SB1616: SCH CD-MAJOR SCHOOL EVENTS

Legislative Summary

Amends the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to identify dates during the year of cultural or religious significance to the student population and in which students may have out-of-school commitments or otherwise be unable to participate in a major school event. Provides that, by July 1 of each year, the State Board shall prominently post on its website and distribute to each school district a nonexhaustive list of the identified corresponding days and dates of cultural, religious, or other observances for, at a minimum, the school year that begins in the next calendar year as a resource for making scheduling decisions for major school events. Provides that, upon the posting and distribution of the list, the State Board shall also inform school districts that the list is nonexhaustive and that a school district may include additional days and dates on its locally created school calendars based on community feedback or demographics. Provides that the State Board shall additionally distribute the list each year to relevant associations or entities as determined by the State Board. Effective immediately.