Education reform passes Senate, moves to House
State Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) says the education reform legislation passed by the Illinois Senate earlier this month will advance much-needed improvements in Illinois schools, while saving taxpayers’ money.“This legislation was the result of months of negotiations between legislators, educators, administrators and school reform groups,” Rezin said. “It’s encouraging to see so many different groups come together and pass this important reform measure – thanks to them, Illinois classrooms and students should see enormous improvements in the months and years to come.”
The legislation includes provisions for a fast track to a teachers’ tenure, giving incentive for them to earn high marks on evaluations and improving the overall quality of education being provided. It also streamlines the dismissal process of tenured teachers in situations related to conduct and performance. The schools will be allowed to place an emphasis on performance, rather than seniority, when considering teacher reductions. The measure will also allow for transparency to the public during contract negotiations between school districts and unions before a strike is initiated.
Sen. Rezin noted that the legislation included collective bargaining rights for teachers’ unions and met the concessions of many to pass the bipartisan reform.