State of Illinois
92nd General Assembly
Legislation

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[ Introduced ][ House Amendment 001 ]


92_HB3705eng

 
HB3705 Engrossed                               LRB9211126NTpk

 1        AN ACT in relation to schools.

 2        Be it enacted by the People of  the  State  of  Illinois,
 3    represented in the General Assembly:

 4        Section  5.   The  School  Code  is  amended  by changing
 5    Sections 34-2.3, 34-2.4, 34-2.4a, and 34-8.1 as follows:

 6        (105 ILCS 5/34-2.3) (from Ch. 122, par. 34-2.3)
 7        Sec. 34-2.3.  Local school councils - Powers and  duties.
 8    Each local school council shall have and exercise, consistent
 9    with the provisions of this Article and the powers and duties
10    of the board of education, the following powers and duties:
11        1. (A)  To  annually  evaluate  the  performance  of  the
12    principal  of  the  attendance  center using a Board approved
13    principal evaluation form, which shall include the evaluation
14    of (i) student academic improvement, as defined by the school
15    improvement plan,  (ii)  student  absenteeism  rates  at  the
16    school,  (iii)  instructional  leadership, (iv) the effective
17    implementation  of  programs,  policies,  or  strategies   to
18    improve  student academic achievement, (v) school management,
19    and (vi) any other  factors  deemed  relevant  by  the  local
20    school    council,   including,   without   limitation,   the
21    principal's communication skills and ability  to  create  and
22    maintain  a student-centered learning environment, to develop
23    opportunities for professional development, and to  encourage
24    parental  involvement  and  community partnerships to achieve
25    school improvement;
26        (B)  to determine in the manner  provided  by  subsection
27    (c)  of  Section  34-2.2  and subdivision 1.5 of this Section
28    whether the performance contract of the  principal  shall  be
29    renewed; and
30        (C)  to  directly  select,  in  the  manner  provided  by
31    subsection  (c) of Section 34-2.2, a new principal (including
 
HB3705 Engrossed            -2-                LRB9211126NTpk
 1    a new principal to fill a vacancy) -- without submitting  any
 2    list   of   candidates  for  that  position  to  the  general
 3    superintendent as provided in paragraph 2 of this Section  --
 4    to  serve  under a 4 year performance contract; provided that
 5    (i) the determination of whether the principal's  performance
 6    contract is to be renewed, based upon the evaluation required
 7    by  subdivision  1.5  of this Section, shall be made no later
 8    than  150  days  prior  to  the  expiration  of  the  current
 9    performance-based contract of the principal,  (ii)  in  cases
10    where  such  performance  contract is not renewed -- a direct
11    selection of a new principal --  to  serve  under  a  4  year
12    performance  contract  shall  be  made  by  the  local school
13    council no later than 45 days prior to the expiration of  the
14    current  performance  contract  of the principal, and (iii) a
15    selection by the local school council of a new  principal  to
16    fill  a  vacancy under a 4 year performance contract shall be
17    made within 90 days after the date such  vacancy  occurs.   A
18    Council  shall be required, if requested by the principal, to
19    provide in writing the reasons for the council's not renewing
20    the principal's contract.
21        1.5.  The local school council's determination of whether
22    to renew the  principal's  contract  shall  be  based  on  an
23    evaluation  to  assess  the  educational  and  administrative
24    progress  made  at  the school during the principal's current
25    performance-based contract.  The local school  council  shall
26    base  its  evaluation on (i) student academic improvement, as
27    defined  by  the  school  improvement  plan,   (ii)   student
28    absenteeism   rates   at   the  school,  (iii)  instructional
29    leadership, (iv) the effective  implementation  of  programs,
30    policies,   or   strategies   to   improve  student  academic
31    achievement,  (v)  school  management,  and  (vi)  any  other
32    factors  deemed  relevant  by  the  local   school   council,
33    including,  without limitation, the principal's communication
34    skills and ability to create and maintain a  student-centered
 
HB3705 Engrossed            -3-                LRB9211126NTpk
 1    learning    environment,   to   develop   opportunities   for
 2    professional   development,   and   to   encourage   parental
 3    involvement and  community  partnerships  to  achieve  school
 4    improvement.   If  a  local school council fails to renew the
 5    performance contract of a  principal  rated  by  the  general
 6    superintendent,  or  his  or  her  designee,  in the previous
 7    years' evaluations as meeting or exceeding expectations,  the
 8    principal,  within  15  days after the local school council's
 9    decision not to renew the contract, may request a  review  of
10    the  local  school council's principal non-retention decision
11    by a hearing officer appointed by  the  American  Arbitration
12    Association.  A local school council member or members or the
13    general  superintendent  may  support the principal's request
14    for review. During the period of the hearing officer's review
15    of the local school council's decision on whether or  not  to
16    retain the principal, the local school council shall maintain
17    all  authority  to  search  for and contract with a person to
18    serve as interim or acting principal, or as the principal  of
19    the  attendance  center  under a 4-year performance contract,
20    provided that any performance contract entered  into  by  the
21    local  school  council  shall  be  voidable  or  modified  in
22    accordance  with  the  decision  of  the hearing officer. The
23    principal  may  request  review  only  once  while  at   that
24    attendance  center.   If  a  local  school council renews the
25    contract of a principal who failed  to  obtain  a  rating  of
26    "meets"    or   "exceeds   expectations"   in   the   general
27    superintendent's  evaluation  for  the  previous  year,   the
28    general superintendent, within 15 days after the local school
29    council's  decision  to  renew  the  contract,  may request a
30    review of the  local  school  council's  principal  retention
31    decision  by  a  hearing  officer  appointed  by the American
32    Arbitration  Association.   The  general  superintendent  may
33    request a  review  only  once  for  that  principal  at  that
34    attendance  center.   All requests to review the retention or
 
