Law Department

The Investigations Unit has the responsibility to investigate a multitude of allegations of employee misconduct including, but not limited to: negligent supervision of students, ethics violations, falsification of attendance records and documents, local school council related complaints and challenges, allegations of test cheating, and fraudulent enrollment.

The Employment and Civil Rights Unit represents the Board and its agents in all litigation matters and appeals filed in federal and state court involving allegations of discrimination or violations of the United States Constitution and any other federal statute. This Unit also represents the Board when an administrative charge is filed with agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Illinois Human Rights Commission.

The Labor and Employee Discipline Unit is responsible for handling traditional labor law matters and appeals involving unfair labor practice charges and arbitration demands filed by labor organizations. Additionally, the Unit is charged with prosecuting employee discipline matters before administrative agencies and the Illinois State Board of Education.

The Records Management Unit helps ensure system-wide compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and Board policies related to student and district business-related records, including the maintenance, retention, and proper disposal of records.

The School Law Unit counsels district staff on state and federal law and Board policies and rules. The Unit primarily advises on student privacy, student discipline, student enrollment and transfers, local school council issues, proposed legislation, charter school matters, and educational initiatives.

The Commercial, Torts, and Workers' Compensation Unit provides general litigation, appellate, and counseling services to the Board and its management on a diverse range of issues, including breach of contract, debarments, property taxation litigation, construction litigation, municipal code violations, personal injury, and workplace injuries.

The Transactions Unit drafts and negotiates a broad range of contracts including professional services, technology, equipment leases, educational services, and supply contracts. The Unit also provides legal review and counsel in bond issuances and other financings and advises departments and schools regarding compliance with Board rules, policies, and procurement laws.

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) unit handles requests for public records submitted to the Board in support of its overall mission of transparency. It works with other district departments to identify records in all manner of subject areas and ensures they are processed in accordance with state and federal laws.

Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) works to ensure effective administration of employee grievances, collective-bargaining provisions, Board policies and rules, and employee discipline to facilitate compliance with statutory and contractual requirements. OAH’s main duties include presiding over discipline hearings, investigating and adjusting grievances filed by labor unions, and housing the Criminal Background Committee.

The Ethics Unit provides guidance on the Board’s Code of Ethics and State ethics laws to employees, Board members, and LSC members. The Ethics Advisor handles issues including secondary employment, gifts, travel, nepotism, conflicts of interest, political activity, post-employment restrictions, and the filing of required ethics statements.