Provides a checklist for administrators and board members to use in examining school policy to see if it can stand legal challenges. The list covers such areas as the educational soundness, precision, fairness, and equity of educational policies. (IRT)

Examines ways the public schools have approached religion and court cases centering on religion in the schools. Outlines some traps that boards of education should avoid in setting policy on the inclusion of religion and religious holidays in the schools. (IRT)

The United States Supreme Court expressly created the "Hazelwood" standard to give school administrators more control over student expression occurring during a school-sponsored activity. However, until the Supreme Court strictly defines curriculum, lower courts will continue to make overly broad application of "Hazelwood" to…

To handle a death in the school community wisely and sensitively, school boards need to develop a death response policy. A policy developed by a diverse committee will be sensitive to the needs of the entire school community. Offers seven points to consider in drafting a policy. (MLF)

Assembly Bill (AB) 1725 addresses the mission, functions, governance, finance, staffing, programs, services, and accountability of the California Community Colleges (CCC). Many of the bill's recommendations place emphasis on the 107 community colleges, the CCC Chancellor's Office, and the Board of Governors (BOG) becoming a single system of…

In the wake of January 1988 takeover legislation to improve education in the State of New Jersey, this paper describes and justifies the strict state three-tier monitoring system of school district educational standards. School districts that need improvement after the first level of monitoring must develop an improvement plan to overcome their…

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…

The position of principal is due for a fundamental reevaluation. Several aspects of the position are discussed: (1) history of the position; (2) impact and self-perceptions of the principal; (3) current challenges of the principal; and (4) role and style of the principal. Central to the utilization of the principal in the district is the choice of…

This handbook is designed to assist individuals employed by state councils on vocational education in carrying out the council's mandated responsibilities under the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act. Chapter 1 discusses council appointments, new member orientation, and keeping members involved and informed. Chapter 2 discusses staff…

Intended for use as a workbook, this publication is designed to provide examples of the respective roles of the school board and the superintendent in the operation and management of a school district. The first section (white pages) provides statements, in parallel columns, describing possible board/superintendent roles under the following…

Describes Beloit (Wisconsin) School District's systemwide policy on school-related rights of divorced parents. In 1982, a committee of divorce lawyers, clinical social workers, school administrators, and a judge designed a comprehensive policy (based primarily on "no fault" divorce provisions) governing visits during school hours,…

Defines sexual harassment and reminds school boards of their moral and legal obligation to protect employees and maintain an intimidation-free workplace. Offers several tips for preventing sexual harrassment and for launching investigations into complaints. (MLH)

Pressured by public safety concerns, school boards have begun to adopt exclusionary policies and screening programs for pupils and employees infected with the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) virus. This article reviews recent court decisions based on the "handicapped individual" defense and urges administrators to present…

Discusses nine factors to consider when attempting to determine what kind of information and how much information a superintendent should supply to a school board concerning district operations. (PGD)

When considering student expulsion, it is important to keep complete records of all hearings and proceedings. Reviewed is a recent Pennsylvania court case in which a board decision to expel two students was overturned in the courts because no hearing records were kept. (MD)