summary
Introduced
01/27/2026
01/27/2026
In Committee
04/17/2026
04/17/2026
Crossed Over
04/16/2026
04/16/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Employment of Teachers Article of the School Code. In a provision requiring a school board, before setting a hearing on charges stemming from causes that are considered remediable, to give a teacher reasonable warning, in writing, stating specifically the causes that, if not removed, may result in charges, requires the written warning to specify the nature of the alleged misconduct that needs to be remedied. Provides that nothing in the provisions precludes a board from asserting that the specific conduct alleged in the original warning is part of an alleged pattern of behavior, but any subsequent action must be reasonably related to the specific conduct alleged in the original warning. Allows the teacher to request and requires the teacher to be granted an opportunity to respond to the findings in the written warning, either in person or in writing before the board, prior to the board's formal vote to approve the warning. Provides that if the teacher is in disagreement with the final action of the board, the teacher may take the written warning to binding arbitration. Provides that the arbitrator shall have the power to render a decision on the written warning, which shall be final and binding on both parties. Provides that each party shall pay one-half of the cost of the arbitration proceedings and each party is entitled to representation of the party's choosing at all stages in this process. Effective immediately.
AI Summary
This bill modifies the process by which school boards can issue written warnings to teachers for remediable issues, aiming to provide clearer procedures and more avenues for teacher response and dispute resolution. Specifically, it requires that any written warning issued by a school board to a teacher about causes that can be fixed must clearly state the exact nature of the misconduct that needs to be corrected, although the board can still argue that the specific issue is part of a larger pattern of behavior, as long as any further action is directly related to the original warning. Teachers will now have the right to respond to the findings in the written warning, either in person or in writing, before the school board makes a final decision on it. If a teacher disagrees with the board's final decision on the warning, they can now take the matter to binding arbitration, where an arbitrator will make a final decision that both parties must follow, with each side splitting the cost of the arbitration and having the right to legal representation.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Referred to Rules Committee (on 04/17/2026)
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