IL HB5537

Establishes academic early warning and watch status designations for schools and districts that fail to meet adequate yearly progress for consecutive years, with removal possible after meeting standards for 2 consecutive calculations.

Creates an Independent Authority mechanism allowing the State Board of Education to remove school boards and replace them with appointed authorities when districts remain on academic watch status for 3+ years or fail accreditation due to governance issues.

Allows schools remaining on academic watch status for 2+ years to opt into pilot full-year school plans upon expiration of collective bargaining agreements, subject to federal funding availability.

Establishes a system of priority districts receiving State Board assistance and district needs assessments, with potential accreditation requirements for districts with significant governance deficiencies.

Prohibits previously removed board members from running for school board for 10 years and prevents them from serving as appointed authority members, with limited exceptions for those appointed to the Independent Authority.