May 28th, 2024Responding Appropriately to Subpoenas
There are a lot of misconceptions about subpoenas, fueled by their very official appearance and the language typically appearing on them indicating they are orders of court, and that failure to comply can lead to penalties for contempt. Blindly responding to subpoenas for records can present real pitfalls for school districts.
Apr 22nd, 2024Reviewing Abolition of Position Rules for a Tough Budget Season
Many public school districts are facing significant impacts to their upcoming budgets due to cuts in State aid. As a result, school districts are being forced to consider layoffs for next school year. This is following several years of a tight labor market requiring numerous school districts to employ uncertified personnel to meet mandatory programming needs because certified personnel could not be found. Additionally, effective February 24, 2024, new Civil Service layoff and recall job protections were extended to cover non-competitive and labor class positions, in addition to previously protected competitive class positions.
Apr 22nd, 2024Rising Use of “Piggybacking” in Capital Projects – Protecting Your School From Legal Challenges
In 2012, the New York State legislature authorized a new purchasing method to streamline competitive bidding procedures in certain circumstances. This purchasing method allows schools to “piggyback” on certain contracts previously entered into through competitive bidding by other governmental agencies.
Mar 27th, 2024NYSED Data Security Audits – How To Be Ready
The New York State Education Department (“NYSED”) is conducting data security reviews/audits of school districts. What does this mean for your district? NYSED will call on selected districts and review your current data security policies and protocols. Pursuant to a memo NYSED issued on January 16, 2024, these reviews will commence this school year.
Mar 27th, 2024Is There a New Definition of Violent Behavior?
On the heels of implementing Workplace Violence Prevention policies, the Commissioner recently issued a decision which addresses what constitutes “violent” behavior in a school setting. In this decision, the Commissioner determined that two students pushing one another and subsequently pushing a teacher did not justify a lengthy suspension because the record of the student discipline hearing did not include evidence demonstrating that the students conduct could reasonably be characterized as violent.
Mar 21st, 2024New Breakfast Briefing: School Safety Revisited
Join us for this free Breakfast Briefing to discuss what school administrators need to know about the Workplace Violence Prevention Act, the Commissioner’s recent guidance on student restraint, seclusion and “time out,” school safety plan updates, as well as other issues impacting the safety and security of students and staff.
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