Legislation Watch

LEGISLATION WATCH

April 9, 2008 - The Illinois House approved a measure that would require school districts to share information about employees who have been the subject of reports to DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services,) which handles child abuse or negligence complaints.

The House voted 114-0 to approve the measure, which now moves to the Senate for further review. At present , school districts might not know a potential teacher has had issues because past employers don’t share it, perhaps for fear of being sued. The new plan would make that disclosure mandatory.

The legislation is House Bill 4252. You can track the bill here.

May 29, 2008 - The bill has passed both houses.
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TT - The bill is in response to the sordid school district actions that shifted child molester Jon White from one elementary school in Normal, IL to another elementary school in Urbana, IL, despite knowing that White had been found viewing pornography in the classroom and despite a parent complaint about his conduct. He was even given a glowing letter of recommendation after he was forced to resign. He went on to molest eight other children in Urbana. TT entry

However, White was never reported to DCFS by school officials in Normal. They were simply too eager to get rid of him. He was sentenced last week to 48 years in prison and is awaiting sentencing in McClean county. At his sentencing hearing for abusing 8 students, one Thomas Payne teacher sent a letter of support for him.