summary
Introduced
02/03/2026
02/03/2026
In Committee
02/17/2026
02/17/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Employment of Teachers Article of the School Code with respect to the removal or dismissal of teachers in contractual continued service. In provisions specifying that if a decision of a hearing officer for dismissal or of a school board for dismissal for cause is adjudicated upon review or appeal in favor of a teacher, then the trial court shall order reinstatement and shall remand the matter to the school board with direction for entry of an order setting the amount of back pay, lost benefits, and costs, less mitigation, provides that, post reinstatement, the mutually selected hearing officer shall maintain jurisdiction over the back pay so that the teacher may challenge and the hearing officer may potentially amend the school board's order setting the amount of back pay, lost benefits, interest, and costs, including, but not limited to, attorney's fees, less mitigation, through an expedited arbitration procedure, with the costs of the arbitrator borne by the school board (rather than providing that the teacher may challenge the school board's order setting the amount of back pay, lost benefits, and costs, less mitigation, through an expedited arbitration procedure, with the costs of the arbitrator borne by the school board).
AI Summary
This bill amends the School Code concerning the dismissal of teachers who have achieved contractual continued service, meaning they have a form of job security. If a teacher is wrongly dismissed and a court orders their reinstatement, the bill clarifies the process for determining back pay and other compensation. Specifically, after a teacher is reinstated, the mutually selected hearing officer (an impartial individual chosen to resolve disputes) will retain authority over the back pay calculation. This allows the teacher to challenge the school board's initial order regarding back pay, lost benefits, interest, and attorney's fees, and the hearing officer can potentially adjust the amount through an expedited arbitration process, with the school board covering the arbitrator's costs. This change ensures a more thorough review of the financial compensation owed to a teacher who was wrongfully dismissed.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Assigned to Education (on 02/17/2026)
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