On November 25, 2024, the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania issued a significant ruling in the Esperanza Academy Charter School, et al., v. the School District of Philadelphia, et al case. Esperanza confirmed that the cost of pre-kindergarten and Ready To Learn Block Grants should not be included in calculating charter school tuition. Background in the Case The Petitioners, … [Read more...] about Commonwealth Court Issues Significant Opinion on Charter School Funding Dispute
School Law Bullet
U.S. Department of Education Releases Toolkit for AI Integration in Schools
On October 24, 2024, the U.S. Department of Education released its long-awaited “Toolkit for AI,” offering educational leaders essential guidance for incorporating artificial intelligence into student learning. This comprehensive toolkit is designed to help schools make informed, safe, and effective decisions regarding AI’s role in education, emphasizing Federal laws and standards that must be … [Read more...] about U.S. Department of Education Releases Toolkit for AI Integration in Schools
Pennsylvania General Assembly Proposes Several Bills Impacting School Nursing Services
Several bills pending before the Pennsylvania General Assembly are meant to assist school administrators and school nurses. Most of the following bills have been passed by the Pennsylvania House with bipartisan support. They are currently awaiting Senate approval. HB 2185, now Act 117, was passed in the Senate October 23 and signed by Governor Shapiro on October 29, 2024. HB 1084 / Ensuring … [Read more...] about Pennsylvania General Assembly Proposes Several Bills Impacting School Nursing Services
Three New Federal Cases Impact Special Education Evaluation Procedures
Three recent federal cases have given new meaning to the procedure in which Hearing Officers and Courts must evaluate Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), and American with Disabilities Act (ADA) claims. On June 4, 2024, the Third Circuit addressed this issue with two cases: B.S.M. v. Upper Darby School District and Le … [Read more...] about Three New Federal Cases Impact Special Education Evaluation Procedures
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Rules In Favor of School District’s Ability to Collect Real Estate Taxes
On March 5, 2024, Partner and Chair of the Firm’s Local Taxation and Assessment Practice Group, Jonathan M. Huerta, argued Circle of Seasons Charter School, Appellee v. Northwestern Lehigh School District, Appellant before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in Philadelphia, on behalf of Northwestern Lehigh School District. Recently, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of the District, … [Read more...] about Pennsylvania Supreme Court Rules In Favor of School District’s Ability to Collect Real Estate Taxes
School Administrators’ Guide to Act 55: Ready To Learn Block Grant
On July 11, 2024, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro approved Senate Bill No. 700, now Act No. 55 of 2024 (the “Act”). The Act amends several sections of the Pennsylvania Public School Code of 1949 (the “School Code”). In Part Six of our School Administrators’ Guide to Act 55, KingSpry’s Education Law Chair Emeritus, John E. Freund, III, Esq., and Education Law Attorney, Sarah Modrick, Esq., … [Read more...] about School Administrators’ Guide to Act 55: Ready To Learn Block Grant
