Describes issues related to the Ontario educational reform legislation, a significant aspect of which is a new student-focused funding model. The stated purpose of the new funding model is to ensure that education funding operates in a "fair and nondiscriminatory manner" across the province. Asserts that the legislation does not satisfactorily…

A magazine insert contains six short articles that deal with school district compliance with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA). Display advertisements by asbestos-related firms accompany the insert. (MLF)

Through membership in intergovernmental cooperatives designed to provide liability protection, school districts can achieve greater control over insurance products at all levels. Defines terms, lists self-insurance pool contract provisions, and discusses dangers and miscellaneous issues for self-insurance pools. (MLF)

Provides a brief description of the U.S. Constitutional provisions and public laws affecting transportation of students with disabilities. Lists suggested inservice training program elements to ensure the provision of adequate training necessary to safely transport students with disabilities. (MLF)

Inclusion advocates support heterogeneous programs where special education students are educated within the confines of a regular educational classroom. An array of services are provided that are coordinated across educational and community agency personnel. Districts must make sure the students are ready to be included, the staff is trained, and…

Students with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders who do not qualify for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act may qualify under the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504), a civil rights act. Current best educational practices may be embodied in a school-based intervention model stressing environmental management,…

When the 1991 Pennsylvania Legislature decentralized its special education funding process, it created a crisis for the commonwealth's 29 educational regional service agencies. The Chester County Intermediate Unit responded entrepreneurially by downsizing the department; surveying customer satisfaction levels; instituting staff training programs;…

Describes the facts and state and federal constitutional law related to "Zelman v. Simons-Harris," a Cleveland school-voucher case before the United States Supreme Court. Argues that the Court will likely uphold the constitutionality of the Cleveland voucher program, finding that it does not advance religion in violation of the First…

The use of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) by all state and local governments may require legislation. Findings from a survey of states to get data on current accounting and financial reporting practices are summarized. Model legislation to provide uniformity in accounting and reporting is presented. (MLF)

Changing the National School Lunch Program to eliminate funding to the full-price meal would affect the entire program, leading to a drastic increase in the price of these meals, a decrease in program participants, and a loss of the health emphasis of the program. (MLF)

Explores six proposed changes and the controversies that have stalled Congress's reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Although IDEA's fundamental characteristics will remain unchanged, there is likely to be an increased focus on outcomes, an augmented appeals process, and provisions addressing discipline problems.…

Describes legal issues involving use of school facilities by noncurricular groups such as the Girl Scouts, a student chess club, or a community gardening club. Discusses three Supreme Court cases on the subject: "Westside v. Mergens" (1990), "Lamb's Chapel v. Center Moriches Union-Free School District" (1993); and "Good…

Under the 1973 Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, school districts must transport students with disabilities to a site providing a free, appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. This article discusses federal and state laws governing student transportation, including wheelchair…

Districts are using employer/nonsalary-reduction contributions to 403(b) plans to recruit and retain key employees, reduce unfunded liabilities for unused vacation and sick pay, and lower the cost of severance-pay packages. Legal compliance "caution flags," nondiscrimination rules, and IRS auditing and correction procedures are outlined.…

With the "Davis v. Monroe County Board of Education" decision, a bitterly divided U.S. Supreme Court resolved the split between circuit courts over public school districts' liability for money damages under Title IX. Boards may be held liable when school officials are deliberately indifferent to on-campus student-to-student sexual…