Let’s Talk - Lozano Smith Podcast

By Lozano Smith

Discussing changes in the law and legal decisions that affect public agencies.... more

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FAQs about Let’s Talk - Lozano Smith Podcast:

How many episodes does Let’s Talk - Lozano Smith Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 99 episodes available.

Let’s Talk - Lozano Smith Podcast episodes:

November 19, 2025Episode 97 Mahmoud v. Taylor: A Practical Discussion on the Supreme Court’s Opt-Out Opinion
In this episode, host Sloan Simmons joins Partners Chelsea Olson-Murphy and Kyle A. Raney for a practical discussion of the holding, impact, and resulting best practices following the Supreme Court’s opinion in Mahmoud v. Taylor regarding the ability of parents to opt their children out of certain curriculum based upon sincerely held religious beliefs.
Show Notes & References
1:50 – Opt-out statutes in other states and how California can prepare for these changes
3:08 – Case background: Mahmoud v. Taylor (2025) 606 U.S. 522 (Client News Brief – July 2025)
9:31 – Wisconsin vs. Yoder (1972) 406 U.S. 205
9:59 – Kennedy v. Bremerton School Dist. (2022) 597 U.S. 507 (Client News Brief – August 2023)
11:11 – What the Supreme Court held in Mahmoud
15:56 – Why the Mahmoud decision matters for Local Educational Agencies (LEAs)
20:20 – Employment Div., Dept. of Human Resources of Oregon v. Smith (1988) 485 U.S. 660
21:56 – Practical considerations
27:42 – Interactions with California law
27:51 – The FAIR Act (Client News Brief – October 2025)
28:38 – Best practices and recommendations for LEAs
36:16 – Template opt-out forms and three prongs of information to gather
41:16 – Takeaways and final thoughts

For more information on the topics discussed in this podcast, please visit our website at: www.lozanosmith.com/podcast
...more
46min
July 30, 2025Episode 96 Signed, Sealed, Liable: The Realities of Opinions of Counsel
In this episode, host Sloan Simmons joins Public Finance Chair Daniel Maruccia and Municipal and Governance Co-Chair Mary Lerner to discuss opinions of counsel and their important role relating to bond issuances and related transactions. Dan and Mary discuss the legal parameters applicable to opinions of counsel as well as practical impacts and challenges that can arise in this area of the law.
Show Notes & References
1:26 – What are Opinions of Counsel
2:26 – Who asks for an Opinion of Counsel and why
10:08 – Information needed prior to signing an Opinion
12:09 – The seriousness of signing Opinions
15:01 – Unqualified v. Qualified Opinions
16:19 – Due diligence analysis
23:48 – Consequences to being wrong
25:39 – Timelines and missing deadlines
32:05 – Best practices

For more information on the topics discussed in this podcast, please visit our website at: www.lozanosmith.com/podcast
...more
39min
June 20, 2025Episode 95 From Resume to Red Flag: District Responsibilities Under AB 2534
When it comes to hiring certificated staff, the process is now more complex and challenging. In this episode, host Aly Bivins connects with Lozano Smith attorneys Dulcinea Grantham and Gail Zurek to unpack the key provisions and implications of Assembly Bill (AB) 2534, focusing on legal obligations for Local Education Agencies related to certificated employees and egregious misconduct. Packed with FAQs, explanations of key obligations, and steps for practical compliance, this episode is essential listening for HR teams, administrators, and anyone involved in the certificated hiring process.
Show Notes & References
1:24 – Assembly Bill (AB) 2534 and impact on certificated employees (Education Code section 44939.5) (Client News Brief 47 – November 2024)
3:02 – Who is affected by AB 2534 (employees and Local Education Agencies (LEAs))
4:59 – The definition of “egregious misconduct”
6:52 – New obligations under AB 2534
7:47 – Obligations for LEAs responding to requests
12:49 – Issues regarding non-responsive LEAs
13:30 – Timelines for responses from LEAs
15:32 – Substitute teachers
16:25 – Steps for a hiring LEA that receives a report of egregious misconduct
18:36 – Disclosing reports to applicants or former employees
20:17 – Caution regarding what information LEAs provide to CTC (California Commission on Teacher Credentialing)
24:44 – What to do about information inadvertently not reported to CTC
23:34 – Common questions LEAs are facing
27:45 – Quick tips for LEAs

