a copy of the petition, and any resident or representative of a school district in which any territory described in the petition is situated, and, in the case of a hearing on a petition recommended by the Efficient School District Commission under Section 11E-140 of this Code, a member of the Efficient School District Commission or one of its subcommittees may appear in person or by an attorney at law to provide oral or written testimony or both in relation to the action proposed in the petition.

(d) The regional superintendent of schools shall arrange for a written transcript of the hearing. The expense of the written transcript shall be borne by the petitioners and paid on behalf of the petitioners by the Committee of Ten.

(Source: P.A. 98-125, eff. 8-2-13.)

(105 ILCS 5/11E-50)

Sec. 11E-50. Approval or denial of the petition; administrative review.

(a) Within 14 days after the conclusion of the hearing under Section 11E-45 of this Code, the regional superintendent of schools shall, upon determining the petition is in compliance with applicable requirements set forth in the Election Code, approve the proposition through a written order or, if the regional superintendent of schools determines that the petition is not in compliance with the Election Code, deny the petition through a written order take into consideration the school needs and conditions of the affected districts and in the area adjacent thereto, the division of funds and assets that will result from the action described in the petition, the best interests of the schools of the area, and the best interests and the educational welfare of the pupils residing therein and, through a written order, either approve or deny the petition. If the regional superintendent fails to act upon a petition within 14 days after the conclusion of the hearing, the regional superintendent shall be deemed to have denied the petition.

(b) Upon approving or denying the petition, the regional superintendent of schools shall submit the petition and all evidence to the State Superintendent of Education. The State Superintendent shall review the petition, the record of the hearing, and the written order of the regional superintendent, if any. Within 21 days after the receipt of the regional superintendent's decision, the State Superintendent shall, upon determining the petition is in compliance with applicable requirements set forth in the Election Code, approve the petition through a written order or, if the State Superintendent determines that the petition is not in compliance with the Election Code, deny the petition through a written order take into consideration the school needs and conditions of the affected districts and in the area adjacent thereto, the division of funds and assets that will result from the action described in the petition, the best interests of the schools of the area, and the best interests and the educational welfare of the pupils residing therein and, through a written order, either approve or deny the petition. If the State Superintendent denies the petition, the State Superintendent shall set forth in writing the specific basis for the denial. The decision of the State Superintendent shall be deemed an administrative decision as defined in Section 3-101 of the Code of Civil Procedure. The State Superintendent shall provide a copy of the decision by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the Committee of Ten, any person appearing in support or opposition of the petition at the hearing, each school board of a district in which territory described in the petition is situated, the regional superintendent with whom the petition was filed, and the regional superintendent of schools of any other educational service region in which territory described in the petition is situated.

(c) Any resident of any territory described in the petition who appears in support of or opposition to the petition at the hearing or any petitioner or school board of any district in which territory described in the petition is situated may, within 35 days after a copy of the decision sought to be reviewed was served by certified mail, return receipt requested, upon the party affected thereby or upon the attorney of record for the party, apply for a review of an administrative decision of the State Superintendent of Education in accordance with the Administrative Review Law and any rules adopted pursuant to the Administrative Review Law. The commencement of any action for review shall operate as a supersedeas, and no further proceedings shall be had until final disposition of the review. The circuit court of the county in which the petition is filed with the regional superintendent of schools shall have sole jurisdiction to entertain a complaint for the review.

(Source: P.A. 94-1019, eff. 7-10-06; 95-903, eff. 8-25-08.)

(105 ILCS 5/11E-135)

Sec. 11E-135. Incentives. Except as provided under Section 11E-140, for For districts reorganizing under this Article and for a district or districts that annex all of the territory of one or more entire other school districts in accordance with Article 7 of this Code, the following payments shall be made from appropriations made for these purposes:

(a)(1) For a combined school district, as defined in Section 11E-20 of this Code, or for a unit district, as defined in Section 11E-25 of this Code, for its first year of existence, the general State aid and supplemental general State aid calculated under Section 18-8.05 of this Code or the evidence-based funding calculated under Section 18-8.15 of this Code, as applicable, shall be computed for the new district and for the previously existing districts for which property is totally included within the new district. If the computation on the basis of the previously existing districts is greater, a supplementary payment equal to the difference shall be made for the first 4 years of existence of the new district.

(2) For a school district that annexes all of the territory of one or more entire other school districts as defined in Article 7 of this Code, for the first year during which the change of boundaries attributable to the annexation becomes effective for all purposes, as determined under Section 7-9 of this Code, the general State aid and supplemental general State aid calculated under Section 18-8.05 of this Code or the evidence-based funding calculated under Section 18-8.15 of this Code, as applicable, shall be computed for the annexing district as constituted after the annexation and for the annexing and each annexed district as constituted prior to the annexation; and if the computation on the basis of the annexing and annexed districts as constituted prior to the annexation is greater, then a supplementary payment equal to the difference shall be made for the first 4 years of existence of the annexing school district as constituted upon the annexation.

