Public Act 097-1025 (SB3367) Summary

• Amends the School Code to allow school districts, joint agreements, and regional superintendents to petition the State Board of Education for waivers or modifications of mandates, provided they can address the intent more effectively, efficiently, or economically, or to stimulate innovation and improve student performance.

• Prohibits waivers from laws regarding special education, teacher certification, teacher tenure and seniority, compliance with No Child Left Behind Act, student performance data in teacher/principal evaluations, and teacher/principal rating categories ("excellent," "proficient," "needs improvement," or "unsatisfactory").

• Requires applicants seeking waivers to hold public hearings with at least 7 days' notice published in newspapers and 14 days' notice on school district websites; establishes 45-day State Board review period with automatic approval if not disapproved within that timeframe.

• Permits approved waivers and modifications to remain in effect for up to 5 school years (2 years for physical education mandates, renewable up to 2 times) and may be renewed upon application.

• Establishes requirements for contracting with commercial driver training schools, including verification that instructors hold valid teaching certificates and maintenance of instructor records; adds driver education course content standards and requires annual per capita cost reporting by the State Board.