For more information on the topics discussed in this podcast, please visit our website at: www.lozanosmith.com/podcast.
...more
32min
May 28, 2025Episode 94 The ESY Puzzle: Putting the Pieces Together for IEP Success
Extended School Year (ESY) services can raise nuanced questions for IEP teams and special education professionals. On this episode of the Lozano Smith Podcast, host Aly R. Bivins talks with Roxana E. Khan and Erin Frazor about how ESY differs from summer school, the legal requirements under the IDEA, and how to make sound, individualized decisions. They round out the conversation by highlighting common pitfalls and offering practical tips to ensure compliance, including the importance of clear documentation.
Show Notes & References
2:10 – ESY (Extended School Year services) vs. Summer School
2:52 – FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) and ESY
3:40 – Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District Re-1, 137 S. Ct. 988 (Client News Brief 12 – March 2017)
5:54 – Common ESY issues and questions
8:18 – How to determine eligibility for ESY
8:45 – Regression/Recoupment Analysis applied in California
10:14 – Three other standards determined by the courts
14:08 – What to provide during ESY
21:21 – When to make ESY determination
25:10 – Determining ESY eligibility for incoming students with less available information
28:01 – Litigation regarding ESY
34:17 – Does ESY only apply during the summer?
37:14 – Does the IDEA speak to Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) in relation to ESY?
38:45 – M.C. by & through S.B. v. Los Angeles Unified School District (C.D. Cal., Aug. 9, 2023) Case No. 2:20-CV-09127-CBM-E, 2023 WL 11066079
40:07 – Continuum of ESY placement options

For more information on the topics discussed in this podcast, please visit our website at: www.lozanosmith.com/podcast.
...more
44min
April 25, 2025Episode 93 Speakers, Singers, and Sashes: Planning for a Successful Graduation Ceremony
Graduation season is fast approaching and now is the time for selecting speakers, auditioning singers and all the other details that go into planning a successful event. On this Lozano Smith podcast, host Sloan Simmons and his guests Partners and Lozano Smith Student Practice Group Leaders, Ruth Mendyk and Kyle Raney, walk through parameters and considerations in preparing for the ceremony itself, including speeches, music, adornments and more. The group also discusses the basics that being included in the ceremony is not a guarantee, but should be considered a privilege for students to participate.
Show Notes & References
1:14 – Participating in graduation: a privilege, not a right (Swany v. San Ramon Valley Unified Sch. Dist. (N.D. Cal. 1989) 720 F.Supp. 764)
4:00 – Best practices for districts to communicate graduation policies and parameters
7:27 – Non-public forums of graduation ceremonies
10:01 – Due process regarding student participation (Castro v. Clovis Unified School District (U.S.D.C. E.D. Cal. 2022) Case No. 1:19-cv-00821-DAD-SKO) (Client News Brief 29 – June 2022)
12:31 – Students on the mic (Lassonde v. Pleasanton Unified School District (2003) 320 F.3d 979)
16:42 – Invocations and religious speech (Cole v. Oroville Union High School District (9th Cir. 2000) 228 F.3d 1092)
19:19 – Prayer at graduation (Kennedy v. Bremerton School District (2022) 142 S.Ct. 2407) (Client News Brief 31 – July 2022)
23:34 – Alternative bases for regulating expression (Corder v. Lewis Palmer School District No. 38 (U.S.D.C. D. Col. 2009) Case No. 08-1293 and Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier (1988) 484 U.S. 260) (Education Code section 48907)
26:55 – Songs and instrumental music (Nurre v. Whitehead (9th Cir. 2009) 580 F.3d 1087)
30:13 – Student fees and free school guarantee – caps and gowns and senior activities
32:02 – Adornment of cap and gown (Education Code section 35183.1)

