KingSpry is pleased to announce the 2026-2027 calendar of education “Lunch and Learn” events.
“Staying current on procedures and case law isn’t just about compliance – it’s about working side by side with administrators and school boards to proactively solve problems together and support the best outcomes for students, staff and the school community,” notes Education Law Practice Group Chair Kristine Roddick.
September 16, 2026 | Right To Know Basics and Case Law Update. This session will provide an overview of Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law, including key requirements for responding to records requests, applicable exemptions, and recent case law developments affecting school districts. Attendees will gain practical guidance on managing requests efficiently, avoiding common pitfalls, and understanding how recent appellate decisions may impact district practices. Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_T5uUNlQbRMmuuFIAEIJw_Q
October 7, 2026 | Employee Speech, Social Media and Political Activity. The intersection of employee speech and professional responsibility continues to raise complex legal questions. This presentation will examine when staff speech—on or off campus, including on social media—is protected, and when it may be subject to discipline. Topics will include political activity, election‑related conduct, and public commentary that impacts the school environment. Attendees will gain clarity on developing policies and responding consistently when issues arise. Key issues to cover: On‑campus vs. off‑campus speech; Social media use and discipline; Political advocacy and election‑related activity; Union and whistleblower considerations. Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OaIieTSzTpSSExVnbgTssg
November 19, 2026 | Title IX in Flux. Following significant regulatory and enforcement changes, schools are once again operating under the 2020 Title IX framework. This session will provide a clear overview of current Title IX obligations, including grievance procedures, investigation standards, and due process requirements. We will discuss how recent court decisions and federal enforcement priorities impact day‑to‑day compliance, and explore how schools can reconcile federal requirements with applicable state nondiscrimination laws. Common pitfalls and recommended best practices will be addressed. Key issues to cover: Scope of Title IX obligations post‑2025 court rulings; Gender identity issues under federal vs. state law; Athletics, sexual misconduct investigations, and due process; OCR enforcement trends under the current administration. Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_x1Fa9HrzTZOCQHV1OEbMqg
December 8, 2026 | Cyber Charter Requirements. This session will provide an overview of Pennsylvania’s cyber charter school requirements, including enrollment, curriculum, and accountability standards applicable to all cyber charters. We will compare how these requirements differ between brick-and-mortar schools and virtual learning environments, with practical guidance for understanding district responsibilities and student enrollment procedures. https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ld4XsB6-Q3q55e69xoS3yQ
January 13, 2027 | Sunshine Law and Ethics for School Boards. School boards are operating in an era of heightened public scrutiny and community tension. This session will focus on legal and procedural best practices for conducting board business during contentious meetings. Topics will include Sunshine Law compliance, managing disruptive public participation, defining roles and authority, and mitigating legal risk in highly charged situations. The presentation will offer practical strategies for maintaining effective governance while protecting the board and district. Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YiguGxw1RWeEpdceX-nZLA
February 23, 2027 | Cyber Charter Truancy and Attendance. This session will address the unique truancy and attendance challenges schools face when students are enrolled in cyber charter programs, including monitoring obligations, compulsory attendance enforcement, and coordination between districts and cyber charters. We will review Pennsylvania’s truancy laws, discuss best practices for tracking virtual attendance, and explore strategies for addressing chronic absenteeism in online learning environments. Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PskwaGCmS–tmKXFB-gJWw
March 16, 2027 | Special Education Dispute Resolution. Building on foundational IEP knowledge, OCR statistics and financial implications, this session will delve into higher‑risk special education issues frequently leading to litigation. Topics will include compensatory education claims, manifestation determinations, independent educational evaluations, and discipline of students with disabilities. We will also address transition planning and post‑secondary considerations. This presentation is designed to help administrators identify red flags early and avoid costly disputes. Key issues to cover: Compensatory education claims; Behavioral manifestations and discipline; Independent educational evaluations (IEEs); Transition planning and post‑secondary readiness. Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NTQjQV5BQe25-IJiKn_SiA
April 14, 2027 | School Discipline, Equity and Bias. Discipline decisions continue to be closely scrutinized for fairness, consistency, and compliance with civil rights laws. This session will explore legal standards governing suspensions, expulsions, and alternative placements, with an emphasis on avoiding claims of disparate impact or procedural deficiencies. Topics will include documentation practices, trauma‑informed approaches, and balancing safety with student rights. Attendees will gain tools for making defensible disciplinary decisions in challenging situations. Key issues to cover: Disparate impact and civil rights exposure; Due process in suspensions and expulsions; Trauma‑informed and restorative practices; Documentation and defensible decision‑making. Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3xa4TmZ3TpuopR21SOj-fA
May 4, 2027 | Cybersecurity, Data Breaches and Incident Response for Schools. Cyber incidents pose both operational disruption and legal risk for school entities. This session will address the legal requirements associated with cybersecurity preparedness, breach notification, and incident response, including Pennsylvania‑specific mandates. Participants will learn how to prepare for ransomware attacks, phishing incidents, and data breaches, as well as best practices for board oversight, insurance considerations, and coordination with law enforcement. The program will focus on proactive steps schools can take before an incident occurs. Key issues to cover: State laws such as Pennsylvania’s Act 3 of 2023; Required reporting timelines and coordination with law enforcement; Ransomware, phishing, and insurance considerations; Board oversight and policy development. Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CYFj449-SvCFr3xMtvlbnA
June 1, 2027 | Parental Rights, Legal Boundaries and School Obligations. Growing parental rights legislation has created new compliance challenges for school districts. This session will review statutes and policies addressing access to records, notice requirements, and curriculum transparency. We will explore how schools can respond to parental demands while respecting student rights, professional judgment, and existing legal obligations. Practical guidance will be provided for handling conflicts between families and school personnel. Key issues to cover: Access to records and instructional materials; notice requirements, conflicts between parental demands and student rights, and emerging litigation. Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Uu29_Wz0SLKwwx5fG85QeA
PLEASE NOTE: Lunch and Learns are held virtually via Zoom from 12n-1:30pm. These workshops are free of charge for Pennsylvania school leaders and school board members, however, registration is required.
If you have any questions about our 2026-2027 “Lunch and Learn” webinar series, please contact Marketing Director Kathy Riess at 610-332-0390 ext 257. If you wish to arrange an inservice training at your district, please contact Education Chair Kristine Roddick at 610-332-0390 ext 291.
