Illinois lawmakers hope to improve student discipline with new school procedures

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — State lawmakers could pass a plan in the final weeks of session to improve procedures for student discipline. This comes as many teachers and administrators across the state have asked for help to address school safety.

The Illinois State Board of Education could be required to draft and publish guidance for development of reciprocal reporting systems between schools and law enforcement.

This measure calls on ISBE to publish guidance for re-engagement of students suspended, expelled or returning from an alternative school setting.

"There's so much happening in our schools," said Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood). "We want to make sure that kids are there learning and getting the best education they can. But we also want the teachers and the management, the whole building, to feel safe and to feel like it's an institution for learning."

Sen. Willie Preston (D-Chicago) told his colleagues that he is not proud to admit that he missed 68 days of school during 8th grade due to frequent suspensions. He stressed that out-of-school suspensions alter the lives of many students.

"I think with this particular thoughtful measure it will give an opportunity for these children to actually be re-routed before they have an opportunity to be routed into our penal systems or worse," Preston said.

Lightford explained her bill would also require new guidance for school bus safety and evidence-based intervention procedures on or before July 1, 2025.

Senate Bill 1400 passed unanimously out of the Senate Education Committee Tuesday afternoon. The plan now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration.