Schools are engaging with students and families via virtual communication tools during the government-ordered closure. A review of privacy measures is recommended. In a previous article, we provided guidance to schools regarding videoconferencing questions for online education. While clearly, the use of virtual classroom technologies does not present a de facto FERPA concern, schools must … [Read more...] about Districts Are Reminded to Take Precautions Regarding Privacy During Era of Virtual Participation and Communication
IDEA Procedural and Timeline Relief Recommended
On March 31, 2020, state and local special education administration organizations recommended temporary relief for certain IDEA provisions due to the school closures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The organizations involved in drafting the recommendations include the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) and the Counsel of Administrators of Special … [Read more...] about IDEA Procedural and Timeline Relief Recommended
Ensuring Government Transparency Under Right to Know During COVID-19
Government directives to close schools and non-essential businesses, and the current statewide stay-at-home directive limit the ability of public entities to respond to (Right to Know) requests for public records. Here is a summary of legal obligations during this time. Agencies should continue to process and respond to Right to Know request to the extent possible. The agency’s initial … [Read more...] about Ensuring Government Transparency Under Right to Know During COVID-19
Who Invited That Guy? Tips for Effective Virtual Board Meetings
Last month, we provided guidance about certain legal considerations that may inform a board’s decision to conduct virtual board meetings. As with any potential solution, there come occasional problems, and a recent disturbing trend is for certain attendees to effectively crash and commandeer public board meetings. What should you do? Accordingly, here are a few tips to try and limit the … [Read more...] about Who Invited That Guy? Tips for Effective Virtual Board Meetings
Department of Labor Releases Procedures for the Small Business Exemption to COVID-19 Legal Requirements
On April 1, 2020, the Department of Labor released regulations to clarify the leave entitlements under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). Please see our prior blog for answers to common questions. Under the FFCRA, small businesses, or organizations with fewer than 50 employees, may qualify for an exemption to the FFCRA’s leave entitlements. Depending on the circumstances, a small … [Read more...] about Department of Labor Releases Procedures for the Small Business Exemption to COVID-19 Legal Requirements
Department of Labor Releases Regulations to Clarify COVID-19 Leave Entitlements
On April 1, 2020, the Department of Labor released regulations to clarify the leave entitlements under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The following are the answers provided by the regulations to frequently asked questions. Question: The employer has closed its offices and furloughed employees. Are employees under quarantine entitled to paid leave, even if their positions have … [Read more...] about Department of Labor Releases Regulations to Clarify COVID-19 Leave Entitlements
