Back in the 1970’s where there the ability of individual members to make an impact, I offered an amendment requiring the State Superintendent of Education to maintain a database of teachers fired for sex offenses.
My motivation was learning that one of my former pages had been led into a life of homosexuality by his Lundahl Junior High School Principal.
He told me abuse occurred in the Principal’s office.
Also at a rest stop on Route 47 just south of Route 20.
That rest stop was closed with no explanation to the public.
The Principal was let go by Crystal Lake Grade School District 47.
In a technique labeled “pass the trash” he ended up in some Iowa school, but he retired in Illinois
The young man, after he had become HIV-infected, called me and I notified the Crystal Lake Police.
The ex-principal’s lawyer contended the statue of limitations has passed and his client could not be prosecuted.
The Judicial system, however, ruled that it was still within the time limit because time in Iowa didn’t count.
He was convicted.
My amendment was soundly defeated.
Over 100 of the 117 State Representatives vote “No.”
Mike Madigan, I am told, had a trophy in his office with the names and votes of colleagues who had lost House votes by more than 100 votes.
I am proud to have been one of such sponsors.
When rampant sex abuse in the Chicago School System was spotlighted by the Chicago Tribune, a bill similar to my amendment overwhelming passed.
Now come
SB 1329 (P.A. 104-0373): Allows the State Superintendent to notify schools when an employee is under investigation for misconduct posing a threat to student safety.
Note that the act is not mandatory, demonstrating the power of the Chicago Teachers Union and the Illinois Education Association.
