A Sangamon County judge has denied a request by the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools that their pay be reinstated immediately. In a three-page ruling, Judge John Schmidt explained that he did not have the power to reinstate their pay, which Gov. Pat Quinn announced the state was no longer paying at the beginning of July. 

President of the regional superintendents association, Bob Daiber, released the following statement after the ruling:

We respect the court's decision but are disappointed that the judge did not agree with us. State law clearly calls for us to be paid for the good work we continue to do, but our fight continues. Today's outcome doesn't change that we believe this situation is totally unfair and against what this state stands for. We continue to work hard for the students, parents, educators and taxpayers of Illinois. And we will find a way through discussions with state lawmakers for a long-term funding solution. Clearly, the pain continues for many superintendents and their families during this very difficult time, and hardships are growing every day. They will have to make difficult decisions as this crisis continues as we work through the inconsiderate decision to end our funding with no other plan in place to pay us for doing our jobs.

Our association is meeting this afternoon to discuss our next steps.