Board approves intergovernmental agreement implementing Section 26a student protections

The board voted to adopt an intergovernmental agreement to implement Section 26a of the Illinois School Code, a new law intended to protect students who are parents, expectant parents or victims of domestic violence.

Superintendent Jason explained the statute’s practical effects: districts must accept qualifying claims without in‑depth investigation and cannot disclose specifics that would compromise student privacy. "For students to qualify under 26a protections, there need not be any connection between the precipitating events and school," he said, and added that the Illinois State Board of Education issued FAQs for administrators last week.

After the brief presentation board members moved to a roll‑call vote and approved the agreement unanimously. The district will file and administer the agreement per the statute and guidance, with the superintendent and staff managing confidential processes tied to attendance and services for covered students.

The approval puts the district in formal compliance with Section 26a and begins a process of implementing intake and confidentiality practices dictated by the law and ISBE guidance.