IL SB1571

Chief executive officer must prepare and publish guidelines for school actions by October 1 each year, developed with involvement of local school councils, parents, educators, and community organizations, subject to at least 21-day public comment period.

Chief executive officer must announce proposed school actions by December 1 each year and provide written notice at least 30 calendar days in advance of public hearings, with board decision on school actions prohibited for at least 60 days after announcement.

Chief executive officer must designate at least 3 opportunities for public comment, including at least one public hearing at central board office and at least 2 additional hearings/meetings at locations convenient to affected school communities.

Public hearings must be conducted by qualified independent hearing officers (licensed Illinois attorneys not employed by the board and with no representation of board, unions, local school councils, or charter schools in prior year), with written reports published on district website within 5 days and at least 15 days before board action.

No school actions may be approved by the board before October 1, 2013 adoption of 10-year educational facility master plan, and no school actions may be implemented prior to June 30, 2014.