Amends the School Code. Provides that certain provisions concerning the recomputation and adjustment of a school district claim for general State aid or evidence-based funding shall end with Fiscal Year 2026. Provides that when a child from an orphanage, foster family home, other State agency, children's home, or State residential unit eligible for special education services is placed in a separate public day school, that school shall meet the programmatic requirements and regulations for separate public day schools. Provides that any funds appropriated for the Illinois Teaching Excellence Program must be used, among other purposes, for indirect costs necessary for Program operation. Provides that an annual retention bonus of up to $4,000 (rather than $4,000) per year for 2 consecutive years shall be awarded to National Board certified teachers employed in hard-to-staff schools and such funds must be disbursed equally on an annual basis among all qualified educators (rather than on a first-come, first-served basis). Makes other changes. Effective immediately.
Senate Floor Amendment No. 1: Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the engrossed bill, and makes the following changes with respect to the Illinois Teaching Excellence Program. Changes and defines terms. Provides that a regional office of education or intermediate service center may establish one cohort per county, except that an additional cohort may be established if the number of candidates exceeds 20 participants in a single cohort. Limits a cohort to no more than 20 candidates. Allows a school district or individual school to establish a cohort if at least 3 candidates are enrolled. Allows the State Board of Education to provide or approve a cohort facilitator for a cohort, and if a cohort facilitator is not available locally, allows the State Board to (i) provide a facilitator through a virtual format or (ii) assign candidates to an existing cohort operated by a regional office of education, an intermediate service center, or another approved provider. Provides that when there are adequate funds available, monetary assistance and incentives shall include an annual retention bonus of $4,000 awarded for 5 consecutive school years to a National Board certified teacher who is employed in a hard-to-staff school. Sets forth eligibility criteria and eligibility termination for the retention bonus. Provides that retention bonus funds shall be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Provides that teachers who hold both a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards designation and a current corresponding certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards shall be encouraged to participate in other mentoring programs. Allows a school district to award lane placement credit on the salary schedule to a teacher who is a National Board certified teacher or a candidate for National Board certification for participation in professional development associated with a National Board support program. Provides that the State Board shall report to the General Assembly on the available data pertaining to services offered, total educator participation and related demographic data, recruitment efforts, and program growth and outcomes by October 15, 2027. Makes other and conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 105 ILCS 5/2, 105 ILCS 5/14, 105 ILCS 5/21
Engrossed: 105 ILCS 5/2, 105 ILCS 5/14, 105 ILCS 5/21
Enrolled: 105 ILCS 5/2, 105 ILCS 5/14, 105 ILCS 5/21