(3) For 2 or more school districts that annex all of the territory of one or more entire other school districts, as defined in Article 7 of this Code, for the first year during which the change of boundaries attributable to the annexation becomes effective for all purposes, as determined under Section 7-9 of this Code, the general State aid and supplemental general State aid calculated under Section 18-8.05 of this Code or the evidence-based funding calculated under Section 18-8.15 of this Code, as applicable, shall be computed for each annexing district as constituted after the annexation and for each annexing and annexed district as constituted prior to the annexation; and if the aggregate of the general State aid and supplemental general State aid or evidence-based funding, as applicable, as so computed for the annexing districts as constituted after the annexation is less than the aggregate of the general State aid and supplemental general State aid or evidence-based funding, as applicable, as so computed for the annexing and annexed districts, as constituted prior to the annexation, then a supplementary payment equal to the difference shall be made and allocated between or among the annexing districts, as constituted upon the annexation, for the first 4 years of their existence. The total difference payment shall be allocated between or among the annexing districts in the same ratio as the pupil enrollment from that portion of the annexed district or districts that is annexed to each annexing district bears to the total pupil enrollment from the entire annexed district or districts, as such pupil enrollment is determined for the school year last ending prior to the date when the change of boundaries attributable to the annexation becomes effective for all purposes. The amount of the total difference payment and the amount thereof to be allocated to the annexing districts shall be computed by the State Board of Education on the basis of pupil enrollment and other data that shall be certified to the State Board of Education, on forms that it shall provide for that purpose, by the regional superintendent of schools for each educational service region in which the annexing and annexed districts are located.

(4) For a school district conversion, as defined in Section 11E-15 of this Code, or a multi-unit conversion, as defined in subsection (b) of Section 11E-30 of this Code, if in their first year of existence the newly created elementary districts and the newly created high school district, from a school district conversion, or the newly created elementary district or districts and newly created combined high school - unit district, from a multi-unit conversion, qualify for less general State aid under Section 18-8.05 of this Code or evidence-based funding under Section 18-8.15 of this Code than would have been payable under Section 18-8.05 or 18-8.15, as applicable, for that same year to the previously existing districts, then a supplementary payment equal to that difference shall be made for the first 4 years of existence of the newly created districts. The aggregate amount of each supplementary payment shall be allocated among the newly created districts in the proportion that the deemed pupil enrollment in each district during its first year of existence bears to the actual aggregate pupil enrollment in all of the districts during their first year of existence. For purposes of each allocation:

(A) the deemed pupil enrollment of the newly created high school district from a school district conversion shall be an amount equal to its actual pupil enrollment for its first year of existence multiplied by 1.25;

(B) the deemed pupil enrollment of each newly created elementary district from a school district conversion shall be an amount equal to its actual pupil enrollment for its first year of existence reduced by an amount equal to the product obtained when the amount by which the newly created high school district's deemed pupil enrollment exceeds its actual pupil enrollment for its first year of existence is multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the actual pupil enrollment of the newly created elementary district for its first year of existence and the denominator of which is the actual aggregate pupil enrollment of all of the newly created elementary districts for their first year of existence;

(C) the deemed high school pupil enrollment of the newly created combined high school - unit district from a multi-unit conversion shall be an amount equal to its actual grades 9 through 12 pupil enrollment for its first year of existence multiplied by 1.25; and

(D) the deemed elementary pupil enrollment of each newly created district from a multi-unit conversion shall be an amount equal to each district's actual grade K through 8 pupil enrollment for its first year of existence, reduced by an amount equal to the product obtained when the amount by which the newly created combined high school - unit district's deemed high school pupil enrollment exceeds its actual grade 9 through 12 pupil enrollment for its first year of existence is multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the actual grade K through 8 pupil enrollment of each newly created district for its first year of existence and the denominator of which is the actual aggregate grade K through 8 pupil enrollment of all such newly created districts for their first year of existence.

The aggregate amount of each supplementary payment under this subdivision (4) and the amount thereof to be allocated to the newly created districts shall be computed by the State Board of Education on the basis of pupil enrollment and other data, which shall be certified to the State Board of Education, on forms that it shall provide for that purpose, by the regional superintendent of schools for each educational service region in which the newly created districts are located.

(5) For a partial elementary unit district, as defined in subsection (a) or (c) of Section 11E-30 of this Code, if, in the first year of existence, the newly created partial elementary unit district qualifies for less general State aid and supplemental general State aid under Section 18-8.05 of this Code or less evidence-based funding under Section 18-8.15 of this Code, as applicable, than would have been payable under those Sections for that same year to the previously existing districts that formed the partial elementary unit district, then a supplementary payment equal to that difference shall be made to the partial elementary unit district for the first 4 years of existence of that newly created district.

(6) For an elementary opt-in, as described in subsection (d) of Section 11E-30 of this Code, the general State aid or evidence-based funding difference shall be computed in accordance with paragraph (5) of this subsection (a) as if the elementary opt-in was included in an optional elementary unit district at the optional elementary unit district's original effective date. If the calculation in this paragraph (6) is less than that calculated in paragraph (5) of this subsection (a) at the optional elementary unit district's original effective date, then no adjustments may be made. If the calculation in this paragraph (6) is more than that calculated in paragraph (5) of this subsection (a) at the optional elementary unit district's original effective date, then the excess must be paid as follows:

(A) If the effective date for the elementary opt-in is one year after the effective date for the optional elementary unit district, 100% of the calculated excess shall be paid to the optional elementary unit district in each of the first 4 years after the effective date of the elementary opt-in.

(B) If the effective date for the elementary opt-in is 2 years after the effective date for the optional elementary unit district, 75% of the calculated excess shall be paid to the optional elementary unit district in each of the first 4 years after the effective date of the elementary opt-in.

(C) If the effective date for the elementary opt-in is 3 years after the effective date for the optional elementary unit district, 50% of the calculated excess shall be paid to the optional elementary unit district in each of the first 4 years after the effective date of the elementary opt-in.

(D) If the effective date for the elementary opt-in is 4 years after the effective date for the optional elementary unit district, 25% of the calculated excess shall be paid to the optional elementary unit district in each of the first 4 years after the effective date of the elementary opt-in.

(E) If the effective date for the elementary opt-in is 5 years after the effective date for the optional elementary unit district, the optional elementary unit district is not eligible for any additional incentives due to the elementary opt-in.