HB3705 Engrossed            -4-                LRB9211126NTpk
 1    non-retention of  a  principal  shall  be  submitted  to  the
 2    general  superintendent,  who  shall,  in  turn, forward such
 3    requests,  within  14  days  of  receipt,  to  the   American
 4    Arbitration  Association.  The  general  superintendent shall
 5    send a contemporaneous copy of the request that was forwarded
 6    to the American Arbitration Association to the principal  and
 7    to  each  local  school  council  member and shall inform the
 8    local school council of its rights and responsibilities under
 9    the arbitration process, including the local school council's
10    right to representation and the manner and process  by  which
11    the   Board   shall   pay   the   costs   of   the  council's
12    representation. If  the  local  school  council  retains  the
13    principal and the general superintendent requests a review of
14    the  retention  decision,  the  local  school council and the
15    general superintendent shall be  considered  parties  to  the
16    arbitration,  a hearing officer shall be chosen between those
17    2 parties pursuant to procedures  promulgated  by  the  State
18    Board  of Education, and the principal may retain counsel and
19    participate in the arbitration.  If the local school  council
20    does  not  retain  the principal and the principal requests a
21    review of the retention decision, the  local  school  council
22    and   the  principal  shall  be  considered  parties  to  the
23    arbitration and a hearing officer  shall  be  chosen  between
24    those  2  parties  pursuant  to procedures promulgated by the
25    State Board of Education. The hearing shall begin (i)  within
26    45  days after the initial request for review is submitted by
27    the principal to the general superintendent or  (ii)  if  the
28    initial   request   for   review   is  made  by  the  general
29    superintendent, within 45 days after that request  is  mailed
30    to  the American Arbitration Association. The hearing officer
31    shall render a decision within  45  days  after  the  hearing
32    begins  and  within  90  days  after  the initial request for
33    review.  The  Board  shall   contract   with   the   American
34    Arbitration  Association  for  all  of  the hearing officer's
 
HB3705 Engrossed            -5-                LRB9211126NTpk
 1    reasonable and necessary costs.  In addition, the Board shall
 2    pay any reasonable costs incurred by a local  school  council
 3    for representation before a hearing officer.
 4        1.10.  The hearing officer shall conduct a hearing, which
 5    shall  include  (i)  a review of the principal's performance,
 6    evaluations, and other evidence of the principal's service at
 7    the school, (ii) reasons provided by the local school council
 8    for its decision, and (iii) documentation evidencing views of
 9    interested persons, including, without limitation,  students,
10    parents,  local  school  council  members, school faculty and
11    staff, the principal, the general superintendent  or  his  or
12    her  designee,  and  members  of the community. The burden of
13    proof  in  establishing  that  the  local  school   council's
14    decision  was  arbitrary and capricious shall be on the party
15    requesting the arbitration, and this party shall sustain  the
16    burden  by  a  preponderance  of  the  evidence.  The hearing
17    officer shall set the local school council decision aside  if
18    that  decision,  in  light  of  the  record  developed at the
19    hearing, is arbitrary and capricious.  The  decision  of  the
20    hearing officer may not be appealed to the Board or the State
21    Board  of Education.  If the hearing officer decides that the
22    principal shall be retained, the retention period  shall  not
23    exceed 2 years.
24        2.  In  the  event  (i) the local school council does not
25    renew the performance  contract  of  the  principal,  or  the
26    principal  fails to receive a satisfactory rating as provided
27    in subsection (h) of Section  34-8.3,  or  the  principal  is
28    removed  for  cause during the term of his or her performance
29    contract in the  manner  provided  by  Section  34-85,  or  a
30    vacancy  in  the position of principal otherwise occurs prior
31    to the expiration of the term of  a  principal's  performance
32    contract, and (ii) the local school council fails to directly
33    select  a  new  principal to serve under a 4 year performance
34    contract, the local school council in such event shall submit
 
HB3705 Engrossed            -6-                LRB9211126NTpk
 1    to the general superintendent  a  list  of  3  candidates  --
 2    listed  in  the local school council's order of preference --
 3    for the position of principal, one of which shall be selected
 4    by the general superintendent to serve as  principal  of  the
 5    attendance  center.   If  the general superintendent fails or
 6    refuses to select one of the candidates on the list to  serve
 7    as  principal  within  30 days after being furnished with the
 8    candidate list, the general superintendent shall  select  and
 9    place a principal on an interim basis (i) for a period not to
10    exceed  one  year  or  (ii)  until  the  local school council
11    selects a new principal with 7 affirmative votes as  provided
12    in  subsection (c) of Section 34-2.2, whichever occurs first.
13    If the local school council fails or refuses  to  select  and
14    appoint  a  new  principal, as specified by subsection (c) of
15    Section 34-2.2, the general  superintendent  may  select  and
16    appoint a new principal on an interim basis for an additional
17    year  or  until  a  new contract principal is selected by the
18    local school council.  There shall be  no  discrimination  on
19    the  basis of race, sex, creed, color or disability unrelated
20    to ability to perform in connection with  the  submission  of
21    candidates  for, and the selection of a candidate to serve as
22    principal of  an  attendance  center.   No  person  shall  be
23    directly  selected, listed as a candidate for, or selected to
24    serve as principal of an attendance center (i) if such person
25    has been removed for cause from employment by  the  Board  or
26    (ii)  if  such  person  does  not hold a valid administrative
27    certificate issued or exchanged under Article 21 and endorsed
28    as required by that Article for the position of principal.  A
29    principal  whose  performance  contract  is  not  renewed  as
30    provided  under  subsection  (c)  of   Section   34-2.2   may
31    nevertheless,  if otherwise qualified and certified as herein
32    provided and if he or she has received a satisfactory  rating
33    as  provided in subsection (h) of Section 34-8.3, be included
34    by a local school council as one of the 3  candidates  listed
 
