Section 120.250  Dispute Resolution

a)         When a custodian and school official disagree as to the validity of a claim for reimbursement, each party shall submit to the State Superintendent of Education a written statement including the reasons for the dispute and any documentary evidence supporting their respective positions.  This shall be done by October 1 after the close of the school year to which the dispute applies.

1)         Failure of the school official to comply with this requirement will automatically validate the position of the custodian, provided that the custodian's claim is otherwise in conformance with this Part.

2)         Failure of the custodian to comply with this requirement will automatically validate the position of the school official, provided that it is otherwise based on the provisions of Section 29-5.2 of the School Code and this Part.

b)         A custodian who believes that the State's reimbursement is inaccurate may file a request for correction of said reimbursement, provided that:

1)         the request is submitted in writing to the State Superintendent of Education within ten calendar days after receipt of the check for reimbursement; and

2)         the request includes:

A)        a statement of the custodian's reasons for disputing the amount of reimbursement received and any documentary evidence pertaining to this statement,

B)        a statement of the amount of money the custodian believes is properly due from the State, and

C)        the custodian's name, address, and telephone number.

c)         The State Superintendent of Education shall review the evidence submitted pursuant to subsection (a) or (b) of this Section and, based on the applicable provisions of Section 29-5.2 of the School Code and this Part, shall issue a written decision to the persons submitting the evidence within 30 calendar days after receipt of the evidence.  The decision of the State Superintendent shall be final.

(Source:  Amended at 29 Ill. Reg. 12422, effective July 28, 2005)