The Virginia Board of Education's "Student Conduct Policy Guidelines" were first developed in 1994 in response to action by the 1993 General Assembly requiring the Virginia Board of Education to establish such guidelines. In 2004, the "Guidelines" underwent a major revision in response to requirements of § 22.1-279.6. of the…

Two new American Bar Association rules can help school executives determine whether to use the board's attorney or hire their own private attorney. Various situations are cited to show the advisability of choosing one over the other. (KS)

Eighteen suggestions for reducing or even preventing grievance arbitration costs are detailed under negotiating the contract, administering the contract, and preparing for arbitration categories. (KS)

This newsletter defines common law negligence, discusses recent trends in common law negligence, cites litigation, and establishes guidelines to assist school administrators in the avoidance of such tort action. The success or failure of a negligence suit most commonly turns on one of three factors: duty, breach of that duty, and proximate cause…

Offers administrative directives, including visitor identification and student release policies and a specific release procedure, for preventing and dealing with problems related to child snatching by spouses or former spouses. (KS)

Solutions to concern over computer software copyright infringement include seeking a licensing agreement with the software publisher or negotiating with a supplier for discounts on multiple copies of a program. The best sourcebook for guidance is "Software Quality and Copyright: Issues in Computer-Assisted Instruction," by Virginia Helm. (DCS)

Discusses the debate over proper balance between a school board's authority to prescribe a uniform curriculum and parent's First Amendment right to free exercise of religion, citing a recent Tennessee case which determined that uniform use of objectionable texts is not crucial for a sound education. (WTH)

Law review and journal articles on sexual harassment in higher education are presented along with policies and procedures from selected universities and organizations, guidance on drafting policies, and a selected bibliography. The following law review and journal articles are presented: "Recent Legal Developments in Sexual Harassment"…

This description of the development of a discipline policy at the Downers Grove (Illinois) Public Library recounts discipline problems, the process of creating the policy, and its effects. The text of the rules of behavior and a sample page from the procedures manual, which provides practical guidelines for enforcement, are included. (MES)

Teacher malpractice, defined as instructional incompetency, or failure to exercise reasonable guidance, counseling, and instructional supervision, is a critical problem. This article reviews recent court decisions favoring school districts. Principals, as instructional leaders, are cautioned about incompetent teachers and inappropriate testing,…

This document is a discussion of civil and canon law as they apply to directors of religious education and youth ministers working in the Catholic Church. Courts no longer exercise judicial restraint with regard to matters of religion as they did before 1960; nor does the doctrine of charitable immunity still protect churches and other charitable…

Lawyers are needed by schools for many more purposes than merely to execute legal documents. This set of notes for a conference presentation considers lawyers' roles in advising on the legal issues involved in the following: (1) business transactions typically encountered by schools (state contract review, state lease, pool lease, nonprofit…

To halt "white flight" to the suburbs occurring since a 1969-70 court decision imposed cross-town busing, neighborhood schools should be reinstated. The board's decision was challenged by the United States District Court, upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals (Fourth Circuit), and may become a Supreme Court case. (MLH)

A compilation, analysis and interpretation are provided of the court cases, involving crime or criminal-like behavior on college campuses, that have reached the appellate courts. The book is designed for the non-lawyer administrator. In addition, suggestions for successful administrative strategies are offered, together with checklists for…

Explores the common law-bill of rights debate in Australia and the probable impacts of extending constitutional and statutory rights to the educational system. Closely examined are compulsory education, the courts' role, children's rights, and the law and education interface, with reference to equality and quality issues in the United States.…