HB3705 Engrossed            -7-                LRB9211126NTpk
 1    in  order  of preference on any candidate list from which one
 2    person is to  be  selected  to  serve  as  principal  of  the
 3    attendance  center  under  a  new  performance contract.  The
 4    initial candidate list required to be submitted  by  a  local
 5    school  council  to the general superintendent in cases where
 6    the local school  council  does  not  renew  the  performance
 7    contract  of its principal and does not directly select a new
 8    principal to serve under a 4 year performance contract  shall
 9    be  submitted  not later than 30 days prior to the expiration
10    of the current performance  contract.   In  cases  where  the
11    local school council fails or refuses to submit the candidate
12    list  to  the  general  superintendent  no later than 30 days
13    prior  to  the  expiration  of  the   incumbent   principal's
14    contract,  the general superintendent may appoint a principal
15    on an interim basis for a period  not  to  exceed  one  year,
16    during  which  time the local school council shall be able to
17    select a new principal with 7 affirmative votes  as  provided
18    in  subsection  (c)  of  Section  34-2.2.   In  cases where a
19    principal is removed for cause or a vacancy otherwise  occurs
20    in the position of principal and the vacancy is not filled by
21    direct  selection  by the local school council, the candidate
22    list shall be submitted by the local school  council  to  the
23    general  superintendent  within  90  days after the date such
24    removal or vacancy occurs. In cases where  the  local  school
25    council  fails or refuses to submit the candidate list to the
26    general superintendent within 90 days after the date  of  the
27    vacancy,  the  general superintendent may appoint a principal
28    on an interim basis for a period of one  year,  during  which
29    time  the  local school council shall be able to select a new
30    principal with 7 affirmative votes as provided in  subsection
31    (c) of Section 34-2.2.
32        2.5.  Whenever  a  vacancy  in  the office of a principal
33    occurs for any reason, the vacancy shall  be  filled  in  the
34    manner  provided  by  this  Section by the selection of a new
 
HB3705 Engrossed            -8-                LRB9211126NTpk
 1    principal to serve under a 4 year performance contract.
 2        3.  To establish additional criteria to  be  included  as
 3    part  of  the performance contract of its principal, provided
 4    that such additional criteria shall not discriminate  on  the
 5    basis  of  race, sex, creed, color or disability unrelated to
 6    ability to perform, and shall not be  inconsistent  with  the
 7    uniform  4 year performance contract for principals developed
 8    by the board as provided in Section 34-8.1 of the School Code
 9    or with  other  provisions  of  this  Article  governing  the
10    authority and responsibility of principals.
11        4.  To  approve  the  expenditure  plan  prepared  by the
12    principal with respect to all funds allocated and distributed
13    to the attendance center by the Board.  The expenditure  plan
14    shall  be  administered by the principal. Notwithstanding any
15    other provision of this Act or any other law, any expenditure
16    plan approved and  administered  under  this  Section  34-2.3
17    shall  be  consistent  with  and  subject to the terms of any
18    contract for services with a third party entered into by  the
19    Chicago  School  Reform  Board of Trustees or the board under
20    this Act.
21        Via a supermajority vote of 7 members of the local school
22    council or 8 members of a high school local  school  council,
23    the  Council  may  transfer  allocations  pursuant to Section
24    34-2.3  within  funds;  provided  that  such  a  transfer  is
25    consistent with  applicable  law  and  collective  bargaining
26    agreements.
27        Beginning  in  fiscal  year  1991 and in each fiscal year
28    thereafter, the Board may reserve  up  to  1%  of  its  total
29    fiscal year budget for distribution on a prioritized basis to
30    schools  throughout  the  school  system  in  order to assure
31    adequate programs  to  meet  the  needs  of  special  student
32    populations  as  determined  by the Board.  This distribution
33    shall  take  into  account  the  needs  catalogued   in   the
34    Systemwide  Plan  and  the  various  local school improvement
 
HB3705 Engrossed            -9-                LRB9211126NTpk
 1    plans of the local school councils.  Information about  these
 2    centrally  funded  programs shall be distributed to the local
 3    school  councils  so  that  their  subsequent  planning   and
 4    programming will account for these provisions.
 5        Beginning  in  fiscal  year  1991 and in each fiscal year
 6    thereafter, from other amounts available  in  the  applicable
 7    fiscal  year  budget,  the  board  shall  allocate a lump sum
 8    amount to each local school based upon such  formula  as  the
 9    board  shall  determine taking into account the special needs
10    of the  student  body.   The  local  school  principal  shall
11    develop  an  expenditure  plan in consultation with the local
12    school  council,  the   professional   personnel   leadership
13    advisory committee and with all other school personnel, which
14    reflects  the  priorities  and activities as described in the
15    school's local school improvement plan and is consistent with
16    applicable law and collective bargaining agreements and  with
17    board  policies  and  standards;  however,  the  local school
18    council shall have the right  to  request  waivers  of  board
19    policy  from  the  board of education and waivers of employee
20    collective bargaining agreements pursuant to Section 34-8.1a.
21        The expenditure plan  developed  by  the  principal  with
22    respect  to  amounts  available from the fund for prioritized
23    special needs programs and the allocated lump sum amount must
24    be approved by the local school council.
25        The lump sum  allocation  shall  take  into  account  the
26    following principles:
27             a.  Teachers:  Each  school shall be allocated funds
28        equal to the amount appropriated in the  previous  school
29        year   for  compensation  for  teachers  (regular  grades
30        kindergarten through 12th grade) plus whatever  increases
31        in  compensation  have  been  negotiated contractually or
32        through  longevity  as   provided   in   the   negotiated
33        agreement.   Adjustments  shall  be made due to layoff or
34        reduction in force, lack of  funds  or  work,  change  in
 
HB3705 Engrossed            -10-               LRB9211126NTpk
 1        subject  requirements,  enrollment  changes, or contracts
 2        with third parties for the performance of services or  to
 3        rectify  any  inconsistencies with system-wide allocation
 4        formulas or for other legitimate reasons.
 5             b.  Other  personnel:  Funds   for   other   teacher
 6        certificated  and  uncertificated  personnel paid through
 7        non-categorical funds  shall  be  provided  according  to
 8        system-wide  formulas based on student enrollment and the
 9        special needs of the school as determined by the Board.
10             c.  Non-compensation items: Appropriations  for  all
11        non-compensation  items  shall  be  based  on system-wide
12        formulas based on student enrollment and on  the  special
13        needs  of  the  school or factors related to the physical
14        plant, including but not limited to textbooks,  supplies,
15        electricity, equipment, and routine maintenance.
16             d.  Funds  for  categorical  programs: Schools shall
17        receive personnel and funds based on, and shall use  such
18        personnel  and funds in accordance with State and Federal
19        requirements  applicable  to  each  categorical   program
20        provided  to  meet  the special needs of the student body
21        (including  but  not  limited  to,  Federal  Chapter   I,
22        Bilingual, and Special Education).
23             d.1.  Funds  for  State  Title I:  Each school shall
24        receive funds  based  on  State  and  Board  requirements
25        applicable  to  each State Title I pupil provided to meet
26        the special needs of the student body.  Each school shall
27        receive the proportion of funds as  provided  in  Section
28        18-8  to  which  they are entitled.  These funds shall be
29        spent only with  the  budgetary  approval  of  the  Local
30        School Council as provided in Section 34-2.3.
31             e.  The Local School Council shall have the right to
32        request  the  principal  to  close positions and open new
33        ones consistent with the provisions of the  local  school
34        improvement   plan  provided  that  these  decisions  are
 