(6.5) For a school district that annexes territory detached from another school district whereby the enrollment of the annexing district increases by 90% or more as a result of the annexation, for the first year during which the change of boundaries attributable to the annexation becomes effective for all purposes as determined under Section 7-9 of this Code, the general State aid and supplemental general State aid or evidence-based funding, as applicable, calculated under this Section shall be computed for the district gaining territory and the district losing territory as constituted after the annexation and for the same districts as constituted prior to the annexation; and if the aggregate of the general State aid and supplemental general State aid or evidence-based funding, as applicable, as so computed for the district gaining territory and the district losing territory as constituted after the annexation is less than the aggregate of the general State aid and supplemental general State aid or evidence-based funding, as applicable, as so computed for the district gaining territory and the district losing territory as constituted prior to the annexation, then a supplementary payment shall be made to the annexing district for the first 4 years of existence after the annexation, equal to the difference multiplied by the ratio of student enrollment in the territory detached to the total student enrollment in the district losing territory for the year prior to the effective date of the annexation. The amount of the total difference and the proportion paid to the annexing district shall be computed by the State Board of Education on the basis of pupil enrollment and other data that must be submitted to the State Board of Education in accordance with Section 7-14A of this Code. The changes to this Section made by Public Act 95-707 are intended to be retroactive and applicable to any annexation taking effect on or after July 1, 2004. For annexations that are eligible for payments under this paragraph (6.5) and that are effective on or after July 1, 2004, but before January 11, 2008 (the effective date of Public Act 95-707), the first required yearly payment under this paragraph (6.5) shall be paid in the fiscal year of January 11, 2008 (the effective date of Public Act 95-707). Subsequent required yearly payments shall be paid in subsequent fiscal years until the payment obligation under this paragraph (6.5) is complete.

(7) Claims for financial assistance under this subsection (a) may not be recomputed except as expressly provided under Section 18-8.05 or 18-8.15 of this Code.

(8) Any supplementary payment made under this subsection (a) must be treated as separate from all other payments made pursuant to Section 18-8.05 or 18-8.15 of this Code.

(b)(1) After the formation of a combined school district, as defined in Section 11E-20 of this Code, or a unit district, as defined in Section 11E-25 of this Code, a computation shall be made to determine the difference between the salaries effective in each of the previously existing districts on June 30, prior to the creation of the new district. For the first 4 years after the formation of the new district, a supplementary State aid reimbursement shall be paid to the new district equal to the difference between the sum of the salaries earned by each of the certificated members of the new district, while employed in one of the previously existing districts during the year immediately preceding the formation of the new district, and the sum of the salaries those certificated members would have been paid during the year immediately prior to the formation of the new district if placed on the salary schedule of the previously existing district with the highest salary schedule.

(2) After the territory of one or more school districts is annexed by one or more other school districts as defined in Article 7 of this Code, a computation shall be made to determine the difference between the salaries effective in each annexed district and in the annexing district or districts as they were each constituted on June 30 preceding the date when the change of boundaries attributable to the annexation became effective for all purposes, as determined under Section 7-9 of this Code. For the first 4 years after the annexation, a supplementary State aid reimbursement shall be paid to each annexing district as constituted after the annexation equal to the difference between the sum of the salaries earned by each of the certificated members of the annexing district as constituted after the annexation, while employed in an annexed or annexing district during the year immediately preceding the annexation, and the sum of the salaries those certificated members would have been paid during the immediately preceding year if placed on the salary schedule of whichever of the annexing or annexed districts had the highest salary schedule during the immediately preceding year.

(3) For each new high school district formed under a school district conversion, as defined in Section 11E-15 of this Code, the State shall make a supplementary payment for 4 years equal to the difference between the sum of the salaries earned by each certified member of the new high school district, while employed in one of the previously existing districts, and the sum of the salaries those certified members would have been paid if placed on the salary schedule of the previously existing district with the highest salary schedule.

(4) For each newly created partial elementary unit district, the State shall make a supplementary payment for 4 years equal to the difference between the sum of the salaries earned by each certified member of the newly created partial elementary unit district, while employed in one of the previously existing districts that formed the partial elementary unit district, and the sum of the salaries those certified members would have been paid if placed on the salary schedule of the previously existing district with the highest salary schedule. The salary schedules used in the calculation shall be those in effect in the previously existing districts for the school year prior to the creation of the new partial elementary unit district.

(5) For an elementary district opt-in, as described in subsection (d) of Section 11E-30 of this Code, the salary difference incentive shall be computed in accordance with paragraph (4) of this subsection (b) as if the opted-in elementary district was included in the optional elementary unit district at the optional elementary unit district's original effective date. If the calculation in this paragraph (5) is less than that calculated in paragraph (4) of this subsection (b) at the optional elementary unit district's original effective date, then no adjustments may be made. If the calculation in this paragraph (5) is more than that calculated in paragraph (4) of this subsection (b) at the optional elementary unit district's original effective date, then the excess must be paid as follows:

(A) If the effective date for the elementary opt-in is one year after the effective date for the optional elementary unit district, 100% of the calculated excess shall be paid to the optional elementary unit district in each of the first 4 years after the effective date of the elementary opt-in.

(B) If the effective date for the elementary opt-in is 2 years after the effective date for the optional elementary unit district, 75% of the calculated excess shall be paid to the optional elementary unit district in each of the first 4 years after the effective date of the elementary opt-in.

(C) If the effective date for the elementary opt-in is 3 years after the effective date for the optional elementary unit district, 50% of the calculated excess shall be paid to the optional elementary unit district in each of the first 4 years after the effective date of the elementary opt-in.

