Illinois General Assembly is back early this year but is already adjusting due to Covid concerns. Lawmakers will be in session only Wednesday Jan. 5 next week. And @RepChrisWelch and Senate President Don Harmon say week of Jan. 11-13 "is likely to be canceled amid the ongoing global pandemic."

IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health just officially adopted CDC’s shorter isolation/quarantine recs, allowing only a 5-day iso/quarantine period in certain cases. Remains to be seen how this will translate to IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health and Illinois State Board of Education and Gov's EO school “exclusion” requirements. Stay tuned. dph.illinois.gov/resource-cente…

.IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health announced yesterday that schools should continue to follow the current IDPH COVID-19 School Guidance, including for isolation & quarantine times. IDPH has adopted the CDC recommendation to reduce the number of days for isolation and quarantine for the general public. (1/3)

Illinois Adopts New Laws Targeting Appropriate Staff-Student Boundaries and Prevention of Sexual Abuse in Schools by Emily Tulloch, Kendra Yoch, and Amy Kosanovich Dickerson. Read more: franczek.com/blog/illinois-…

Illinois Supreme Court vacates TRO, masks no longer considered a “type of quarantine” dlvr.it/SKgXgm

ISBE Postpones Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Data Reporting Requirements by Jared M. Costanzo and Amy Kosanovich Dickerson. Read more: franczek.com/blog/isbe-post…

Governor Pritzker signs legislation cementing COVID-19 sick leave protections for vaccinated school staff. x.com/i/broadcasts/1…

Confused on the recently updated guidance on Statements of Economic Interests? Don't be - Read our In Brief on the new guidance to learn more and see how you may be impacted. #RSInBrief rsnlt.com/news/inbriefs/…

While IL Senate Democrats' chief budget negotiator Sen Elgie Sims tussles with GOP Chapin Rose while presenting (subject matter only) FY23 budget, BIMP filed (ilga.gov/legislation/10…) and budget (HB 900) awaiting a 4th amendment to be filed (ilga.gov/legislation/Bi…)

COVID-19 Paid Leave Law: FAQ by Amy Kosanovich Dickerson, Nicki Bazer, Dana Fattore Crumley, and Shelli Anderson. Read more: franczek.com/blog/covid-19-… #COVID #EducationLaw

Governor signs Bill Amending PTELL and School Code on Several School Finance Provisions by Ares Dalianis and Scott Metcalf. Read more: franczek.com/blog/governor-…

Illinois Passes New Law Exempting Food Service Agreements from Lowest Responsible Bidder Requirement by Emily Tulloch, Brian Crowley, and Liz Becker. Read more: franczek.com/blog/illinois-…

Calling all Supts! We are still seeking supts to sign our letter to Cardona asking for more time to spend ARP funds on contracted goods/services. Hundreds of supts from big and small districts have signed this so far; add your name today! docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAI…

Governor Pritzker has appointed Dr. Steven Isoye, an accomplished former educator and superintendent to chair the Illinois State Board of Education effective immediately. #Illinois

Thank you Tony Sanders for joining LEND this morning! Jeff Schuler

ISBE Releases New Resource Guide and FAQ Regarding Faith’s Law by Emily Tulloch and Amy Kosanovich Dickerson. Read more: franczek.com/blog/isbe-rele…

New Amendments to Illinois Bullying Prevention Statute Now In Effect by Kristen Kinast and Kaitlin Atlas. Read more: franczek.com/blog/new-amend…

Great spending time with State Representative Jenn Ladisch Douglass and sharing our work at LEND!