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 1        consistent with applicable law and collective  bargaining
 2        agreements.   If  a  position is closed, pursuant to this
 3        paragraph, the local school shall have for  its  use  the
 4        system-wide average compensation for the closed position.
 5             f.  Operating  within  existing  laws and collective
 6        bargaining agreements, the  local  school  council  shall
 7        have   the   right  to  direct  the  principal  to  shift
 8        expenditures within funds.
 9             g.  (Blank).
10        Any funds unexpended at the end of the fiscal year  shall
11    be available to the board of education for use as part of its
12    budget for the following fiscal year.
13        5.  To  make  recommendations to the principal concerning
14    textbook  selection  and  concerning   curriculum   developed
15    pursuant  to  the school improvement plan which is consistent
16    with systemwide  curriculum  objectives  in  accordance  with
17    Sections  34-8 and 34-18 of the School Code and in conformity
18    with the collective bargaining agreement.
19        6.  To advise the principal concerning the attendance and
20    disciplinary policies for the attendance center,  subject  to
21    the provisions of this Article and Article 26, and consistent
22    with  the  uniform  system  of  discipline established by the
23    board pursuant to Section 34-19.
24        7.  To approve a school  improvement  plan  developed  as
25    provided in Section 34-2.4. The process and schedule for plan
26    development   shall   be  publicized  to  the  entire  school
27    community,  and  the  community   shall   be   afforded   the
28    opportunity  to make recommendations concerning the plan.  At
29    least twice a year the principal, the professional  personnel
30    leadership  committee,  and local school council shall report
31    publicly on  progress  and  problems  with  respect  to  plan
32    implementation.
33        8.  To  evaluate the allocation of teaching resources and
34    other certificated and uncertificated staff to the attendance
 
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 1    center to determine whether  such  allocation  is  consistent
 2    with  and  in  furtherance  of  instructional  objectives and
 3    school programs reflective of  the  school  improvement  plan
 4    adopted    for   the   attendance   center;   and   to   make
 5    recommendations to the board, the general superintendent  and
 6    the   principal   concerning  any  reallocation  of  teaching
 7    resources or other staff whenever the council determines that
 8    any   such   reallocation   is   appropriate   because    the
 9    qualifications of any existing staff at the attendance center
10    do  not  adequately match or support instructional objectives
11    or school programs which reflect the school improvement plan.
12        9.  To make recommendations  to  the  principal  and  the
13    general    superintendent    concerning    their   respective
14    appointments, after  August  31,  1989,  and  in  the  manner
15    provided  by  Section  34-8 and Section 34-8.1, of persons to
16    fill any vacant, additional or newly  created  positions  for
17    teachers  at  the  attendance center or at attendance centers
18    which include the  attendance  center  served  by  the  local
19    school council.
20        10.  To request of the Board the manner in which training
21    and assistance shall be provided to the local school council.
22    Pursuant  to  Board  guidelines  a  local  school  council is
23    authorized to direct the Board of Education to contract  with
24    personnel or not-for-profit organizations not associated with
25    the  school  district to train or assist council members.  If
26    training or assistance is provided by contract with personnel
27    or organizations not associated with the school district, the
28    period of training or assistance shall not  exceed  30  hours
29    during a given school year; person shall not be employed on a
30    continuous  basis  longer than said period and shall not have
31    been employed by the Chicago Board of  Education  within  the
32    preceding six months.  Council members shall receive training
33    in at least the following areas:
34             1.  school budgets;
 
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 1             2.  educational  theory  pertinent to the attendance
 2        center's particular needs, including the  development  of
 3        the   school   improvement   plan   and  the  principal's
 4        performance contract; and
 5             3.  personnel selection.
 6    Council members  shall,  to  the  greatest  extent  possible,
 7    complete such training within 90 days of election.
 8        11.  In  accordance  with systemwide guidelines contained
 9    in the System-Wide Educational Reform  Goals  and  Objectives
10    Plan,   criteria  for  evaluation  of  performance  shall  be
11    established  for  local  school  councils  and  local  school
12    council members.  If  a  local  school  council  persists  in
13    noncompliance  with  systemwide  requirements,  the Board may
14    impose  sanctions  and  take  necessary  corrective   action,
15    consistent with Section 34-8.3.
16        12.  Each local school council shall comply with the Open
17    Meetings  Act and the Freedom of Information Act.  Each local
18    school  council  shall  issue  and  transmit  to  its  school
19    community  a  detailed  annual  report  accounting  for   its
20    activities  programmatically  and  financially.   Each  local
21    school  council  shall  convene  at  least  2 well-publicized
22    meetings annually with its entire  school  community.   These
23    meetings  shall  include  presentation  of the proposed local
24    school improvement plan, of the proposed  school  expenditure
25    plan, and the annual report, and shall provide an opportunity
26    for public comment.
27        13.  Each  local  school council is encouraged to involve
28    additional non-voting members  of  the  school  community  in
29    facilitating the council's exercise of its responsibilities.
30        14.  The  local school council may adopt a school uniform
31    or dress code policy that governs the attendance  center  and
32    that is necessary to maintain the orderly process of a school
33    function or prevent endangerment of student health or safety,
34    consistent  with  the  policies  and  rules  of  the Board of
 
