HB6144 Summary

• Defines "low-performing schools" as those where over 40% of students score partially proficient in both language arts and mathematics for 2 consecutive years, or over 65% score partially proficient in either subject for 2 consecutive years on State assessments.

• Allows parents representing at least 51% of students in a low-performing school to initiate reform by submitting a signed petition to the school board after first filing a notice of petition with a uniform form created by the State Board of Education.

• Requires the petition to request one of four reform measures: (1) reopen school as charter school, (2) change school leadership including principal replacement, (3) close school and reassign students to another district school, or (4) adopt new governance structure with turnaround office or alternative management.

• Mandates the school board implement the specific reform measures requested in the petition upon receiving signatures from at least 51% of parents.

• Applies to both regular school districts and applies identical procedures through Sections 10-20.58 and 34-18.50 of the School Code.