SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The first bill passed by state Rep. Yehiel “Mark” Kalish, D-Chicago, will ensure that residents have a greater say in decisions made in local schools.

“As a strong advocate for quality education for all, I believe it’s critical that local parents are involved in the decision making processes at their children’s schools,” Kalish said. “This reform will help ensure that parents have a stronger voice.”

Kalish introduced House Bill 3659, which received unanimous bipartisan support from the Illinois House this week. The proposal requires that any charter school must include at least one parent of a student enrolled at the school on their board of directors or other governing body. Additionally, the measure creates a requirement that members of a charter school’s board of directors receive annual professional development and training, similar to training required for board members of public schools.

“Local residents must have a voice in local education decisions—public or private,” Kalish said. “This reform will help ensure that charter schools receive similar local parental input that public schools receive. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to help get this proposal signed into law.”

House Bill 3659 is currently awaiting action in the Senate.