HB3705 Engrossed            -14-               LRB9211126NTpk
 1    Education. A school uniform or dress code policy adopted by a
 2    local school council: (i) shall not be applied in such manner
 3    as to discipline or deny attendance to a transfer student  or
 4    any  other  student for noncompliance with that policy during
 5    such period of time as is reasonably necessary to enable  the
 6    student  to acquire a school uniform or otherwise comply with
 7    the dress code policy that is in  effect  at  the  attendance
 8    center  into  which  the student's enrollment is transferred;
 9    and (ii) shall include criteria and procedures under    which
10    the  local  school  council  will accommodate the needs of or
11    otherwise provide appropriate resources to assist  a  student
12    from  an  indigent  family  in  complying  with an applicable
13    school uniform or dress code policy. A student whose  parents
14    or  legal  guardians  object  on  religious  grounds  to  the
15    student's  compliance  with  an  applicable school uniform or
16    dress code policy shall not be required to comply  with  that
17    policy if the student's parents or legal guardians present to
18    the  local  school  council  a  signed statement of objection
19    detailing the grounds for the objection.
20        15.  All decisions made and actions taken  by  the  local
21    school council in the exercise of its powers and duties shall
22    comply with State and federal laws, all applicable collective
23    bargaining   agreements,  court  orders  and  rules  properly
24    promulgated by the Board.
25        15a.  To  grant,  in  accordance  with  board  rules  and
26    policies, the use of assembly halls and classrooms  when  not
27    otherwise  needed,  including lighting, heat, and attendants,
28    for public lectures,  concerts,  and  other  educational  and
29    social activities.
30        15b.  To  approve,  in  accordance  with  board rules and
31    policies, receipts and expenditures for all internal accounts
32    of the attendance center, and  to  approve  all  fund-raising
33    activities  by  nonschool  organizations  that use the school
34    building.
 
HB3705 Engrossed            -15-               LRB9211126NTpk
 1        16.  (Blank).
 2        17.  Names and addresses of local school council  members
 3    shall be a matter of public record.
 4    (Source:  P.A.  90-14,  eff.  7-1-97;  91-622,  eff. 8-19-99;
 5    91-728, eff. 6-2-00.)

 6        (105 ILCS 5/34-2.4) (from Ch. 122, par. 34-2.4)
 7        Sec. 34-2.4.  School improvement plan.  A  3  year  local
 8    school improvement plan shall be developed and implemented at
 9    each   attendance   center.   This  plan  shall  reflect  the
10    overriding  purpose  of  the  attendance  center  to  improve
11    educational quality. The local school principal shall develop
12    a school improvement plan  in  consultation  with  the  local
13    school  council,  all categories of school staff, parents and
14    community residents. Once the plan is developed, reviewed  by
15    the professional personnel leadership committee, and approved
16    by  and after the local school council has approved the same,
17    the   principal   shall   be   responsible   for    directing
18    implementation  of  the  plan,  and  the local school council
19    shall monitor its implementation.  After the  termination  of
20    the initial 3 year plan, a new 3 year plan shall be developed
21    and modified as appropriate on an annual basis.
22        The  school improvement plan shall be designed to achieve
23    priority goals including but not limited to:
24             (a)  assuring   that   students   show   significant
25        progress toward meeting and exceeding  State  performance
26        standards in State mandated learning areas, including the
27        mastery of higher order thinking skills in these areas;
28             (b)  assuring  that students attend school regularly
29        and graduate from school at such rates that the  district
30        average equals or surpasses national norms;
31             (c)  assuring  that students are adequately prepared
32        for and  aided  in  making  a  successful  transition  to
33        further education and life experience;
 
HB3705 Engrossed            -16-               LRB9211126NTpk
 1             (d)  assuring  that students are adequately prepared
 2        for and  aided  in  making  a  successful  transition  to
 3        employment; and
 4             (e)  assuring  that  students  are,  to  the maximum
 5        extent  possible,  provided  with   a   common   learning
 6        experience  that  is  of  high  academic quality and that
 7        reflects high expectations for all  students'  capacities
 8        to learn.
 9        With   respect   to  these  priority  goals,  the  school
10    improvement plan shall include but  not  be  limited  to  the
11    following:
12             (a)  an analysis of data collected in the attendance
13        center  and  community  indicating the specific strengths
14        and weaknesses of the attendance center in light  of  the
15        goals   specified  above,  including  data  and  analysis
16        specified by the State Board of Education  pertaining  to
17        specific measurable outcomes for student performance, the
18        attendance centers, and their instructional programs;
19             (b)  a description of specific annual objectives the
20        attendance  center  will  pursue  in  achieving the goals
21        specified above;
22             (c)  a description of the  specific  activities  the
23        attendance   center   will   undertake   to  achieve  its
24        objectives;
25             (d)  an analysis of the attendance center's staffing
26        pattern and material resources, and an explanation of how
27        the attendance center's  planned  staffing  pattern,  the
28        deployment  of  staff,  and the use of material resources
29        furthers the objectives of the plan;
30             (e)  a  description  of  the  key  assumptions   and
31        directions  of  the  school's curriculum and the academic
32        and non-academic programs of the attendance  center,  and
33        an  explanation of how this curriculum and these programs
34        further the goals and objectives of the plan;
 
HB3705 Engrossed            -17-               LRB9211126NTpk
 1             (f)  a description of the steps that will  be  taken
 2        to  enhance  educational  opportunities for all students,
 3        regardless   of   gender,   including   limited   English
 4        proficient  students,   disabled   students,   low-income
 5        students and minority students;
 6             (g)  a  description  of any steps which may be taken
 7        by the attendance center to educate  parents  as  to  how
 8        they  can  assist  children  at  home  in preparing their
 9        children to learn effectively;
10             (h)  a  description  of  the  steps  the  attendance
11        center will take to coordinate its efforts with,  and  to
12        gain   the   participation   and  support  of,  community
13        residents,  business  organizations,  and   other   local
14        institutions and individuals;
15             (i)  a  description of any staff development program
16        for all school staff and volunteers tied to the  priority
17        goals, objectives, and activities specified in the plan;
18             (j)  a  description  of  the  steps the local school
19        council will undertake to monitor implementation  of  the
20        plan on an ongoing basis;
21             (k)  a  description  of  the  steps  the  attendance
22        center  will  take  to  ensure that teachers have working
23        conditions  that  provide  a   professional   environment
24        conducive to fulfilling their responsibilities;
25             (l)  a  description  of  the  steps  the  attendance
26        center   will  take  to  ensure  teachers  the  time  and
27        opportunity to incorporate new ideas and techniques, both
28        in subject matter and teaching  skills,  into  their  own
29        work;
30             (m)  a  description  of  the  steps  the  attendance
31        center   will   take  to  encourage  pride  and  positive
32        identification with the attendance center through various
33        athletic activities; and
34             (n)  a description  of  the  student  need  for  and
 
