Illinois Law Strengthens Parent and Teacher Role in School Decision-Making (Springfield, IL) – Parents and teachers will have a greater voice in shaping school policies under a new Illinois law sponsored by State Sen. Willie Preston (D-Chicago) and signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Senate Bill 2918 updates the structure of existing parent-teacher advisory committees by clarifying their membership and establishing a more transparent process for selecting educators to serve on them.
“Strong schools are built on trust, communication and shared responsibility,” Preston said in a statement. “This law ensures that parents and educators have a meaningful role in conversations that affect their schools, while also helping create safer learning environments for students and staff. When the people closest to our children have a seat at the table, our schools are better positioned to succeed.”
In addition to revising advisory committee requirements, the law mandates an annual review of student discipline policies and their effects on school personnel. School districts will also be required to establish procedures for responding to incidents in which educators are battered while on the job.
Supporters say the changes are intended to improve school safety, strengthen communication between parents and educators, support teacher retention and ensure student discipline policies remain effective.
“Our educators deserve to feel safe, respected and supported when they come to work each day,” Preston said. “By bringing parents, teachers and school leaders together and taking a closer look at how discipline policies are working, we’re making schools stronger for everyone. This law is about creating an environment where students can learn and educators can thrive.”
Senate Bill 2918 was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2027.
Illinois Law Strengthens Parent and Teacher Role in School Decision-Making
