DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Creates the Department of Education Act and amends the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois, the School Code, the Board of Higher Education Act, and the Public Community College Act. Creates the Department of Education, with a Secretary of Education as its head. Provides that, in order to create continuity between all levels of education, the Department shall oversee the State Board of Education, the Board of Higher Education, and the Illinois Community College Board and coordinate and streamline the functions of these boards until January 1, 2014. Provides that all of the rights, powers, duties, and functions vested by law in the State Board of Education (except the State Board of Education's duty under the Illinois Constitution to appoint a chief State educational officer), the State Superintendent of Education, the Board of Higher Education, and the Illinois Community College Board are transferred to the Department of Education on January 1, 2014; abolishes the Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Community College Board on that date. Provides for the transfer of personnel and property. Makes other changes.