On June 12, 2014, the Charter School Law celebrated its 17-year anniversary, following calls for legislative reform of its most fundamental flaws. Senate Bill 1316 and House Bill 2138, both tabled this month, would, among other things, revamp the funding for charter school education, consistent with the actual cost of special education. Following the proposal of both bills, in May 2014, the … [Read more...] about The Auditor General Calls for a “Tune Up” of the Charter School Law
KingSpry Blog
PIAA’s Attendance Rule is Constitutional
The District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania recently concluded that Article III, Section 8 of the PIAA’s Bylaws, also known as the “Attendance Rule” , is constitutional. The Attendance Rule directs that home schooled students are permitted to participate in interscholastic sports for the public school within which they reside. Factual and Procedural History The Attendance Rule was … [Read more...] about PIAA’s Attendance Rule is Constitutional
Seventh Circuit Holds Care Provided During Trip to Las Vegas is Covered Under FMLA
Last fall, Disney World and Disneyland announced major changes to their longstanding program for assisting guests with disabilities. Previously, people with a disability, along with their family members, were given special passes to avoid long waits and enter the front of the line at a ride or attraction at Disney theme parks. Disney’s special access program was changed, however, after widespread … [Read more...] about Seventh Circuit Holds Care Provided During Trip to Las Vegas is Covered Under FMLA
The Freundian Slip: The Tune of the Hickory Stick
Those 'Dear Old Golden Rule Days' may be retiring. On June 10, 2014, the California Superior Court struck down that state’s teacher tenure, dismissal and furlough laws as in violation of the California Constitution. Vergara v State of California. Geography lessons well learned, good students all know that California is a long way from Pennsylvania, and what happens in California’s state court … [Read more...] about The Freundian Slip: The Tune of the Hickory Stick
United States Supreme Court Allows Township to Open Meetings with Prayer
On May 5, the Supreme Court affirmed that “legislative prayer” is permissible under the First Amendment. The decision is unlikely to change the rules for school districts. The Township of Greece, located outside of Rochester, has since 1999 opened its monthly meetings with a roll call, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a prayer led by a local clergy member. Prior to that time, the meetings were opened … [Read more...] about United States Supreme Court Allows Township to Open Meetings with Prayer
This Just In from the Department of Labor: Same-Sex Spouses May Have Full FMLA Rights
The Family Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) requires covered employers to provide unpaid leave and reinstatement rights to eligible employees for specific health and family reasons, including family medical and military leave. Among other things, the serious health condition, military care needs, or military exigencies of an employee’s “spouse” may be a qualifying event for FMLA leave and reinstatement … [Read more...] about This Just In from the Department of Labor: Same-Sex Spouses May Have Full FMLA Rights
