SB1480 - School Districts of Innovation Act

• Creates the School Districts of Innovation Act to grant school districts greater autonomy to implement innovative practices that improve student academic performance by removing legal and regulatory obstacles.

• Requires school districts seeking innovation designation to establish an innovation committee with representatives from district leadership, teachers, staff, parents, students, community members, and regional superintendent to develop an innovation plan.

• Innovation plans must include measurable goals addressing student readiness, literacy, mathematics, graduation rates, teacher effectiveness, and school safety; describe unique operational policies; and request specific flexibility from statutory or regulatory mandates.

• School districts cannot be exempted from Illinois Learning Standards, accountability measures, state assessments, federal requirements, health and safety rules, civil rights protections, or special education mandates.

• Innovation plans require majority teacher approval and school board approval, then regional superintendent certification and State Superintendent approval within 45 days; designated districts receive 2-year approval (renewable) or 4-year approval if high-achieving, with biennial or quadrennial performance reviews by regional superintendents.