A recent ruling by the Secretary of Education resolves, for the moment, a dispute between the Pennsylvania public school districts and charter schools over charter school tuition funding rates. More specifically, the decision is instructive regarding school district use of Pennsylvania Department of Education Form 363 when calculating these rates. The case is School District of Philadelphia v. … [Read more...] about Calculating Charter School Tuition Reimbursement Rates
School Law Bullet
December Dilemma: Holiday Displays and Programs in Public Schools
As the holidays approach, school officials may find themselves preparing for snow days, winter vacation, and of course, the issue of religious expression in public schools. Every year, the holiday season brings a flurry of questions about what is allowed under the law regarding holiday displays and programs. While teaching about religious holidays is permitted as part of an educational program, … [Read more...] about December Dilemma: Holiday Displays and Programs in Public Schools
What School Officials Should Know About Revisions to the School Code
In July, Governor Tom Wolfe finalized the state budget and also signed into law nearly 50 changes to the Pennsylvania School Code. These far-reaching revisions are sure to affect all areas of school administration, including special education, school safety, and homeschool programs. Here are some key amendments and what they could mean for your school. 2022-23 School Code Changes Building … [Read more...] about What School Officials Should Know About Revisions to the School Code
Opposition and Opting Out: What Educators May Expect Post-Pandemic
Although it has been three years since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, schools continue to face fraught conversations with the public, leaving many schools unsure how to proceed in this “post-pandemic” education period. Long term COVID, it seems, is not just a medical condition. In the wake of the COVID epidemic, parents motivated by opposition to masking have been newly empowered to raise … [Read more...] about Opposition and Opting Out: What Educators May Expect Post-Pandemic
Do Schools Have a Right to Prevent Teachers from Displaying Messages of Inclusion in Their Classrooms?
Consider the following scenarios: A high school teacher places a Black Lives Matter sticker on her desk to let students know she is against racism. A teacher down the hall hangs a Pride flag from his door to signal to LGBTQ students that his classroom is a safe space. Does the school district have a right to establish policies prohibiting teachers from displaying these pro-inclusive … [Read more...] about Do Schools Have a Right to Prevent Teachers from Displaying Messages of Inclusion in Their Classrooms?
How Will Act 57 of 2022 Impact Your School?
On July 11, 2022, Governor Tom Wolf signed Act 57 of 2022 amending the Local Tax Collection Law. Prior to Act 57, a taxpayer who claimed they did not receive notice of their real estate taxes was not relieved from paying the penalty, fee, interest, or other charges that may have accrued as a result of their failure to pay in a timely manner. Act 57 now requires school districts to … [Read more...] about How Will Act 57 of 2022 Impact Your School?
