As the new school year begins, School Districts should review their policies to ensure they fit contemporary standards, specifically, policies regarding professional boundaries. This topic covers not only student/teacher relationships, but social media and electronic communications as well. It is imperative that Districts implement policies on professional boundaries in order to create safe … [Read more...] about Polishing Your District Policies: A Review of Professional Boundaries and Other Related Policies
Guidance for Districts When Addressing Federal Form I-9 and Applicants With Work Visas
Subsequent to October 31, 2023, the previous version of Form I-9 will be obsolete and no longer valid for use. The Form I-9 process is managed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the new I-9 form and instructions are available on the USCIS website now. The updated I-9 form has what the Department of Homeland Security refers to as “formatting improvements,” but … [Read more...] about Guidance for Districts When Addressing Federal Form I-9 and Applicants With Work Visas
Ensuring Compliance with Employment Law this School Year
Employment Law Chair Avery E. Smith details the latest topics in Employment Law, as well as topics that frequently arise in the world of HR. Over the past few months, we have seen movement in the law as it pertains to ADA considerations, pregnant workers, nursing workers, as well as communication and speech. This blog provides guidance for Districts to ensure a smooth and compliant … [Read more...] about Ensuring Compliance with Employment Law this School Year
Pennsylvania Department of Education Issues Last-Minute Policy Change to Increase Student Eligibility for FAPE
The state’s agreement to resolve a class action lawsuit filed in July 2023 creates the potential for students that turned age 21 during the 2022-23 school year to return to school this year until their next birthday. What Happened On the evening of August 30, the Pennsylvania Department of Education announced an amended policy for age eligibility for students receiving special education … [Read more...] about Pennsylvania Department of Education Issues Last-Minute Policy Change to Increase Student Eligibility for FAPE
How School Districts May Implement Curricula Promoting Racially Inclusive Schools
On August 24, 2023, the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL), which provides guidance on Race and School Programming. The DCL clarifies circumstances under which schools can develop curricula and programs that promote racially inclusive schools. “This resource aims to assist our nation’s schools to fulfill Congress’ … [Read more...] about How School Districts May Implement Curricula Promoting Racially Inclusive Schools
How Pennsylvania Precedent to Enforce Confidentiality Agreements Based on Continued Employment Protects Employers
In the case of W. Short Home, LLC v. Graeser[1], the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania reviewed existing cases where continued employment was deemed consideration for confidentiality agreements. In a time of uncertainty regarding employer’s continued ability to enforce non-competition agreements, KingSpry’s Employment Law Chair, Avery E. Smith, provides … [Read more...] about How Pennsylvania Precedent to Enforce Confidentiality Agreements Based on Continued Employment Protects Employers