(D) If the effective date for the elementary opt-in is 4 years after the effective date for the partial elementary unit district, 25% of the calculated excess shall be paid to the optional elementary unit district in each of the first 4 years after the effective date of the elementary opt-in.

(E) If the effective date for the elementary opt-in is 5 years after the effective date for the optional elementary unit district, the optional elementary unit district is not eligible for any additional incentives due to the elementary opt-in.

(5.5) After the formation of a cooperative high school by 2 or more school districts under Section 10-22.22c of this Code, a computation shall be made to determine the difference between the salaries effective in each of the previously existing high schools on June 30 prior to the formation of the cooperative high school. For the first 4 years after the formation of the cooperative high school, a supplementary State aid reimbursement shall be paid to the cooperative high school equal to the difference between the sum of the salaries earned by each of the certificated members of the cooperative high school while employed in one of the previously existing high schools during the year immediately preceding the formation of the cooperative high school and the sum of the salaries those certificated members would have been paid during the year immediately prior to the formation of the cooperative high school if placed on the salary schedule of the previously existing high school with the highest salary schedule.

(5.10) After the annexation of territory detached from another school district whereby the enrollment of the annexing district increases by 90% or more as a result of the annexation, a computation shall be made to determine the difference between the salaries effective in the district gaining territory and the district losing territory as they each were constituted on June 30 preceding the date when the change of boundaries attributable to the annexation became effective for all purposes as determined under Section 7-9 of this Code. For the first 4 years after the annexation, a supplementary State aid reimbursement shall be paid to the annexing district equal to the difference between the sum of the salaries earned by each of the certificated members of the annexing district as constituted after the annexation while employed in the district gaining territory or the district losing territory during the year immediately preceding the annexation and the sum of the salaries those certificated members would have been paid during such immediately preceding year if placed on the salary schedule of whichever of the district gaining territory or district losing territory had the highest salary schedule during the immediately preceding year. To be eligible for supplementary State aid reimbursement under this Section, the intergovernmental agreement to be submitted pursuant to Section 7-14A of this Code must show that staff members were transferred from the control of the district losing territory to the control of the district gaining territory in the annexation. The changes to this Section made by Public Act 95-707 are intended to be retroactive and applicable to any annexation taking effect on or after July 1, 2004. For annexations that are eligible for payments under this paragraph (5.10) and that are effective on or after July 1, 2004, but before January 11, 2008 (the effective date of Public Act 95-707), the first required yearly payment under this paragraph (5.10) shall be paid in the fiscal year of January 11, 2008 (the effective date of Public Act 95-707). Subsequent required yearly payments shall be paid in subsequent fiscal years until the payment obligation under this paragraph (5.10) is complete.

(5.15) After the deactivation of a school facility in accordance with Section 10-22.22b of this Code, a computation shall be made to determine the difference between the salaries effective in the sending school district and each receiving school district on June 30 prior to the deactivation of the school facility. For the lesser of the first 4 years after the deactivation of the school facility or the length of the deactivation agreement, including any renewals of the original deactivation agreement, a supplementary State aid reimbursement shall be paid to each receiving district equal to the difference between the sum of the salaries earned by each of the certificated members transferred to that receiving district as a result of the deactivation while employed in the sending district during the year immediately preceding the deactivation and the sum of the salaries those certificated members would have been paid during the year immediately preceding the deactivation if placed on the salary schedule of the sending or receiving district with the highest salary schedule.

(6) The supplementary State aid reimbursement under this subsection (b) shall be treated as separate from all other payments made pursuant to Section 18-8.05 of this Code. In the case of the formation of a new district or cooperative high school or a deactivation, reimbursement shall begin during the first year of operation of the new district or cooperative high school or the first year of the deactivation, and in the case of an annexation of the territory of one or more school districts by one or more other school districts or the annexation of territory detached from a school district whereby the enrollment of the annexing district increases by 90% or more as a result of the annexation, reimbursement shall begin during the first year when the change in boundaries attributable to the annexation becomes effective for all purposes as determined pursuant to Section 7-9 of this Code, except that for an annexation of territory detached from a school district that is effective on or after July 1, 2004, but before January 11, 2008 (the effective date of Public Act 95-707), whereby the enrollment of the annexing district increases by 90% or more as a result of the annexation, reimbursement shall begin during the fiscal year of January 11, 2008 (the effective date of Public Act 95-707). Each year that the new, annexing, or receiving district or cooperative high school, as the case may be, is entitled to receive reimbursement, the number of eligible certified members who are employed on October 1 in the district or cooperative high school shall be certified to the State Board of Education on prescribed forms by October 15 and payment shall be made on or before November 15 of that year.

(c)(1) For the first year after the formation of a combined school district, as defined in Section 11E-20 of this Code or a unit district, as defined in Section 11E-25 of this Code, a computation shall be made totaling each previously existing district's audited fund balances in the educational fund, working cash fund, operations and maintenance fund, and transportation fund for the year ending June 30 prior to the referendum for the creation of the new district. The new district shall be paid supplementary State aid equal to the sum of the differences between the deficit of the previously existing district with the smallest deficit and the deficits of each of the other previously existing districts.

(2) For the first year after the annexation of all of the territory of one or more entire school districts by another school district, as defined in Article 7 of this Code, computations shall be made, for the year ending June 30 prior to the date that the change of boundaries attributable to the annexation is allowed by the affirmative decision issued by the regional board of school trustees under Section 7-6 of this Code, notwithstanding any effort to seek administrative review of the decision, totaling the annexing district's and totaling each annexed district's audited fund balances in their respective educational, working cash, operations and maintenance, and transportation funds. The annexing district as constituted after the annexation shall be paid supplementary State aid equal to the sum of the differences between the deficit of whichever of the annexing or annexed districts as constituted prior to the annexation had the smallest deficit and the deficits of each of the other districts as constituted prior to the annexation.

