Superintendents consider appeal

Regional superintendents are mulling an appeal to a ruling today denying their request for pay.

Sangamon County Circuit Judge John Schmidt issued an order today saying that he did not have the power to force Gov. Pat Quinn to pay the superintendents. Quinn had vetoed the funding for the administrators' salaries, and they have not been paid since the beginning of the new fiscal year on July 1. "The association is reviewing the results of the court's ruling and its legal options, including an appeal. We will thoughtfully consider our next steps and make the appropriate decision at the right time, understanding the time frame allotted to us under court rules," Bob Daiber, president of the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools, said in a written statement. The group would have to file for an immediate appeal by early next week or would have up to 30 days to file a traditional appeal.

Daiber said the association will also turn to lobbying lawmakers for pay checks. Legislators could override Quinn's veto and restore the funding or approve legislation being crafted by Quinn that would shift the cost to local governments.