In this episode, Shelli Anderson, Nicki Bazer, Brian Crowley, Dana Fattore Crumley, Jennifer Smith, and Jackie Gharapour Wernz address many issues that have arisen related to the recently released orders, declarations, guidance, statements, and recommendations for K-12 public schools from the Governor and ISBE. As these critical issues are ever-changing, we hope these timely updates are of use to you and your colleagues.

In this episode our panel, including Franczek partners Shelli Anderson, Nicki Bazer, Dana Fattore Crumley, and Jennifer Smith, with host Jackie Gharapour Wernz, will discuss a wide range of issues facing schools in Illinois as they respond to the COVID-19 crisis. Topics include ISBE updates, employment considerations, and special education issues.

Listen to a panel of attorneys from the K-12 Education Law Practice Group at Franczek P.C. for a fast-paced discussion of the most pressing questions facing Illinois schools as they respond to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The panel includes Shelli Anderson, Nicki Bazer, and Jennifer Smith and will be moderated by Jackie Gharapour Wernz.

Examples of issues discussed will include:

• Employment issues such as paying staff and working with unions during Act of God days, handling existing leaves and the potential impact of the pending Families First Coronavirus Response Act and what happens after March 30
• Special education issues such as how to count days for special education timelines and what the provision of FAPE looks like during the mandatory school closure
• Open Meetings Act questions such as what, if any, meetings can or should be held in person after the Governor’s recent Executive Order loosening in-person meeting requirements for board members, and
• Key confidentiality issues facing schools when communicating about COVID confirmations.

In this episode, Kendra Yoch, Dana Fattore Crumley, and Shelli Anderson discuss FAQs schools are facing regarding coronavirus disease 2019. 

In this episode, Brianne Dunn and Melissa Sobota discuss Illinois legislation weakening the Supreme Court's Janus decision.

In this episode, Jackie Wernz and Kendra Yoch discuss the U.S. Department of Education's "new, proactive” civil rights compliance center within its Office for Civil Rights. 

• The Trump administration’s executive order on anti-Semitism in schools, colleges, and universities
• Recent guidance on prayer in K-12 schools
• Proposed rules addressing faith-based institutions and treatment of religious student groups in colleges and universities
• The pending U.S. Supreme Court case addressing federal aid to religious schools
• And more!  

In this episode, Jackie Wernz presents on the latest trends and key issues for school administrators to keep in mind to best maintain the privacy of student data and records.

In this episode, Amy Dickerson and Jennifer Smith address legal considerations for navigating student mental health issues. 

In this episode, we cover legal basics that all school board members should know. Whether you are a new school board member or a veteran board president, this episode will include helpful information for you. Join us for this practical discussion led by Franczek partners Nicki Bazer and Amy Dickerson.