(3) For the first year after the annexation of all of the territory of one or more entire school districts by 2 or more other school districts, as defined by Article 7 of this Code, computations shall be made, for the year ending June 30 prior to the date that the change of boundaries attributable to the annexation is allowed by the affirmative decision of the regional board of school trustees under Section 7-6 of this Code, notwithstanding any action for administrative review of the decision, totaling each annexing and annexed district's audited fund balances in their respective educational, working cash, operations and maintenance, and transportation funds. The annexing districts as constituted after the annexation shall be paid supplementary State aid, allocated as provided in this paragraph (3), in an aggregate amount equal to the sum of the differences between the deficit of whichever of the annexing or annexed districts as constituted prior to the annexation had the smallest deficit and the deficits of each of the other districts as constituted prior to the annexation. The aggregate amount of the supplementary State aid payable under this paragraph (3) shall be allocated between or among the annexing districts as follows:

(A) the regional superintendent of schools for each educational service region in which an annexed district is located prior to the annexation shall certify to the State Board of Education, on forms that it shall provide for that purpose, the value of all taxable property in each annexed district, as last equalized or assessed by the Department of Revenue prior to the annexation, and the equalized assessed value of each part of the annexed district that was annexed to or included as a part of an annexing district;

(B) using equalized assessed values as certified by the regional superintendent of schools under clause (A) of this paragraph (3), the combined audited fund balance deficit of each annexed district as determined under this Section shall be apportioned between or among the annexing districts in the same ratio as the equalized assessed value of that part of the annexed district that was annexed to or included as a part of an annexing district bears to the total equalized assessed value of the annexed district; and

(C) the aggregate supplementary State aid payment under this paragraph (3) shall be allocated between or among, and shall be paid to, the annexing districts in the same ratio as the sum of the combined audited fund balance deficit of each annexing district as constituted prior to the annexation, plus all combined audited fund balance deficit amounts apportioned to that annexing district under clause (B) of this subsection, bears to the aggregate of the combined audited fund balance deficits of all of the annexing and annexed districts as constituted prior to the annexation.

(4) For the new elementary districts and new high school district formed through a school district conversion, as defined in Section 11E-15 of this Code or the new elementary district or districts and new combined high school - unit district formed through a multi-unit conversion, as defined in subsection (b) of Section 11E-30 of this Code, a computation shall be made totaling each previously existing district's audited fund balances in the educational fund, working cash fund, operations and maintenance fund, and transportation fund for the year ending June 30 prior to the referendum establishing the new districts. In the first year of the new districts, the State shall make a one-time supplementary payment equal to the sum of the differences between the deficit of the previously existing district with the smallest deficit and the deficits of each of the other previously existing districts. A district with a combined balance among the 4 funds that is positive shall be considered to have a deficit of zero. The supplementary payment shall be allocated among the newly formed high school and elementary districts in the manner provided by the petition for the formation of the districts, in the form in which the petition is approved by the regional superintendent of schools or State Superintendent of Education under Section 11E-50 of this Code.

(5) For each newly created partial elementary unit district, as defined in subsection (a) or (c) of Section 11E-30 of this Code, a computation shall be made totaling the audited fund balances of each previously existing district that formed the new partial elementary unit district in the educational fund, working cash fund, operations and maintenance fund, and transportation fund for the year ending June 30 prior to the referendum for the formation of the partial elementary unit district. In the first year of the new partial elementary unit district, the State shall make a one-time supplementary payment to the new district equal to the sum of the differences between the deficit of the previously existing district with the smallest deficit and the deficits of each of the other previously existing districts. A district with a combined balance among the 4 funds that is positive shall be considered to have a deficit of zero.

(6) For an elementary opt-in as defined in subsection (d) of Section 11E-30 of this Code, the deficit fund balance incentive shall be computed in accordance with paragraph (5) of this subsection (c) as if the opted-in elementary was included in the optional elementary unit district at the optional elementary unit district's original effective date. If the calculation in this paragraph (6) is less than that calculated in paragraph (5) of this subsection (c) at the optional elementary unit district's original effective date, then no adjustments may be made. If the calculation in this paragraph (6) is more than that calculated in paragraph (5) of this subsection (c) at the optional elementary unit district's original effective date, then the excess must be paid as follows:

(A) If the effective date for the elementary opt-in is one year after the effective date for the optional elementary unit district, 100% of the calculated excess shall be paid to the optional elementary unit district in the first year after the effective date of the elementary opt-in.

(B) If the effective date for the elementary opt-in is 2 years after the effective date for the optional elementary unit district, 75% of the calculated excess shall be paid to the optional elementary unit district in the first year after the effective date of the elementary opt-in.

(C) If the effective date for the elementary opt-in is 3 years after the effective date for the optional elementary unit district, 50% of the calculated excess shall be paid to the optional elementary unit district in the first year after the effective date of the elementary opt-in.

(D) If the effective date for the elementary opt-in is 4 years after the effective date for the optional elementary unit district, 25% of the calculated excess shall be paid to the optional elementary unit district in the first year after the effective date of the elementary opt-in.

(E) If the effective date for the elementary opt-in is 5 years after the effective date for the optional elementary unit district, the optional elementary unit district is not eligible for any additional incentives due to the elementary opt-in.

