Education Law
Making the Grade with Educators
Attorneys in the Firm’s Education Law group interact with state and local school boards, foundations, administrators, counselors and teachers at private and public schools and colleges, to provide legal counsel regarding best approaches to govern their institutions. Our legal counsel involves day-to-day issues, as well as more serious matters that can lead to litigation.
Our attorneys help school district administrators, counselors, and teachers to address a host of regulations and issues impacting the education sector today, including:
- Unions and Collective Bargaining
- Food Allergen Awareness
- Fundraising, Grants, Charitable Donations, and Endowments
- Threat Assessment Procedures
- Title IX Protections for Students, Faculty, and Staff
- Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Service Dogs per Titles II and III of the ADA
- Transportation and School Bus Safety
- Special Education and Student Mainstreaming
- Bullying and Harassment
- Student Behavior and Mental Health Issues
- Student Records and Privacy
The Firm’s education law attorneys author law bulletins and blogs, and present at school district meetings, public forums, and national association seminars and education conferences on topics related to legislative and case law updates.
Attorneys in the Firm’s Education Law group interact with state and local school boards, foundations, administrators, counselors and teachers at private and public schools and colleges, to provide legal counsel regarding best approaches to govern their institutions. Our legal counsel involves day-to-day issues, as well as more serious matters that can lead to litigation.
Legal Issues School Boards May Face
Food Allergens. Ohio law was amended in 2021 to specify that each school district board of education may create training for all staff members and age-appropriate instruction for students in grades kindergarten through 12 on food allergies and ways in which to assist an individual experiencing an allergic reaction. If these procedures are not followed with care, serious health risks and complications can become a pressing issue for the school, the student, and the family, and can lead to legal troubles.
Compliance with Laws. School boards may face a variety of legal issues, including those involving student rights and protections, special education law, public school financing and budgeting issues, faculty rights, and teacher contract issues. There are also many state and federal laws to comply with, such as the No Child Left Behind Act and Title IX. Constitutional issues involving religion in schools, free speech rights, or privacy concerns may also need to be addressed.
Student Discipline. Because public schools are funded by taxpayer dollars, they are actors of the government. Therefore, students do not lose their Constitutional rights when they step on campus, and it is essential that school administrators are aware of the rights their students are entitled to. Our attorneys counsel school administrators concerning student discipline issues and on matters relating to student rights including freedom of speech, search and seizure, and disciplinary actions. Attorneys also review existing policies to ensure consistency with state and federal laws and local school district policies.