Webinars: School Law

If you want a healthy school climate, you must listen to students. Has your district thought about how it will welcome student board representatives, now required by law (N.J.S.A. 18A:12-1.3)? Have you determined how they will be selected, what they will do, and when to include them in discussions? Join superintendents and board members from districts who currently support student representatives to the school board to learn how these students can serve a vital role on your school safety team.

What new updates should board members be aware of when it comes to the ethical requirements for board member conduct? Join the NJSBA legal staff for a discussion about recent decisions regarding the School Ethics Act. Topics to be covered may include, but are not limited to, conflicts of interest, private action by board members, social media, and other hot topics under the Act.

New Jersey was one of the first states in the nation to recognize and pass legislation to address the devastating effects of harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) in our classrooms and its impact on student learning. Join NJSBA staff attorneys for a discussion of a school district’s obligations under the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act, including understanding the definition of HIB and reporting and investigation requirements.

Recently, the School Ethics Commission released a new series of advisory opinions that opined on whether a board member’s prospective conduct would violate the School Ethics Act. Join an NJSBA attorney for a discussion about these new advisory opinions as well as recent Commission decisions. Topics to be covered will include, among others, conflicts preventing participation in union and administrator contract negotiations as well as conflicts arising from board members’ employment or volunteer efforts with other entities.

This program will review the essential information in the Public Schools Contracts Law that elected officials need to know. While the school district professional staff handles most of the procurement process, it is important for the elected officials to understand and be familiar with the various procurement methods and requirements that impact their work and actions. Presented by Michele Meade of the NJDCA.

What requirements must board members be aware of when participating in a board meeting? Join an NJSBA attorney to discuss the Open Public Meetings Act, including the essential requirements of the Act and recent legal updates. Issues related to technology and remote participation will be discussed, among other developments.