This chapter addresses cases reported in 1982 involving aspects of school board governance. Topics covered include powers of state boards of education; powers and duties of local boards; open meeting laws; school boards and conflicts of interest; school district and board members' election, appointment, and recall; school district organization;…

Guidelines to help school superintendents identify and benefit from sound legal advice. (Author/MLF)

School-related statutes and applicable court decisions in Illinois are presented in a question/answer format followed by legal citations. The following topics are discussed in 27 chapters: (1) Control of Illinois Public Schools; (2) School Boards; (3) School Board Membership; (4) School Election Procedures; (5) School Board Officers; (6) School…

This essay presents an overview of the past 25 years of collective bargaining in American public education. Drawing distinctions between compensation and noncompensation issues, the essay addresses the issue of striking a balance between the interests of organized teachers and the educational interests of their communities, and it incorporates…

An electronic news service called REDINET provides Indiana school management with statewide coverage of legislative committees, state agencies, and others. Individual school districts and subgroups are also able to communicate with each other. (MLF)

This volume, a third edition updated and expanded from the two previous editions, is an introduction to the essentials of school law in New Jersey and a reference tool for readers experienced in educational law. Chapter 1 focuses on the legal structure of New Jersey public education, addressing such primary issues as the flow of authority to…

Because society is not likely to become less litigious, the best defense for a school board is to sharpen its legal awareness. Every decision has the potential for litigation, whether it is over a banned Christmas pageant or a complex case of due process. (CJH)

Discusses court decisions in relation to the Equal Access Act and provides two sample policies for schools to follow. One limits student activities, and the second allows noncurriculum-related student meetings. (MD)

The legal audit of curriculum provides administrators with a procedure to systematically review local school policies and practices before they become involved in litigation by showing them the potential likelihood a suit would be successful against them. Over 160 court cases have been analyzed to develop the items in the legal curriculum audit.…

Analyzes the law of defamation as it applies to teachers with special attention to the public official status of teachers. Concludes that public school teachers who are accused of deficiencies in the performance of their duties appear to have very little protection from false accusations under the law of defamation. (MLF)

Education, the most visible of local government functions, is often the center of a societal climate in which the protection of individual rights is not only expected but also demanded. Governing boards and administrators must deal with conflict and bring about acceptable solutions. Since 1950 education has experienced a significant increase in…

Complex issues in the educational environment often require sound legal counsel. Effective representation assists the district in controlling legal issues that could potentially burden the operation of the school. Offers advice regarding selecting, retaining, and effectively communicating with legal counsel. (Contains 12 references.) (Author/MLF)

A recent decision by the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in a case from Arkansas centered on a vicious letter written by an 8th-grade boy about his former girlfriend and turned over to school officials. The court ruled for the school district in expelling the student for the year, without allowing him to attend an alternative school. Argues that…

Any restrictions on student dress must have a legitimate educational rationale. Standards of attire for school employees are also permissible. A dress-code policy that calls for reasonable restrictions and is enforced with common sense can create a better school environment. Restrictive measures can lead to costly lawsuits. Cites advantages of…

In "Rowinsky" the Fifth Circuit ruled that Title IX does not entitle a student to recover damages from a school district for peer sexual harassment. However, three federal district courts and the Eleventh Circuit have joined the trend of holding school districts liable. Follows the Eleventh Circuit's approach and advises school districts…