105 ILCS 5/16-6
Whenever any lot or parcel of land is needed by any university, college, township high school or other educational institution established and supported by this State or by a township therein, or by a school district, as a site for a building or for any educational purpose, including sites purchased under authority of Section 10-22.31b, and compensation for the lot or parcel of land cannot be agreed upon between the owners thereof and the trustees, board of education, or other corporate authority of the educational institution, or school district, the corporate authority of the educational institution or school district may have the compensation determined in the manner provided by law for the exercise of the right of eminent domain. In Class I counties and in any school district which is situated in a Class II county school unit but which no longer is subject to the jurisdiction and authority of a township treasurer or trustees of schools of a township because the district has withdrawn from the jurisdiction and authority of the township treasurer and trustees of schools of the township or because those offices have been abolished as provided in subsection (b) or (c) of Section 5-1, the school board shall engage counsel, pay all expenses and institute suit without any authorization by the regional board of school trustees; and the proceedings shall be in the name of the school board for the use of the school district. But no tract of land outside the limits of any incorporated city or village and within 40 rods of the dwelling of the owner of the land shall be taken by the board of directors created in Section 10-1 of this Act without the owner's consent: provided, however, that a tract of land outside the limits of any incorporated city or village lying not less than 200 feet from the dwelling of the owner of the land which adjoins and is adjacent to a school site being used for school purposes may be taken by the board in the manner provided by law for the exercise of the right of eminent domain for the purpose of enlarging such school site for educational and recreational purposes.
105 ILCS 5/16-6