HB3705 Engrossed            -18-               LRB9211126NTpk
 1        provision  of services to special populations, beyond the
 2        standard school programs provided for students in  grades
 3        K  through  12  and  those  enumerated in the categorical
 4        programs cited in item d of part  4  of  Section  34-2.3,
 5        including   financial  costs  of  providing  same  and  a
 6        timeline  for  implementing   the   necessary   services,
 7        including  but  not limited, when applicable, to ensuring
 8        the provisions of educational services  to  all  eligible
 9        children  aged  4  years  for the 1990-91 school year and
10        thereafter, reducing class  size  to  State  averages  in
11        grades K-3 for the 1991-92 school year and thereafter and
12        in all grades for the 1993-94 school year and thereafter,
13        and providing sufficient staff and facility resources for
14        students not served in the regular classroom setting.
15        Based  on  the  analysis  of  data  collected  indicating
16    specific  strengths  and weaknesses of the attendance center,
17    the school improvement plan may place greater  emphasis  from
18    year  to  year  on particular priority goals, objectives, and
19    activities.
20    (Source: P.A. 88-686, eff. 1-24-95.)

21        (105 ILCS 5/34-2.4a) (from Ch. 122, par. 34-2.4a)
22        Sec. 34-2.4a.  Professional personnel leadership advisory
23    committee.
24        (a)  At each attendance center operated pursuant to  this
25    Article,   a   professional   personnel  leadership  advisory
26    committee consisting of (i) 7  members  elected  each  school
27    year  who  are  certified  classroom  teachers  or  and other
28    certificated personnel, who are employed  at  the  attendance
29    center,  and  who  desire  to be members of the committee and
30    (ii) the 2 teacher members of the local school  council.  The
31    teacher  members  of  the local school council shall serve as
32    co-chairs of the committee, or  one  teacher  member  of  the
33    local  school  council chosen by the committee shall serve as
 
HB3705 Engrossed            -19-               LRB9211126NTpk
 1    chair of the committee.
 2        (b)  The purpose of  the  committee  is  to  develop  and
 3    formally  present  recommendations  to  shall be elected each
 4    school year for the purpose of advising the principal and the
 5    local school council on all matters of  educational  program,
 6    including   but   not   limited  to  curriculum,  and  school
 7    improvement plan development and implementation,  and  school
 8    budgeting.
 9        (c)  For  the  elected  committee  members, the principal
10    shall convene a publicized meeting of all certified classroom
11    teachers and other certificated personnel, at  which  meeting
12    those  certified  classroom  teachers  and other certificated
13    personnel  present,  excluding  the  principal,  shall  elect
14    members teachers and other certificated personnel to serve on
15    the  committee.  The  total  number  of  teachers  and  other
16    certificated  personnel  to  be  elected  to  serve  on   the
17    committee  during  the school year shall be determined by the
18    certified classroom teachers and other certificated personnel
19    present at the  meeting  at  which  the  teachers  and  other
20    certificated  personnel  are  to  be  elected. A staff member
21    eligible to vote may vote for 7 candidates in the election as
22    many candidates as are to be elected, but votes shall not  be
23    cumulated.  Ties shall be determined by lot.  Vacancies shall
24    be filled in like manner.
25        (d)  In  furtherance  of its purpose, the committee shall
26    have the authority to gather information  from  school  staff
27    through   interviews  or  questionnaires  without  the  prior
28    approval of the principal,  the  local  school  council,  the
29    board,  the  board's  chief  executive  officer, or the chief
30    executive officer's administrative staff.
31        The committee shall meet once a month with the  principal
32    to  assist  the  principal in developing the specific methods
33    and contents of  the  school's  curriculum,  as  provided  in
34    Section  34-8.1  of  this Code, and to make other educational
 
HB3705 Engrossed            -20-               LRB9211126NTpk
 1    improvement recommendations  approved  by  the  committee.  A
 2    report from the committee regarding these matters shall be an
 3    agenda  item  at  each  regular  meeting  of the local school
 4    council.
 5        The  principal  shall  provide  the  committee  with  the
 6    opportunity to review and make recommendations regarding  the
 7    school  improvement  plan  and  school  budget.  The  teacher
 8    members  of  the  local  school  council  shall bring motions
 9    concerning the recommendations  approved  by  the  committee,
10    which motions shall formally be considered at meetings of the
11    local school council.
12    (Source: P.A. 85-1418; 86-1477.)

13        (105 ILCS 5/34-8.1) (from Ch. 122, par. 34-8.1)
14        Sec. 34-8.1.  Principals. Principals shall be employed to
15    supervise  the  operation  of  each attendance center.  Their
16    powers and duties shall include but not  be  limited  to  the
17    authority  (i)  to  direct,  supervise, evaluate, and suspend
18    with or without pay or  otherwise  discipline  all  teachers,
19    assistant  principals,  and  other  employees assigned to the
20    attendance center in accordance with board rules and policies
21    and  (ii)  to  direct  all  other  persons  assigned  to  the
22    attendance center pursuant to a contract with a  third  party
23    to  provide  services  to  the  school  system.  The right to
24    employ, discharge, and layoff shall be vested solely with the
25    board.  The principal shall fill positions by appointment  as
26    provided  in this Section and may make recommendations to the
27    board regarding the employment, discharge, or layoff  of  any
28    individual.  The authority of the principal shall include the
29    authority  to  direct  the  hours during which the attendance
30    center shall be open and available for use provided  the  use
31    complies with board rules and policies, to determine when and
32    what operations shall be conducted within those hours, and to
33    schedule  staff  within  those hours. Under the direction of,
 
