Reviews recent federal appellate court cases dealing with legal issues involving random drug testing of students participating in extracurricular activities. Draws implications for school business officials and other educators. (PKP)

In "Board of Education of Boone County v. Bushee," the Kentucky Supreme Court upheld school site councils' power and autonomy in a dispute involving a school improvement plan. Implications of "Bushee" are enormous. School-based decision making presents school business administrators with brave new challenges and increased…

Canadian school board administrators are increasingly expected to meet the needs of disabled or other students requiring specific types of accommodation. The duty to accommodate arises when otherwise legitimate school rules or policies affect the customs and observances of nonmajoritarian religions. (Contains 12 references.) (MLH)

Discusses development of program specifications for school support services based on incorporating behavioral aspects into design and evaluating costs on a life-cycle basis. Includes categories of support services, responsibilities for developing specifications, and one district's approach. (17 references) (MLF)

Presents a chronological history of the conflict between the Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, teachers' union and the school board. The board hired Alternative Public Schools, Inc, to manage Turner Elementary Schools and gave the company permission to hire a new staff at Turner. The state supreme court has ruled in favor of the school district. (MLF)

Offers an overview of the school-based decision-making councils in the Kentucky Education Reform Act of 1990 and takes a brief look at a lawsuit that unsuccessfully challenged the authority of councils. (MLF)

Describes the debate in Canada about using property taxes to fund education. Reviews alternatives to the property tax and discusses education funding in provinces across Canada. (LMI)

Zero-tolerance policies have had no appreciable effect on reducing violence, have had an adverse effect on African American students, and are receiving mixed reactions in the courts. Effective solutions are seen as improving overall school climate to guide school operations related to student discipline. (Contains 13 references.) (MLF)

The Association of School Business Officials International has a Meritorious Budget Award Program designed specifically to meet Canadian needs. It is a budget recognition program to promote state-of-the-art practices in the development and presentation of school board budgets. Explains criteria and how to participate. (MLF)

Discusses school administrators' legal-affairs management responsibilities regarding legal advice, law versus ethics, and sources of law. Suggests strategies for retaining and managing legal counsel and avoiding situations involving litigation, torts, and conflict resolution. Explains general counsel services; outlines education,…

School districts should develop policies and procedures that cover the area of background checks, yet ensure that potential employees' civil rights are not violated. In developing policies, employers might consider the following areas: reference checks, physical examinations, drug and alcohol screening, conviction record, and credential checking.…

School districts can improve their chances of avoiding financial difficulty by developing unreserved fund balance resources specifically for contingencies. Offers guidelines for establishing such a fund. (MLF)