(105 ILCS 5/34-18.81)

Sec. 34-18.81. Pilot program for remote learning for students in the custody of the Department of Corrections. The board may offer the option of remote learning to allow a student who is in the custody of the Department of Corrections to successfully complete the course requirements necessary to graduate from high school and receive a high school diploma. The school district may offer a remote learning option to a student if the student:

(1) is enrolled at Consuella B. York Alternative High School at the time the student is transferred to a Department of Corrections facility or institution or had been enrolled at Consuella B. York Alternative High School within the 6 months prior to being transferred to a Department of Corrections facility or institution; and

(2) is within 2 school years of completing all of the course requirements necessary to graduate from high school and receive a high school diploma.

The Department of Corrections educators and security staff shall be involved in assisting and supervising students participating in the pilot program. The Department of Corrections shall negotiate with all bargaining units involved to ensure that the implementation of the pilot program is consistent with collective bargaining agreements.

The school district may continue to offer the option of remote learning to the student for up to one school year following the student's release from the custody of the Department of Corrections to allow the student to complete any remaining course requirements necessary to graduate from high school and receive a high school diploma.

The establishment of the pilot program described in this Section is contingent upon there being provided to the Department of Corrections sufficient appropriations to implement and administer the program.

(Source: P.A. 102-966, eff. 5-27-22; 103-154, eff. 6-30-23.)