IL SB0224

Beginning January 1, 2015, detached territory remains liable for its proportionate share of the original district's bonded indebtedness, while the annexing district is not responsible unless it approves a resolution before the boundary change takes effect.

Regional boards must consider specific factors when evaluating detachment petitions, including: school report card comparisons (only if student demographic differences are 3% or less), distance to attendance centers (only if 10+ miles shorter), and prohibition on granting petitions that increase minority, low-income, or English learner populations by more than 3% at affected schools.

Community of interest and whole child considerations may only be evaluated if the regional board first determines there would be a significant direct educational benefit to the petitioners' children from the boundary change.

Petitions proposing to annex an entire school district to another district must request submission of a proposition at a regular scheduled election for voter approval.

Amendments include provisions clarifying notice requirements, hearing procedures, and the State Superintendent's authority to take jurisdiction over petitions not decided within 9 months by regional boards.