SB 2793

Abstract

Creates the Educational Choice Act to establish a pilot educational choice program in the Chicago school district that entitles a custodian of a qualifying pupil to a voucher for payment of qualified education expenses at any qualified school in which the pupil is enrolled. Repeals the Act on July 1, 2011. Amends the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to develop unique student identifiers for State test takers that allow teachers to have the information needed to teach to the ability of the student. Provides that a school district must spend at least 65% of its total operating expenditures on direct classroom expenditures and if a school district's direct classroom expenditures for the 2006-2007 school year are less than 65% of its total operating expenditures, then the district must increase its direct classroom expenditures by at least 2 percentage points per school year beginning with the 2007-2008 school year until at least 65% of the district's total operating expenditures are spent on direct classroom expenditures. Provides that a school district that is unable to meet these expenditure standards due to special circumstances may apply for a one-year, renewable waiver. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.