(6.5) For the first year after the annexation of territory detached from another school district whereby the enrollment of the annexing district increases by 90% or more as a result of the annexation, a computation shall be made totaling the audited fund balances of the district gaining territory and the audited fund balances of the district losing territory in the educational fund, working cash fund, operations and maintenance fund, and transportation fund for the year ending June 30 prior to the date that the change of boundaries attributable to the annexation is allowed by the affirmative decision of the regional board of school trustees under Section 7-6 of this Code, notwithstanding any action for administrative review of the decision. The annexing district as constituted after the annexation shall be paid supplementary State aid equal to the difference between the deficit of whichever district included in this calculation as constituted prior to the annexation had the smallest deficit and the deficit of each other district included in this calculation as constituted prior to the annexation, multiplied by the ratio of equalized assessed value of the territory detached to the total equalized assessed value of the district losing territory. The regional superintendent of schools for the educational service region in which a district losing territory is located prior to the annexation shall certify to the State Board of Education the value of all taxable property in the district losing territory and the value of all taxable property in the territory being detached, as last equalized or assessed by the Department of Revenue prior to the annexation. To be eligible for supplementary State aid reimbursement under this Section, the intergovernmental agreement to be submitted pursuant to Section 7-14A of this Code must show that fund balances were transferred from the district losing territory to the district gaining territory in the annexation. The changes to this Section made by Public Act 95-707 are intended to be retroactive and applicable to any annexation taking effect on or after July 1, 2004. For annexations that are eligible for payments under this paragraph (6.5) and that are effective on or after July 1, 2004, but before January 11, 2008 (the effective date of Public Act 95-707), the required payment under this paragraph (6.5) shall be paid in the fiscal year of January 11, 2008 (the effective date of Public Act 95-707).

(7) For purposes of any calculation required under paragraph (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), or (6.5) of this subsection (c), a district with a combined fund balance that is positive shall be considered to have a deficit of zero. For purposes of determining each district's audited fund balances in its educational fund, working cash fund, operations and maintenance fund, and transportation fund for the specified year ending June 30, as provided in paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), and (6.5) of this subsection (c), the balance of each fund shall be deemed decreased by an amount equal to the amount of the annual property tax theretofore levied in the fund by the district for collection and payment to the district during the calendar year in which the June 30 fell, but only to the extent that the tax so levied in the fund actually was received by the district on or before or comprised a part of the fund on such June 30. For purposes of determining each district's audited fund balances, a calculation shall be made for each fund to determine the average for the 3 years prior to the specified year ending June 30, as provided in paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), and (6.5) of this subsection (c), of the district's expenditures in the categories "purchased services", "supplies and materials", and "capital outlay", as those categories are defined in rules of the State Board of Education. If this 3-year average is less than the district's expenditures in these categories for the specified year ending June 30, as provided in paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), and (6.5) of this subsection (c), then the 3-year average shall be used in calculating the amounts payable under this Section in place of the amounts shown in these categories for the specified year ending June 30, as provided in paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), and (6.5) of this subsection (c). Any deficit because of State aid not yet received may not be considered in determining the June 30 deficits. The same basis of accounting shall be used by all previously existing districts and by all annexing or annexed districts, as constituted prior to the annexation, in making any computation required under paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), and (6.5) of this subsection (c).

(8) The supplementary State aid payments under this subsection (c) shall be treated as separate from all other payments made pursuant to Section 18-8.05 of this Code.

(d)(1) Following the formation of a combined school district, as defined in Section 11E-20 of this Code, a new unit district, as defined in Section 11E-25 of this Code, a new elementary district or districts and a new high school district formed through a school district conversion, as defined in Section 11E-15 of this Code, a new partial elementary unit district, as defined in Section 11E-30 of this Code, or a new elementary district or districts formed through a multi-unit conversion, as defined in subsection (b) of Section 11E-30 of this Code, or the annexation of all of the territory of one or more entire school districts by one or more other school districts, as defined in Article 7 of this Code, a supplementary State aid reimbursement shall be paid for the number of school years determined under the following table to each new or annexing district equal to the sum of $4,000 for each certified employee who is employed by the district on a full-time basis for the regular term of the school year:

The State Board of Education shall make a one-time calculation of a reorganized district's quintile ranks. The average daily attendance used in this calculation shall be the best 3 months' average daily attendance for the district's first year. The equalized assessed value per pupil shall be the district's real property equalized assessed value used in calculating the district's first-year general State aid claim, under Section 18-8.05 of this Code, or first-year evidence-based funding claim, under Section 18-8.15 of this Code, as applicable, divided by the best 3 months' average daily attendance.

No annexing or resulting school district shall be entitled to supplementary State aid under this subsection (d) unless the district acquires at least 30% of the average daily attendance of the district from which the territory is being detached or divided.

If a district results from multiple reorganizations that would otherwise qualify the district for multiple payments under this subsection (d) in any year, then the district shall receive a single payment only for that year based solely on the most recent reorganization.

(2) For an elementary opt-in, as defined in subsection (d) of Section 11E-30 of this Code, the full-time certified staff incentive shall be computed in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection (d), equal to the sum of $4,000 for each certified employee of the elementary district that opts-in who is employed by the optional elementary unit district on a full-time basis for the regular term of the school year. The calculation from this paragraph (2) must be paid as follows:

(A) If the effective date for the elementary opt-in is one year after the effective date for the optional elementary unit district, 100% of the amount calculated in this paragraph (2) shall be paid to the optional elementary unit district for the number of years calculated in paragraph (1) of this subsection (d) at the optional elementary unit district's original effective date, starting in the second year after the effective date of the elementary opt-in.

(B) If the effective date for the elementary opt-in is 2 years after the effective date for the optional elementary unit district, 75% of the amount calculated in this paragraph (2) shall be paid to the optional elementary unit district for the number of years calculated in paragraph (1) of this subsection (d) at the optional elementary unit district's original effective date, starting in the second year after the effective date of the elementary opt-in.

