Reopening Schools: Legal Issues and Concerns (Webinar)

AGENDA

8:30 – 8:40 a.m. Introduction

8:40 – 9:40 a.m. Reopening Schools: Legal Issues and Concerns 

School Districts were required to submit plans to the State related to the manner in which they would reopen their schools. Immediate concerns were expressed by staff, students, and parents as to whether it is possible to safely provide in-person education this fall. Staff members and students who do not feel comfortable returning to school have asked for accommodations to permit them to either dispense education or receive it, respectively remotely. Learn from a panel of experts what constitutes the landscape in these unprecedented times in terms of legal liability as well as collective bargaining challenges.

Speakers: Beth A. Bourassa, Esq., Partner, Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP | Lawrence J. Tenenbaum, Esq., Partner, Jaspan Schlesinger, LLP

Speaker/Facilitator: Donald E. Budmen, Esq., Partner, Ferrara Fiorenza P.C.

9:40 – 9:50 a.m. Break

9:50 – 10:50 a.m. Special Education – Two Costly Issues: Compensatory Education and Timeline Compliance

As schools reopen, districts may have to provide compensatory education to children with disabilities who did not receive services in their individualized education program (IEP) during school closures. Issues relate to eligibility and the amount of possibly required compensatory services. Another source of potential liability concerns non-compliance with student evaluation and other required timelines. Issues relate to the possible denial of a free appropriate public education (FAPE). Find out what districts might be able to do to minimize the risk.  

Speakers: Jeffrey J. Weiss, Esq., Partner, Harris Beach PLLC | Tara L. Moffett, Esq., Partner, Girvin & Ferlazzo, PC

Speaker/Facilitator: Robert H. Cohen, Esq., Partner, Lamb & Barnosky, LLP

10:50 – 11:00 a.m. Break

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. School Law: A Year in Review– New Laws/Regulations and New Court Decisions and Administrative Rulings

Learn what constitutes the important laws and regulations as well as court and administrative decisions that were adopted this past year affecting the operation of public schools.  

Speaker: Jay Worona, Esq., Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel, The New York State School Boards Association 

12:00 p.m. Conclusion