EdCounsel Insights

Missouri school districts have been hit with numerous online threats lately.  In this episode, Duane talks through the primary legal issues in disciplining online threats including gathering evidence, addressing off campus misconduct, and navigating free speech concerns.

In this episode, Emily and Duane discuss the ins and outs of student residency requirements including statutory exceptions to the residency requirements, residency waivers, guardianship, powers of attorney, and other related topics.

With increasing frequency, teachers are requesting release from their contracts with school districts with short notice, during the summer, or at the beginning of the school year.  This development creates significant challenges for schools as they attempt to manage teacher shortages.  In this episode, Duane discusses the legal landscape surrounding teachers “breaking their contracts” and the remedies available to schools in dealing with this situation. 

As we lean into the new school year, Duane hosts a roundtable discussion with Emily, Drew, and Tom regarding key issues for school leaders this fall.

In honor of our dear friend and colleague, Roger Schmitz, we wanted to publish an encore of Roger's episode of the podcast. Sadly, Roger passed away on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and service to the public schools of Missouri.

This episode originally aired on May 20, 2022.

In this episode, we continue the "Leaders and the Law" series with school leader and public education advocate, Roger Schmitz. Duane discusses with Roger his thoughts and reflections on public school challenges, leadership, and advocacy. 

Some former and current legislators argue that school districts should pass policies requiring sex segregated school restrooms.   The Missouri Human Rights Act prohibits segregation in public accommodations, including restrooms, on the basis of sex.  This prohibition is broad enough to allow for claims that males cannot be excluded from female restrooms and vice versa.   As long as this language is on the books, and as long as the law is otherwise unsettled as to whether schools can have sex segregated restrooms, districts should avoid adopting policies that may lead to increased legal risks. 

In this episode, Duane and Emily talk through the legal parameters and mechanics of board reorganization meetings. 

In this episode, Duane talks through some of the quirky procedural issues and common misperceptions associated with conducting closed sessions of the Board of Education. 

With Board reorganizations coming up next month, it is time to think about who should be your Board president.  In this episode, Duane discusses the role of the Board President and general areas of responsibilities—all things to consider as you elect your new President. 

In this episode, Duane discusses the non-renewal of contracts for probationary teachers and principals, including common missteps and pitfalls.