The commission’s work will be open, transparent, and divided into three stages: Research, review and recommendations
Research Stage (September - December 2011)
- Define the problem
- Gather facts, experiences, and potential resources from commission members
- Gather/review available data/research
- Review current legislation and Illinois reorganization history
- Hear from invited experts
- Develop a website of data, research, and resources
- Gather information from districts and communities statewide (e.g., public testimony, public comment on website)
During this stage, most work will take place at the commission-wide level for presentations and review of existing research and data. Commission members will be also asked to independently review website resources to create a common level of background understanding.
Review, Discussion, and Scenario Stage (January - March 2012)
- Break into work groups focused on the following issues: shared services, within-district efficiency, and realignment
- Use information from the fact-finding stage to develop draft recommendations regarding potential shared service strategies, administrative cost-cutting, and realignment and consolidation, including cost/benefit analyses
- Deliberate upon the pros and cons of various recommendations and refine accordingly
- Seek consensus on draft recommendations
Recommendation Stage (April - June 2012)
- Use information from the previous stages to create a rationale for the recommendations
- Draft practical and feasible recommendations with cost analyses
- Gather feedback on draft recommendations from constituents/stakeholders (web postings, statewide hearings, organizational channels)
- Refine recommendations
- Identify timelines, necessary resources, and responsible entities
Develop and submit final report to Governor and General Assembly by July 1, 2012