In Brief

Robbins Schwartz has pioneered defining the practice of education law as a singular discipline. As we continue to expand our services, we stay involved in the ongoing development and evolution of the law.

In Brief

Refresher on Educational Support Staff RIF Procedures and Updates to Teacher Non-Renewal/RIF Deadlines

As the conclusion of the 2023-2024 school year quickly approaches, school districts are gearing up for staffing needs in 2024-2025 and beyond. Check out our latest in brief for a refresher on educational support staff RIF procedures and more.

2024 General Primary and General Election Calendar

The General Primary Election on March 19, 2024 will see candidates for State Senator and Representatives in the General Assembly nominated as well as candidates for county office. Those nominated will stand for election on November 5, 2024. Read more here.

2023 Legislative Roundup for Schools

2023 has brought a deluge of legislation, with 561 bills signed into law in Illinois so far. This publication summarizes more than 50 of those bills (and one federal bill) that are relevant to school districts. These new bills include some with major changes to procurement, student services, and personnel operations that will require substantial efforts by school administrators to update their policies, procedures, and practices.

Educational Support Staff RIF Checklist

As school districts continue to be challenged by the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, reductions in student enrollment, and the rampant rise in inflation, all options available to limit costs, including workforce reductions, may need to be considered. 

Four Key Labor and Employment Law Developments for 2023

Another year means another round of changes to labor and employment laws in Illinois of which all employers should be aware. Read our In-Brief on the updates below!

Race-Conscious Measures to Achieve Student Diversity Are in Jeopardy after Supreme Court Arguments

The dust and ashes have settled from October 31, 2022’s five hours of fiery oral argument before the Supreme Court (the “Court”) on challenges to Harvard’s and the University of North Carolina’s (the “UNC”) use of race-conscious measures in student admissions.

2023 Consolidated Election Calendar

This 2023 Consolidated Election Calendar has been prepared to provide key dates during the election cycle and information for boards, local election officials, and candidates.

Room Scans During Remote Examinations Violate Constitution, Ohio Federal District Court Says

Last week, a federal district court in Ohio held that a university’s use of room scanning technology in the administration of an examination was unconstitutional and barred by the Fourth Amendment’s prohibition on unreasonable searches.

Public Access Counselor Clarifies That FOIA Protects Employee Information When a Request Targets a Bargaining Unit

On June 30, 2022, the Illinois Attorney General’s Public Access Counselor (PAC) took the rare step of issuing a binding opinion that upheld a denial of a FOIA request for certain information about public employees.

ISBE and IDPH Release Updated COVID-19 Guidance Documents for the 2022-2023 School Year

Without much fanfare, on June 30, 2022, three documents were issued to provide guidance to districts for the upcoming school year.