Council introduces ordinance to exempt Evanston school districts from Cook County paid leave; districts say substitutes and temporary staff drive request

The City Council on May 27 introduced Ordinance 42‑O‑25 to exempt Evanston school districts from the Cook County paid‑leave ordinance and set the ordinance for potential final passage at the June 9 meeting.

Scott Bramley, appearing for District 65 and District 202, told the council the ordinance would allow the districts to maintain current collective‑bargaining and benefit structures without being subject to the county leave rules. Bramley said the districts provide paid leave that exceeds the Cook County standard for regular employees; the concern centers on temporary workers and substitutes, who could earn paid leave that might result in paid absences for substitute staff.

"All employees in Evanston Township High School are, receiving paid benefits beyond what the paid leave ordinance provides," Bramley said. He added that substitute teachers and other temporary staff are not permanent employees and that the Cook County ordinance could create undesired costs and operational complications for school districts.

Council member Nussbaum asked why the exemption was necessary if most permanent staff already receive better benefits. Bramley responded that the ordinance would cover temporary workers such as substitute teachers and game officials and that paying those substitutes for leave could impair the districts’ ability to provide classroom coverage.

Council member Newsom moved the ordinance; Council member Harris seconded. The roll call for introduction was unanimous and the ordinance was scheduled for the June 9 agenda for potential final passage.