HB3705 Engrossed            -21-               LRB9211126NTpk
 1    and subject to the authority of the principal,  the  Engineer
 2    In  Charge  shall  be  accountable  for  the safe, economical
 3    operation  of  the  plant  and  grounds  and  shall  also  be
 4    responsible for orientation, training,  and  supervising  the
 5    work  of  Engineers, Trainees, school maintenance assistants,
 6    custodial workers and other plant operation  employees  under
 7    his or her direction.
 8        There  shall  be  established  by  the  board a system of
 9    semi-annual evaluations conducted  by  the  principal  as  to
10    performance  of  the  engineer  in  charge.   Nothing in this
11    Section  shall  prevent   the   principal   from   conducting
12    additional  evaluations.   An overall  numerical rating shall
13    be given by the principal based on the  evaluation  conducted
14    by  the  principal.  An unsatisfactory numerical rating shall
15    result in disciplinary action,  which  may  include,  without
16    limitation  and  in  the  judgment  of the principal, loss of
17    promotion or bidding procedure, reprimand, suspension with or
18    without pay,  or  recommended  dismissal.   The  board  shall
19    establish   procedures  for  conducting  the  evaluation  and
20    reporting the results to the engineer in charge.
21        Under the direction of, and subject to the authority  of,
22    the principal, the Food Service Manager is responsible at all
23    times  for  the proper operation and maintenance of the lunch
24    room to which he is assigned and shall  also  be  responsible
25    for  the  orientation,  training, and supervising the work of
26    cooks, bakers, porters, and lunchroom attendants under his or
27    her direction.
28        There shall be established  by  the  Board  a  system  of
29    semi-annual  evaluations conducted by the principal as to the
30    performance of the food  service  manager.  Nothing  in  this
31    Section   shall   prevent   the   principal  from  conducting
32    additional evaluations. An overall numerical rating shall  be
33    given  by  the principal based on the evaluation conducted by
34    the principal.   An  unsatisfactory  numerical  rating  shall
 
HB3705 Engrossed            -22-               LRB9211126NTpk
 1    result  in  disciplinary  action  which  may include, without
 2    limitation and in the judgment  of  the  principal,  loss  of
 3    promotion or bidding procedure, reprimand, suspension with or
 4    without  pay,  or  recommended  dismissal.   The  board shall
 5    establish rules for conducting the evaluation  and  reporting
 6    the results to the food service manager.
 7        Nothing  in  this Section shall be interpreted to require
 8    the employment or assignment of an  Engineer-In-Charge  or  a
 9    Food Service Manager for each attendance center.
10        Principals shall be employed to supervise the educational
11    operation of each attendance center. If a principal is absent
12    due  to  extended  illness  or leave or absence, an assistant
13    principal may be assigned as acting principal  for  a  period
14    not  to  exceed  100 school days. Each principal shall assume
15    administrative responsibility and  instructional  leadership,
16    in  accordance  with  reasonable rules and regulations of the
17    board, for the planning,  operation  and  evaluation  of  the
18    educational  program  of the attendance center to which he is
19    assigned. The principal shall submit recommendations  to  the
20    general superintendent concerning the appointment, dismissal,
21    retention,   promotion,   and  assignment  of  all  personnel
22    assigned to the attendance center; provided,  that  from  and
23    after  September  1,  1989:  (i)  if  any vacancy occurs in a
24    position at the attendance center or if an additional or  new
25    position  is  created at the attendance center, that position
26    shall be filled by  appointment  made  by  the  principal  in
27    accordance  with  procedures  established and provided by the
28    Board whenever the majority of the duties  included  in  that
29    position  are  to be performed at the attendance center which
30    is  under  the  principal's  supervision,   and   each   such
31    appointment  so made by the principal shall be made and based
32    upon merit and ability to perform in  that  position  without
33    regard to seniority or length of service, provided, that such
34    appointments  shall  be  subject to the Board's desegregation
 
HB3705 Engrossed            -23-               LRB9211126NTpk
 1    obligations, including but not limited to the Consent  Decree
 2    and Desegregation Plan in U.S. v. Chicago Board of Education;
 3    (ii)  the  principal  shall submit recommendations based upon
 4    merit and ability to  perform  in  the  particular  position,
 5    without  regard  to  seniority  or  length of service, to the
 6    general superintendent  concerning  the  appointment  of  any
 7    teacher, teacher aide, counselor, clerk, hall guard, security
 8    guard  and  any  other  personnel  which is to be made by the
 9    general superintendent whenever less than a majority  of  the
10    duties  of that teacher, teacher aide, counselor, clerk, hall
11    guard, and security guard and any other personnel are  to  be
12    performed  at  the  attendance  center  which  is  under  the
13    principal's  supervision;  and  (iii)  subject to law and the
14    applicable collective bargaining  agreements,  the  authority
15    and  responsibilities  of  a  principal  with  respect to the
16    evaluation of all teachers and other personnel assigned to an
17    attendance center shall commence immediately upon his or  her
18    appointment  as  principal  of the attendance center, without
19    regard to the length of time that he  or  she  has  been  the
20    principal of that attendance center.
21        Notwithstanding  the  existence  of any other law of this
22    State, nothing in this  Act  shall  prevent  the  board  from
23    entering  into  a  contract  with  a third party for services
24    currently  performed  by  any  employee  or  bargaining  unit
25    member.
26        Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article, each
27    principal may approve contracts, binding on the board, in the
28    amount of no more than $10,000, if the contract  is  endorsed
29    by the Local School Council.
30        Unless  otherwise  prohibited  by  law  or by rule of the
31    board, the principal shall provide to  local  school  council
32    members copies of all internal audits and any other pertinent
33    information  generated  by  any  audits  or  reviews  of  the
34    programs and operation of the attendance center.
 
