On March 19, 2023, the Sunday New York Times featured a story on the recent Massachusetts Supreme Court decision that reaffirmed what constitutes appropriate commentary when it upheld an individual’s right to be rude at public meetings. The Case This decision follows the case of Barron v. Kolenda, brought about by Southborough, Massachusetts resident, Louise Barron (“Barron”). In December … [Read more...] about Right To Be Rude at Public Meetings Remains
School Law Bullet
New Federal Law Expands the Protections for Pregnant and Nursing Workers Across the Nation
Effective June 27, 2023, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act will require all covered employers - including school districts - to provide reasonable accommodations for workers and applicants limited by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. What is the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act? The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) is a recent law that requires covered employers to … [Read more...] about New Federal Law Expands the Protections for Pregnant and Nursing Workers Across the Nation
The PUMP Act Provides Accommodations to Millions of Working Moms Including Teachers and Registered Nurses
On December 29, 2022, the Biden Administration signed The Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) For Nursing Mothers Act. PUMP makes several important changes to the Break Time for Nursing Mothers Law of 2010. Here’s what school employers need to know. In 2010, The Break Time for Nursing Mothers Law under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) was passed. The Break Time for Nursing Mothers … [Read more...] about The PUMP Act Provides Accommodations to Millions of Working Moms Including Teachers and Registered Nurses
Pennsylvania Judge Finds Funding System Unconstitutional: Signals Sea Change for Public Schools
On February 7, 2023, a Pennsylvania judge declared Pennsylvania’s school funding system unconstitutional. This decision comes after years of attempts to rework the system. What led to this historic ruling and how it will impact your schools? This decision follows a long bout of legislation in the case William Penn SD et al. v. Pa. Dept. of Education et al., Pa. Commonwealth Court, 2018). William … [Read more...] about Pennsylvania Judge Finds Funding System Unconstitutional: Signals Sea Change for Public Schools
SB 84 Means An Impactful Change for School Districts and Their Employees
Pennsylvania Senate Bill No. 84 passed this week, eliminating the law that penalizes public school teachers for wearing religious garb while in the performance of their duties. Below is a look at what led to the amendment and how this change may impact your school. Amendment of the Public School Code Pennsylvania Senate Bill No. 84 amends the Public School Code of 1949 to repeal the provision … [Read more...] about SB 84 Means An Impactful Change for School Districts and Their Employees
Can A School Sue a Charter School for Unpaid Extracurricular Fees?
Last fall, in a matter of first impression, a state court ruled that a school district cannot sue a charter school for unpaid extracurricular fees. A few months later, the Pennsylvania Department of Education weighed in on how these fees are calculated and rejected a school district’s attempt to recoup funds that PDE had redirected. Both of these decisions indicate that school districts are likely … [Read more...] about Can A School Sue a Charter School for Unpaid Extracurricular Fees?
