New Harmon law allows school districts with overlapping boundaries to share student data

SPRINGFIELD — A measure sponsored by Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) to provide greater continuity of support for students from kindergarten through graduation is now law.

The new law allows elementary and high school districts with overlapping boundaries to share student information and records as long as there is an intergovernmental agreement in place.

“The inability of districts like Oak Park Elementary School District 97 to share this data has led to gaps in understanding of what works best for students,” Harmon said. “This law will help teachers, counselors and social workers meet the needs of the children they serve.”

The data to be shared can include basic academic and background information about students that is of relevance to their education.

“This data equity legislation, which aligns non-unit districts with the best practices of unit districts, will have a profound and lasting impact on the delivery of services to students in District 97, District 90, and District 200, as well as students statewide,” said Lou Anne Johannesson, a staff member of District 97. “We look forward to working with our partner districts on this issue as we continue working to deliver the best educational opportunities to our students.”  

Senate Bill 2434 is effective immediately.

Harmon: No more a gentleman in the Senate than Bill Haine

Senate President Don Harmon issued the following statement on the death of former Senator Bill Haine:

“There was no more a gentleman in the Senate than Bill.

“We came to Springfield around the same time, and I learned so much from him.

“Bill dedicated his life to public service, beginning by serving his country in Vietnam, holding several local elected offices and ultimately having a storied career in the Senate.”

“His focus was always on serving the people of the Metro East, and he frequently worked across party lines to do so.

“He was a man of faith and family. Every time his family came to visit him on the Senate floor, it was easy to see he had a lot of which to be proud.

“My deepest sympathies go out to his children, grandchildren, great-grandchild and his beloved wife, Anna. We will all miss you, Bill.”

Rental Assistance for Qualified Renters

Are you behind on rent or struggling to make payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic?

The Rental Assistance Program is here to help keep families stably housed, and ensure that tenants and Housing Providers/Landlords are financially secure to prevent a tide of evictions due to COVID-19.

If you are a renter whose primary residence is in Illinois and are behind on rent due to economic hardship caused by COVID-19, you may be eligible for up to 15 months of rental payments to cover back-rent owed from June 2020 through August 2021.

Visit https://www.illinoisrentalassistance.org/ to learn more.

IDHS also has programs to help with utility payments, assistance for landlords and legal aid for housing issues. Click here to learn more.

Harmon sets up talks on transitioning to fully elected Chicago school board

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Senate President Don Harmon announced Friday he has asked colleagues to negotiate compromise legislation to transition Chicago Public Schools to a fully elected school board.

Here is President Harmon’s statement:

“I am fully committed to passing legislation this year to move to an elected, representative Chicago school board.

In order to set this in motion, I have asked the sponsors of the key proposals to sit down and come up with a plan that will guide this transition to a new era of leadership at Chicago Public Schools.

My recommendation is that these negotiations focus on starting with a fair, representative hybrid board composed of elected and appointed members that would ensure a reasonable and orderly transition to a fully elected school board.

Everyone involved in this issue has the best interests of the students, families, teachers and taxpayers at heart. If all are willing to compromise, I am confident that we are close to resolution.

I look forward to putting a plan to get us to a fully elected school board on the governor’s desk this session.”