Education
Whether you are forming a new school or running an existing public or private institution, you are likely aware of the stringent education laws in our country.
We’re committed to helping you confidently navigate the complex regulations and other legal aspects relevant to your school.
We can support you with issues related to public finance, labor and employment, special education, taxation, real estate, litigation, intellectual property, and environmental and regulatory law.
Our areas of focus include:
- Federal and state employment laws – Fair Labor Standards Act, Family Medical Leave Act, Title VII, Title IX, Americans With Disabilities Act, OSHA, workers’ compensation, reductions-in force, health benefits, pensions/retirement plans, tax sheltered annuities, evaluations, employment contracts.
- Financing – counseling and supervision of proceedings for debt and lease-based financing of capital improvements and for cash-flow financings including state law, federal tax, and securities law analysis and assistance.
- Labor relations and collective bargaining – employee grievances, arbitration, unfair labor practice claims, union negotiations, fact-findings, and impasse/strike preparations.
- Acquisition and disposition of property – office equipment, energy conservation measures, and the leasing, purchase, and sale of property.
- Special education law – counseling on compliance with Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, attendance at Individualized Education Program meetings, mediations, and due process hearings, staff training, legislative involvement, and court appeals.
- Student rights and responsibilities – custody, residency, transportation, discipline, student records/privacy, first amendment issues, and tuition.
Charter School Law
We are well versed in every facet of charter school law from planning to ongoing operation. We work with charter schools to develop customized strategies to match their current and future needs.
We’re experienced in the areas of drafting charter school petitions and supporting documentation to meet the high standards of local school districts, county boards of education, and state boards of education. We’ll ensure that your charter school has all the information and documentation it needs to act in accordance with necessary laws and regulations.
Areas of focus:
- Employment Law
- Collective Bargaining and Labor Relations
- Charter Petition Drafting
- Non-Profit Corporation Law
- Business Service Agreements
- Memoranda of Understanding
- Legal Opinions
- Charter Renewals
- Audit Defense
- Litigation and Appellate Work
- Representation before Agencies and Courts
- Board Governance
- Special Education
- Student Suspension and Expulsion
- Facilities Development
- School Policy Development
- In-Service Training and Workshops
- Charter Revocation Defense
- Compliance Audits
Special Education Law
Perhaps even more difficult than staying in compliance with public, private and charter school laws is staying in compliance with special education laws. It is a daunting task and we are with our clients every step of the way to make sure they remain in compliance with the Individuals With Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Areas of focus:
- Conduct Internal Special Education Program Audits
- Development and Implementation of Special Education Programs
- Federal Special Education Audits
- Denial of Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) Litigation
- Public and Private School Formation
- Compliance with Federal, State and Local Regulations
- Funding, Finance and Growth Planning
