Board hears about Senate-passed bill that would require binding arbitration for employee 'notice to remedy'

At the May 18 meeting of the Wilmette SD 39 Board of Education, Mrs. Blet provided a legislative update focused on a Senate-passed bill described in the meeting as a 'notice to remedy' proposal that would change how corrective personnel actions are handled. Mrs. Blet said the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) has expressed concern because the bill would impose binding arbitration on school districts with no right of appeal.

"This new bill would impose binding arbitration on school districts with no appeal possible," Mrs. Blet said, adding that the bill has passed the Senate and could be called in the House at any time. She described IASB’s position that the bill needs more work before final action to avoid statutorily forcing binding arbitration in situations that historically have been subject to collective bargaining or voluntary agreement.

Board members were told this is a timely opportunity for stakeholders who are interested to contact their state representatives. Mrs. Blet urged any interested community members to reach out and said IASB considers the legislation in need of additional revision.

No action was taken by the Wilmette SD 39 board at the meeting; the item was presented for information and potential constituent outreach. The board will include the legislative update in its regular communications and stakeholder outreach as appropriate.