CAT Tracks for May 29, 2004 MAJOR EDUCATION REFORM

The Governor and leaders of the Illinois General Assembly announced on Friday that they had reached a compromise on the future of ISBE...

BREAKING NEWS
Governor and Legislative Leaders Agree to ISBE Reform

An agreement reached Friday by Governor Rod Blagojevich and key legislative leaders from both political parties will mean unprecedented accountability for the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).

Governor Blagojevich made the announcement today, flanked by Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President Emil Jones, House Republican leader Tom Cross and Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson.

When the agreed upon proposal is passed by the House and Senate and signed into law, it will mean major changes in the way the ISBE operates, including:

* As of July 1, 2004, seven of the nine ISBE members will be dismissed with Gov. Blagojevich selecting replacements.

* Future ISBE members will be subject to removal by the governor for the same reasons as members of other state boards, including negligence and incompetence.

* The governor and legislature will have more control over the ISBE budget.

IEA had steadfastly supported Gov. Blagojevich's call for making ISBE more accountable, on the grounds that the agency had heaped cumbersome rules and regulations upon teachers.

Check with the IEA Capitol Report to stay informed of new developments.