The IASB Office of General Counsel offers numerous guidance documents to help provide clarity and understanding for a number of complicated laws and legal issues that impact local school governance. From Illinois laws, such as the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Open Meetings Act (OMA) to election and referendum questions, and federal education policy and student privacy concerns, IASB and the Illinois Council of School Attorneys (ICSA) provide straightforward, easy-to-use resources to assist local school boards in understanding these issues.
These documents are intended for guidance purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for legal advice. Due to frequent changes to law, school boards are advised to consult with their legal counsel for legal advice.
FOIA and OMA Resources
A practical guide for school boards and administrators when dealing with provisions of OMA and FOIA.
Learn about exceptions allowed for school boards to hold closed meetings as stipulated under OMA.
Summaries of Illinois and federal court and agency decisions dealing with FOIA and OMA.
Illinois Laws Affecting Schools
Guide to Illinois Statutes Affecting Schools (Revised May 2026 by ICSA)
What is PERA (Performance Evaluation Reform Act)? (Updated January 2026)
Concealed Carry Act (May 2018)
Checklist for Youth Sports Concussion Safety Act (Revised April 2022)
Ann Marie's Law (April 2016)
Understanding the Implementation of the Illinois Personnel Records Review Act (September 2021)
Conflict of Interest and Incompatible Offices FAQ (Revised June 2024 by ICSA)
Gift Ban FAQ (Revised October 2025 by ICSA)
Referendum FAQ (Revised August 2019 by ICSA)
Vacancies on the Board of Education (Revised March 2020 by ICSA)
Janus v. AFSCME: Implementation Issues for School Boards (June 2018 by ICSA)
Answers to FAQs Regarding Students with Divorced or Divorcing Parents (February 2019 by ICSA)
Transgender, Nonbinary, and Gender Nonconforming Students: Legal Issues (December 2025)
Federal Resources
Q and A: Title IX Regulations on Sexual Harassment (January 2022)
Enhancing School Safety Using a Threat Assessment Model (July 2018)
Resources to Assist Board Work
School Safety and Security (January 2024)
Clearing Up the Confusion on Board Committees FAQ (August 2023)
Responding to a Subpoena (Revised March 2026 by ICSA)
Managing Challenging Public Comment Periods (July 2021)
Special Education — Procedures and Sample Policies, and Sample Section 504 Procedures
Service Animals Factsheet Q & A (January 2019)
Guidelines for Interviews of Students (Revised December 2025 by ICSA)
Memorandum of Understanding for School District & Local Law Enforcement Agency (March 2016)
Illinois Council of School Attorneys
The Illinois Council of School Attorneys (ICSA) is a group of Illinois attorneys who represent school districts. ICSA member committees research and develop guidance and resources on a number of complex laws and legal issues impacting school districts.