Covid-19 lawsuits: a school district worry and Michael Drake, UC’s new president

Among the reopening anxieties keeping school superintendents up at night is the fear of being sued if a student or teacher comes down with the coronavirus. Would compliance with county directives offer protection? What constitutes a good-faith effort? Can the Legislature limit exposure to lawsuits?

This week, we’ll explore those and other questions with Barbara Nemko, Napa County superintendent of schools, and Sarah Sutherland, a San Diego attorney who specializes in school litigation.

We’ll also discuss the naming of Michael Drake, former president of Ohio State University, to succeed Janet Napolitano as the new president of the University of California. He’ll take over at a time of turbulence and tensions from a pandemic, potential budget cuts and student activism over racial discrimination. EdSource higher education reporters Michael Burke and Larry Gordon share their insights.

For background to this podcast, check out the following from EdSource:

California school superintendents navigate safety concerns, conflicting guidance as they plan to reopen schools

Schools should not open until safety is assured, California Teachers Association tells state

Small California school districts face overwhelming challenges to reopen schools

Michael Drake, former UC Irvine chancellor, named University of California president

Students at California’s top-tier universities don’t reflect state’s racial and ethnic diversity, says Urban Institute study

UC San Diego uncertain if robust testing plan will be enough to welcome students back to campus