The purpose of this book is to answer questions regarding Illinois statutes, case law, and an administrative rules in force as of January 1, 1998. The book is designed for the lay men and women serving on school boards and in other official capacities, but it also answers legal questions commonly raised by teachers, parents, students, and others interested in public schools. Its two dozen chapters on such topics as student discipline, the educational program, education of the handicapped, teacher employment, collective bargaining, school elections, public meetings, budgeting, property taxes, and state aid present case examples. The information is presented in a question and answer format and features such questions as, "May a school board make sex education a required course offering?"; "Do citizens have a right to inspect instructional materials?"; "Is a moment of silence for voluntary prayer permissible?"; and "When may a school board hold a closed meeting?" All the information provided is fully documented as to where the law may be found, and an explanation of legal references tells the reader how to locate statutes and court rulings for more information. An index and approximately 760 case citations are included. (RJM)