School Finance
School Board Member Training Provider Application
PA 97-03578 effective June 13, 2011 added Section 10-16a to the School Code (105 ILCS 5/10-16a) which establishes training requirements for school board members. The law requires that the training be conducted by the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) or other entities that the State Board approves in consultation with IASB.
New provisions in Title 23 Illinois Administrative Code (IAC) – Part 1, Section 1.210 will allow entities (training providers) to submit applications for approval anytime between March 1 and May 1 of the calendar year (even-number years only) preceding school board elections (i.e., April of each odd-numbered year) and provides for a 30-day timeline for the State Superintendent and IASB to respond to each application. This time frame allows for the approval process to be completed in ample time to finalize curriculum, secure training sites, and notify school districts and others of the availability of the training.
Entities wishing to offer training will have to offer professional development that addresses all three topic areas required under the law. As part of the initial application, each entity must provide evidence of both its and any presenters’ experience with and competency in the subject matter to be covered in the training.
Each entity approved will be required to: (1) verify attendance at the sessions, (2) provide school board members with a certificate of completion, and (3) maintain records for a period of not less than five years of participants’ attendance at and evaluations of the training received for each event or activity.
Approval of a provider is for two calendar years beginning January 1, 2012, and is renewable March 1 through May 1, 2014.
Note: 23 IAC, Part 1, Section 1.210 the law also states that the training provider approval can be withdrawn by the State Superintendent if an evaluation of the provider conducted by the agency indicates noncompliance with the requirements of the law and rules.
All questions related to the above school code and administrative rules should be directed to Debbie Hemberger or Ken Wargo in School Business Services, at 217-785-8779. If you prefer, emails may be sent to finance@isbe.net. Please state in the email subject line that your questions are related to the School Board Member Training application.