HB3705 Engrossed            -24-               LRB9211126NTpk
 1        Each   principal   shall   hold  a  valid  administrative
 2    certificate issued or exchanged in accordance with Article 21
 3    and endorsed as required by that Article for the position  of
 4    principal.  The  board  may  establish  or  impose  academic,
 5    educational,  examination,  and  experience  requirements and
 6    criteria that  are  in  addition  to  those  established  and
 7    required  by  Article  21 for issuance of a valid certificate
 8    endorsed for the position of principal as a condition of  the
 9    nomination,  selection, appointment, employment, or continued
10    employment of a person as principal of any attendance center,
11    or  as  a  condition  of  the  renewal  of  any   principal's
12    performance contract.
13        The board shall specify in its formal job description for
14    principals,  and from and after July 1, 1990 shall specify in
15    the 4 year performance contracts for use with respect to  all
16    principals,  that his or her primary responsibility is in the
17    improvement of instruction.  A majority of the time spent  by
18    a   principal   shall   be  spent  on  curriculum  and  staff
19    development through  both  formal  and  informal  activities,
20    establishing  clear  lines  of communication regarding school
21    goals, accomplishments, practices and policies  with  parents
22    and  teachers.    The  principal,  with the assistance of the
23    local school council, shall develop a school improvement plan
24    as provided in Section 34-2.4 and, upon approval of the  plan
25    by  the  local  school  council,  shall  be  responsible  for
26    directing implementation of the plan. The principal, with the
27    assistance  of the professional personnel leadership Advisory
28    committee, shall develop the specific methods and contents of
29    the  school's  curriculum  within  the  board's   system-wide
30    curriculum  standards  and objectives and the requirements of
31    the school improvement plan. The board shall ensure that  all
32    principals  are  evaluated  on their instructional leadership
33    ability and their ability to maintain  a  positive  education
34    and learning climate.  It shall also be the responsibility of
 
HB3705 Engrossed            -25-               LRB9211126NTpk
 1    the  principal to utilize resources of proper law enforcement
 2    agencies when the safety and welfare of students and teachers
 3    are threatened by  illegal  use  of  drugs  and  alcohol,  by
 4    illegal  use  or  possession  of  weapons, or by illegal gang
 5    activity.
 6        On or before October 1, 1989, the Board of Education,  in
 7    consultation  with any professional organization representing
 8    principals  in  the  district,  shall  promulgate  rules  and
 9    implement a lottery for the purpose of determining whether  a
10    principal's  existing  performance  contract  (including  the
11    performance  contract  applicable to any principal's position
12    in which a vacancy then exists) expires on June 30,  1990  or
13    on  June 30, 1991, and whether the ensuing 4 year performance
14    contract begins on July 1, 1990 or July 1, 1991. The Board of
15    Education shall establish and conduct  the  lottery  in  such
16    manner  that  of  all the performance contracts of principals
17    (including  the  performance  contracts  applicable  to   all
18    principal  positions  in which a vacancy then exists), 50% of
19    such contracts shall expire on June 30, 1990, and  50%  shall
20    expire  on June 30, 1991. All persons serving as principal on
21    May 1, 1989, and all persons appointed as principal after May
22    1, 1989 and prior to July 1, 1990  or  July  1,  1991,  in  a
23    manner  other  than  as  provided by Section 34-2.3, shall be
24    deemed by operation of law to be serving under a  performance
25    contract which expires on June 30, 1990 or June 30, 1991; and
26    unless  such  performance  contract  of any such principal is
27    renewed (or such  person  is  again  appointed  to  serve  as
28    principal)  in  the  manner  provided  by  Section  34-2.2 or
29    34-2.3, the employment of  such  person  as  principal  shall
30    terminate on June 30, 1990 or June 30, 1991.
31        Commencing  on  July  1,  1990,  or  on July 1, 1991, and
32    thereafter, the principal of each attendance center shall  be
33    the  person selected in the manner provided by Section 34-2.3
34    to serve as principal of that attendance  center  under  a  4
 
HB3705 Engrossed            -26-               LRB9211126NTpk
 1    year  performance  contract.   All  performance  contracts of
 2    principals expiring after July 1,  1990,  or  July  1,  1991,
 3    shall commence on the date specified in the contract, and the
 4    renewal of their performance contracts and the appointment of
 5    principals  when  their performance contracts are not renewed
 6    shall be governed by Sections 34-2.2 and 34-2.3.  Whenever  a
 7    vacancy  in  the office of a principal occurs for any reason,
 8    the vacancy shall  be  filled  by  the  selection  of  a  new
 9    principal to serve under a 4 year performance contract in the
10    manner provided by Section 34-2.3.
11        The  board  of  education  shall  develop and prepare, in
12    consultation with the organization representing principals, a
13    performance contract for use at all attendance  centers,  and
14    shall  furnish  the  same  to each local school council.  The
15    term of the performance contract shall be 4 years, unless the
16    principal is retained by the decision of  a  hearing  officer
17    pursuant  to subdivision 1.5 of Section 34-2.3, in which case
18    the contract shall be extended for 2 years.   The performance
19    contract of each  principal  shall  consist  of  the  uniform
20    performance  contract,  as  developed  or  from  time to time
21    modified by the board, and such additional  criteria  as  are
22    established  by  a  local  school council pursuant to Section
23    34-2.3 for the performance contract of its principal.
24        During the term of his or  her  performance  contract,  a
25    principal  may  be  removed  only  as  provided  for  in  the
26    performance  contract except for cause.  He or she shall also
27    be obliged to follow the rules  of  the  board  of  education
28    concerning conduct and efficiency.
29        In  the  event the performance contract of a principal is
30    not renewed or a principal is not  reappointed  as  principal
31    under a new performance contract, or in the event a principal
32    is  appointed  to  any  position  of superintendent or higher
33    position, or voluntarily resigns his position  of  principal,
34    his or her employment as a principal shall terminate and such
 
HB3705 Engrossed            -27-               LRB9211126NTpk
 1    former principal shall not be reinstated to the position from
 2    which  he or she was promoted to principal, except that he or
 3    she, if otherwise qualified and certified in accordance  with
 4    Article  21,  shall  be  placed  by  the board on appropriate
 5    eligibility lists which it prepares for use in the filling of
 6    vacant or additional or newly created positions for teachers.
 7    The principal's total years of service to the board as both a
 8    teacher and a principal, or in other professional capacities,
 9    shall be used in calculating years of experience for purposes
10    of being selected as a teacher into new, additional or vacant
11    positions.
12        In the event the performance contract of a  principal  is
13    not  renewed  or  a principal is not reappointed as principal
14    under a new performance contract,  such  principal  shall  be
15    eligible  to  continue  to  receive  his  or  her  previously
16    provided  level  of health insurance benefits for a period of
17    90 days following the  non-renewal  of  the  contract  at  no
18    expense  to  the  principal, provided that such principal has
19    not retired.
20    (Source: P.A. 91-622, eff. 8-19-99; 91-728, eff. 6-2-00.)

21        Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect on July
22    1, 2002.

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