Do Not Forget Your SRO and Safety PlansJun 30th, 2020
by Katherine Gavett

Do Not Forget Your SRO and Safety Plans

The past three months have been unexpected to say the least.  Now that the school year is complete and the budget vote is over, it is time to plan for next year.  Most of us are questioning what next year will look like.  While you navigate the post-COVID world, do not lose sight of your …

Field Trips Should be Reviewed and Approved by Business Office and CounselJun 30th, 2020
by Joseph G. Shields

Field Trips Should be Reviewed and Approved by Business Office and Counsel

During the Covid-19 pandemic, most, if not all, school field trips were canceled. The problem in many situations was that the school-sponsored field trip contract was not reviewed and approved by the district’s business office and district’s legal counsel.  In many situations, the travel company’s boilerplate contract language contained provisions which required impractical cancellation notices, …

Are Compensatory Educational Services in Order?Jun 30th, 2020
by Susan T. Johns

Are Compensatory Educational Services in Order?

During these past months of COVID-19 school closures and remote instruction, students with disabilities have received special education instruction and related services using varying degrees of remote telepractice.  The U.S. Department of Education has advised that special education services need to be provided equitably compared to that instruction provided to students without a disability.  Nevertheless, …

Employees Cannot Wear Face Covering Due to Medical Condition?Jun 30th, 2020
by Michael L. Dodd

Employees Cannot Wear Face Covering Due to Medical Condition?

If an employee has medical reasons why he/she cannot wear a face mask or other covering, this would trigger the employer’s obligation to engage in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) interactive process. During this process, the employer may send the employee home pending completion of the process.  As part of this process, the employer …

Opioid Epidemic Related LitigationJun 30th, 2020
by Charles E. Symons

Opioid Epidemic Related Litigation

Numerous lawsuits seeking to recover monetary damages and other forms of relief against the pharmaceutical industry have been consolidated into a Multidistrict Litigation proceeding presently pending in federal court in Ohio. There is also a related bankruptcy proceeding pending in federal court in New York. School districts that believe they have suffered significant damages as …

Annual Election and Budget Vote Assistance Available June 9May 29th, 2020
by Michael L. Dodd

Annual Election and Budget Vote Assistance Available June 9

What would you do? You are conducting your District’s Annual Election and Budget vote. You have received two absentee ballots in the same envelope.  Can you count either ballot?  What if a voter who you believe is not a resident submits a ballot? What steps should you take?  You have a smudged write-in vote. Do …

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