The bill introduces additional administrative requirements for nonpublic special education facilities. These establishments with multiple campuses must maintain current records for each staff member involved in direct educational services. Importantly, they are also required to electronically submit a monthly employee roster to the school district and the State Board of Education, ensuring that employees have completed and passed necessary criminal history checks. This electronification aims to streamline processes and maintain accountability in the employment of teaching staff.
Summary
House Bill 1383 amends the Illinois School Code, specifically targeting provisions related to special education facilities. The bill recognizes the importance of nonpublic schools and special education facilities in Illinois and mandates that the Illinois Purchased Care Review Board allows nonprofit entities to use the same profit margin calculations that are allowed in for-profit tuition and room and board calculations. This change aims to provide equitable reimbursement levels for nonpublic special education facilities, irrespective of their federal tax classification.
Contention
Debate around HB1383 primarily centers on the adequacy of background checks and reimbursement methods for special education services. Some advocates argue that the bill does not go far enough in delineating the responsibilities of school districts in ensuring that nonpublic facilities provide quality education. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the sufficiency of criminal background checks, particularly regarding protection against individuals with past offenses working in direct service roles with vulnerable children.