The recent and ongoing measles outbreak in Texas has raised significant concerns among educators, parents, and health officials. As the number of cases continues to rise and spread around the state, including the recent...more
The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard argument on an important case that has the potential to upend a significant source of technology funding for school systems throughout the country. The FCC v. Consumers’ Research case,...more
Generally, independent schools intentionally refrain from participating in the majority of federal funding programs, preserving their ability to ensure the educational program is provided in a manner that is reflective of...more
New York independent schools should be aware of several significant developments in state law impacting their employees. Schools should review and update their employee handbooks as necessary to address these changes to the...more
In the hours following his inauguration, President Trump issued executive orders concerning immigration, including the launch of new enforcement policies to address illegal entry, unlawful presence, and removal of...more
During the first days of President Trump's second term of office, he issued executive orders rescinding many Biden-era executive orders and addressing a wide range of initiatives and issues that were a focus of his election...more
Tennessee families will soon be able to use taxpayer dollars to cover the cost of private school tuition under the recently passed Education Freedom Act (EFA). Tennessee lawmakers passed a hotly debated $447 million statewide...more
Massive policy shifts and executive action from the White House in the early days of the new Trump administration necessitate that K-12 school administrators proactively prepare for interactions with immigration authorities...more
On Jan. 29, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the “Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling” executive order (EO) and the “Expanding Educational Freedom and Opportunity for Families” EO, directing federal agencies to...more
The start of a new year may prompt questions regarding hot button areas of the law in flux. We have received questions about several such issues and what they mean for educators. Title IX, immigration enforcement, and school...more
Illinois lawmakers passed a number of changes to employment laws effective January 1, 2025. The following is a summary of each law...more
In Massachusetts, shared legal custody is defined as “continued mutual responsibility and involvement by both parents in major decisions regarding the child’s welfare including matters of education, medical care and...more
The election of President-elect Donald Trump to serve a second term could carry significant implications for independent schools. As we move toward Inauguration Day, it would be wise for independent schools to stay attuned to...more
On January 1, 2025, an updated version of Connecticut’s paid sick leave law will become effective. This new law will pose unique compliance challenges for independent schools, who should proactively consider how they will...more
Imagine that an IEP meeting is scheduled for a couple of weeks from now. The parents have just informed you that they have decided to unilaterally place their child in the private school down the street. You may think your...more
Just last week, a court order blocked the implementation of a Department of Labor rule that would increase the salary thresholds for exempt employees. Many independent schools may be wondering what this means for them,...more
Many of my JDSUPRA postings, a full catalog of which may be found below, are about the doctrinal incoherence that is being inflicted on the institution of the trust by legislative intrusions into equity doctrine, intrusions...more
Welcome to The Academic Advisor - our e-newsletter focused on education law insights. With Fall Break behind us and the race to end-of-term underway, we highlight the following topics of import for schools,...more
Can a teacher put a sticker on their laptop expressing support for a political candidate? What about an employee attending a pro-life rally or using their personal social media account to express opinions about global...more
Rolanda Brandon—the mother of sixteen-year-old star quarterback Faizon Brandon, the Greensboro, North Carolina, Grimsley High School football player who has committed to play for the University of Tennessee Volunteers in...more
Now that independent schools are well into the 2024-2025 school year, independent schools are turning their attention toward enrollment and re-enrollment season for the 2025-2026 school year. ...more
By law, public schools in the United States must provide services and support for students with special needs. However, some families find that an alternative to public schooling, known as microschools, better suits their...more
This week, the General Assembly briefly reconvened for one of the Special Sessions authorized by the July adjournment resolution. Although legislative activity and bill movement were both limited during this narrow window,...more
Since I served as Commissioner of Corporations in the 1990s, the Department of Corporations has consolidated with the Department of Financial Institutions and changed its name twice. It is now known by the unwieldy name of...more
In a 2024 Final Rule, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced that it would be increasing in two phases the salary threshold for employees to be exempt from overtime....more