(C) If the effective date for the elementary opt-in is 3 years after the effective date for the optional elementary unit district, 50% of the amount calculated in this paragraph (2) shall be paid to the optional elementary unit district for the number of years calculated in paragraph (1) of this subsection (d) at the optional elementary unit district's original effective date, starting in the second year after the effective date of the elementary opt-in.

(D) If the effective date for the elementary opt-in is 4 years after the effective date for the optional elementary unit district, 25% of the amount calculated in this paragraph (2) shall be paid to the optional elementary unit district for the number of years calculated in paragraph (1) of this subsection (d) at the optional elementary unit district's original effective date, starting in the second year after the effective date of the elementary opt-in.

(E) If the effective date for the elementary opt-in is 5 years after the effective date for the optional elementary unit district, the optional elementary unit district is not eligible for any additional incentives due to the elementary opt-in.

(2.5) Following the formation of a cooperative high school by 2 or more school districts under Section 10-22.22c of this Code, a supplementary State aid reimbursement shall be paid for 3 school years to the cooperative high school equal to the sum of $4,000 for each certified employee who is employed by the cooperative high school on a full-time basis for the regular term of any such school year. If a cooperative high school results from multiple agreements that would otherwise qualify the cooperative high school for multiple payments under this Section in any year, the cooperative high school shall receive a single payment for that year based solely on the most recent agreement.

(2.10) Following the annexation of territory detached from another school district whereby the enrollment of the annexing district increases 90% or more as a result of the annexation, a supplementary State aid reimbursement shall be paid to the annexing district equal to the sum of $4,000 for each certified employee who is employed by the annexing district on a full-time basis and shall be calculated in accordance with subsection (a) of this Section. To be eligible for supplementary State aid reimbursement under this Section, the intergovernmental agreement to be submitted pursuant to Section 7-14A of this Code must show that certified staff members were transferred from the control of the district losing territory to the control of the district gaining territory in the annexation. The changes to this Section made by Public Act 95-707 are intended to be retroactive and applicable to any annexation taking effect on or after July 1, 2004. For annexations that are eligible for payments under this paragraph (2.10) and that are effective on or after July 1, 2004, but before January 11, 2008 (the effective date of Public Act 95-707), the first required yearly payment under this paragraph (2.10) shall be paid in the second fiscal year after January 11, 2008 (the effective date of Public Act 95-707). Any subsequent required yearly payments shall be paid in subsequent fiscal years until the payment obligation under this paragraph (2.10) is complete.

(2.15) Following the deactivation of a school facility in accordance with Section 10-22.22b of this Code, a supplementary State aid reimbursement shall be paid for the lesser of 3 school years or the length of the deactivation agreement, including any renewals of the original deactivation agreement, to each receiving school district equal to the sum of $4,000 for each certified employee who is employed by that receiving district on a full-time basis for the regular term of any such school year who was originally transferred to the control of that receiving district as a result of the deactivation. Receiving districts are eligible for payments under this paragraph (2.15) based on the certified employees transferred to that receiving district as a result of the deactivation and are not required to receive at least 30% of the deactivating district's average daily attendance as required under paragraph (1) of this subsection (d) to be eligible for payments.

(3) The supplementary State aid reimbursement payable under this subsection (d) shall be separate from and in addition to all other payments made to the district pursuant to any other Section of this Article.

(4) During May of each school year for which a supplementary State aid reimbursement is to be paid to a new, annexing, or receiving school district or cooperative high school pursuant to this subsection (d), the school board or governing board shall certify to the State Board of Education, on forms furnished to the school board or governing board by the State Board of Education for purposes of this subsection (d), the number of certified employees for which the district or cooperative high school is entitled to reimbursement under this Section, together with the names, certificate numbers, and positions held by the certified employees.

(5) Upon certification by the State Board of Education to the State Comptroller of the amount of the supplementary State aid reimbursement to which a school district or cooperative high school is entitled under this subsection (d), the State Comptroller shall draw his or her warrant upon the State Treasurer for the payment thereof to the school district or cooperative high school and shall promptly transmit the payment to the school district or cooperative high school through the appropriate school treasurer.

(Source: P.A. 100-465, eff. 8-31-17.)

(105 ILCS 5/11E-140 new)

Sec. 11E-140. Efficient School District Commission.

(a) The Efficient School District Commission is created. The purpose of the Commission is to provide recommendations to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the public regarding the optimal number of school districts in this State, the optimal student enrollment amount for a school district, and locations in this State where the reorganization and realignment of school districts would be beneficial. The Commission shall consist of all of the following voting members:

(1) One member appointed by the Governor, who shall serve as the chairperson.

(2) One member appointed by the State Board of Education.

(3) One representative appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

(4) One representative appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.

(5) One senator appointed by the President of the Senate.

(6) One senator appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate.

(7) A representative appointed by the head of the largest statewide professional teachers' organization, as measured by the number of members reported in its most recent federal Form LM-2 Labor Organization Annual Report.

(8) A representative appointed by the head of the second largest statewide professional teachers' organization, as measured by the number of members reported in its most recent federal Form LM-2 Labor Organization Annual Report.

(9) A representative appointed by the head of an organization that represents school boards, selected by the chairperson of the Commission.

(10) A representative appointed by the head of a statewide organization that represents school principals, selected by the chairperson of the Commission.

(11) A parent of a child enrolled in or a teacher or an administrator employed by a school located in the West Cook region of the State Board of Education's Statewide System of Support Fiscal Agents (Region 1-B-B), appointed by the chairperson of the Commission.

