SPRINGFIELD, IL - Legislation sponsored by State Senator Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest) that encourages the sharing of certain school district services was recently signed by Governor Quinn.

Senate Bill 2134 allows school districts to consolidate certain functions with other districts in areas such as bidding and purchasing, information technology, grant writing, food service management, payroll, professional development and even administrative positions. Regional superintendents of schools, after receiving a request from a local district, may evaluate and offer potential services that may be shared with another district.

"This legislation will allow school districts to consolidate certain services that can be more efficiently performed with another district," Garrett said. "At a time of budget cuts and reductions, it is important we are giving our school districts the opportunity to save vital resources that can be used for other pressing educational services."

Annual reports will be filed by local school districts, detailing yearly attempts at sharing services and improving fiscal efficiencies. The report will also detail potential services that may be combined as well as any obstacles that may limit possible consolidation. The report will be made available to the public on the school districts website. Regional offices of education will also file an annual report describing regional efforts to consolidate services between districts.

Senate Bill 2134 passed the Illinois Senate in April on a 50-2 vote.