IL HB1553

Authorizes school boards to hold school, teachers' institutes, parent-teacher conferences, or staff development on November 3, 2026 (General Election Day), adding it to the list of holidays that can be waived under existing provisions

Requires schools using this authority to provide instructional activities recognizing the election either on that day or on the school day immediately before or after

Mandates a public hearing before exercising this authority, with notice to both educators and parents describing the proposal and allowing testimony

Amends the School Code's existing holiday waiver provisions, which already allow schools to operate on certain holidays like MLK Day, Lincoln's Birthday, Columbus Day, and Veterans' Day under similar conditions

Effective date of July 1, 2025