(12) A parent of a child enrolled in or a teacher or an administrator employed by a school located in the South Cook region of the State Board of Education's Statewide System of Support Fiscal Agents (Region 1-B-C), appointed by the chairperson of the Commission.

(13) A parent of a child enrolled in or a teacher or an administrator employed by a school located in the North Cook region of the State Board of Education's Statewide System of Support Fiscal Agents (Region 1-B-D), appointed by the chairperson of the Commission.

(14) A parent of a child enrolled in or a teacher or an administrator employed by a school located in the Northeast region of the State Board of Education's Statewide System of Support Fiscal Agents (Area 1-C), appointed by the chairperson of the Commission.

(15) A parent of a child enrolled in or a teacher or an administrator employed by a school located in the Northwest region of the State Board of Education's Statewide System of Support Fiscal Agents (Area 2), appointed by the chairperson of the Commission.

(16) A parent of a child enrolled in or a teacher or an administrator employed by a school located in the West Central region of the State Board of Education's Statewide System of Support Fiscal Agents (Area 3), appointed by the chairperson of the Commission.

(17) A parent of a child enrolled in or a teacher or an administrator employed by a school located in the East Central region of the State Board of Education's Statewide System of Support Fiscal Agents (Area 4), appointed by the chairperson of the Commission.

(18) A parent of a child enrolled in or a teacher or an administrator employed by a school located in the Southwest region of the State Board of Education's Statewide System of Support Fiscal Agents (Area 5), appointed by the chairperson of the Commission.

(19) A parent of a child enrolled in or a teacher or an administrator employed by a school located in the Southeast region of the State Board of Education's Statewide System of Support Fiscal Agents (Area 6), appointed by the chairperson of the Commission.

(20) A representative appointed by the head of an association that represents school business officials, selected by the chairperson of the Commission.

(21) A representative appointed by the head of an association that represents school administrators, selected by the chairperson of the Commission.

(22) A representative appointed by the head of an association that represents administrators of special education, selected by the chairperson of the Commission.

(23) A representative appointed by the head of a statewide parent organization, selected by the chairperson of the Commission.

(24) A representative appointed by the head of an organization that represents high school districts, selected by the chairperson of the Commission.

(25) A representative appointed by the head of an association that represents regional superintendents of schools, selected by the chairperson of the Commission.

Members shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for their reasonable and necessary expenses from funds appropriated for that purpose. Members shall be reimbursed for their travel expenses from appropriations to the State Board of Education made available for that purpose and subject to the rules of the appropriate travel control board.

The Commission shall meet at the call of the chairperson, with the initial meeting to occur as soon as possible after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 102nd General Assembly. The Commission shall hold public hearings throughout the State. The chairperson is authorized to form subcommittees to represent each of the 9 regions of the State Board of Education's Statewide System of Support Fiscal Agents that do not include the Chicago region (Region 1-A) to facilitate the public hearings. Any subcommittees formed shall each be chaired by the member of the Commission appointed under whichever of paragraphs (11) through (19) of this subsection (a) who is associated with the relevant region. Each subcommittee chairperson shall appoint 4 members of the subcommittee, each member being a parent of a child enrolled in or a teacher or an administrator employed by a school located in the region represented by the subcommittee. Each subcommittee shall report its findings from a public hearing to the Commission. Each subcommittee is authorized to make recommendations under paragraph (5) of subsection (b) regarding the reorganization of school districts located in its region.

The State Board shall provide administrative assistance and necessary staff support services to the Commission.

(b) Recommendations of the Efficient School District Commission must focus on all of the following areas:

(1) Reducing the money spent on the duplication of efforts.

(2) Improving the education of students by having fewer obstacles between qualified teachers and their students.

(3) Lowering the property tax burden.

(4) Providing recommendations on what the net cost savings of realignment is to this State.

(5) With a view toward reducing unnecessary administrative costs, improving the education of students, and lowering the property tax burden, drafting specific recommendations to reduce the statewide total number of school districts by no less than 25% through the reorganization of school districts into unit districts under Section 11E-25 of this Code. Each recommendation under this paragraph (5) must include all of the following:

(A) A request to submit a proposition at the next general election for the purpose of voting for or against the establishment of a combined unit district.

(B) A description of the territory comprising the districts proposed to be dissolved and those to be created, which, for an entire district, may be a general reference to all of the territory included within that district.

(C) A specification of the maximum tax rates the proposed district or districts are authorized to levy for various purposes and, if applicable, the specifications related to the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law, in accordance with Section 11E-80 of this Code.

The Commission may not make any recommendations under this subsection that would provide for the consolidation of individual schools.

(c) On or before May 1, 2022, the Efficient School District Commission must vote on its recommendations and file a report with the Governor and the General Assembly. If the Commission adopts the report recommendations by an affirmative vote of at least 13 of its members, then the Commission's specific recommendations for reorganization of school districts into unit districts under paragraph (5) of subsection (b) shall be filed with the appropriate regional superintendent of schools in the same form as petitions filed under Section 11E-35 of this Code.

(d) Upon receiving the filed petition as provided in subsection (c), the regional superintendent of schools shall do both of the following:

(1) Cause a copy of the petition to be given to the school board of each affected school district and to the regional superintendent of schools of any other educational service region in which territory described in the petition is situated.

(2) Cause a notice thereof to be published at least once each week for 3 successive weeks in at least one newspaper having general circulation within the area of all of the territory of the proposed district or districts. The expense of publishing the notice shall be borne by the Efficient School District Commission.

(e) Upon receiving the Efficient School District Commission's specific recommendations, the school board of each affected district shall publish the specific recommendations on the official district website, if available, with a link to the recommendation shown prominently on the homepage of the website until the date of the next general election.

(f) This Section is repealed on January 31, 2024.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.".