For more information on the topics discussed in this podcast, please visit our website at: www.lozanosmith.com/podcast.
...more
41min
April 10, 2025Episode 92 Title IX: Past Lessons, Present Shifts, and Future Possibilities
This episode explores the evolving landscape of Title IX through the lens of where we are and where we’re headed. From the impact of the 2020 regulations and the recent vacating of the 2024 regulations, to current executive orders, investigations, and state laws shaping implementation today, our team looks ahead at what future federal guidance may hold. Lozano Smith Title IX gurus Monica Batanero, Sarah Fama, and Emma Sol join host Sloan Simmons for this timely discussion to help school leaders navigate the rapid legal changes.
Show Notes & References
2:14 – The current buzz around Title IX
3:35 – 2024 Title IX Regulations vacated by January 9, 2025 Kentucky court case (Tennessee v. Cardona, 2:24-cv-00072)
5:15 – Ensuring compliance with the 2020 Regulations
7:51 – Other policies impacted by removal of the 2024 Regulations
8:45 – Potential for drafting future Title IX Regulations to have less back and forth change between administrations
12:21 – Executive orders impacting Title IX (See (1) Client News Brief 7; (2) Client News Brief 11; (3) Client News Brief 12)
12:56 – January 20, 2025 Executive Order
13:29 – Podcast Episode 78 At Last! The New Title IX Regulations Are Here – What You Need to Know
16:14 – California Education Code section 221.5 (f)
17:23 – Maine Department of Education letter
22:40 – Roe v. Critchfield (9th Cir. Mar. 20, 2025), Case No. 23-2807, __ F.4th __ (Client News Brief 14 – April 2025)
27:48 – Closing thoughts
29:14 – Lozano Smith’s Federal Policy and Guidance Developments resource page

For more information on the topics discussed in this podcast, please visit our website at: www.lozanosmith.com/podcast.
...more
31min
March 13, 2025Episode 91 School Facilities, Funding and Construction Series – Part 3: Implementation
In the final episode of our three-part podcast series, host Sloan Simmons joins Lozano Smith Facilities and Business Partners Megan Macy and Anne Collins, and special guest Sue Bell, Chief Facilities Officer for the Elk Grove Unified School District, to tackle all things implementation. The experts discuss turning plans into action, from developing teams and agreements to delivery methods and launch.
Show Notes & References
2:14 – How to select a delivery method (Resource: Construction Delivery Methods)
4:53 – Lease-Leaseback method (Listen to: Episode 71 Proper Procurement & Bidding)
8:10 – Ensuring Board policies and resolutions are up to date
8:48 – Timing
10:16 – Project management
11:57 – Recommendations regarding Construction Managers
12:44 – Big picture takeaways

For more information on the topics discussed in this podcast, please visit our website at: www.lozanosmith.com/podcast.
...more
17min
March 04, 2025Episode 90 School Facilities, Funding and Construction Series – Part 2: Planning and Procurement
In Part 2 of this three-part podcast series, host Sloan Simmons is back with Lozano Smith Facilities and Business Partners Megan Macy and Anne Collins, and special guest Sue Bell, Chief Facilities Officer for the Elk Grove Unified School District. The group covers team building, planning with and for consultants, tips and tricks, and how to best utilize your legal team to get your project off the ground.
Stay tuned for Part 3: Implementation, and visit www.lozanosmith.com/podcast to access upcoming episodes upon immediate release.
Show Notes & References
1:55 – Building your team of construction professionals
3:07 – FAQ – Construction Professional Selection
5:42 – Planning for consultants on the team
6:41 – When to involve a CEQA consultant
8:11 – Starting your project (mapping, calendars, etc.)
10:29 – Interplay with Facilities Master Plan work
11:49 – Tips and tricks for procuring consultants
14:21 – The value of site visits
16:20 – Interacting with your legal team
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23min
March 03, 2025Episode 89 Review and Update—Personnel Actions and the March 15th Deadline – Are You Ready?
In this episode, we re-air Podcast 52 from March 2022, in which host Sloan Simmons joins partners and Lozano Smith Labor and Employment Co-Practice Group Leaders Michelle Cannon and Gabriela Flowers to discuss several important school district labor and employment deadlines that all fall on March 15. This brief but information packed episode includes discussion on various types of release from employment as well as layoffs. The presenters also address changes to the classified layoff process that became effective in 2022. Sloan also discusses with Gabby some important updates and developments on these issues as of March 2025.
Show Notes & References
2:29 – Non-reelection of second year probationary certificated employees
3:32 – March 15th deadlines
4:51 – First year probationary employees
4:56 – Education Code section 44929.21
5:41 – Release and reassignment notices for administrators (Ed. Code section 44951)
8:43 – Certificated layoff process
10:12 – Ed. code sections 44955 and 44949
10:37 – Bumping rights
11:23 – Chronology of layoffs
15:55 – Classified layoff process
18:16 – Bumping language and collective bargaining agreements (CBAs)
19:16 – Definition of permanency for classified employee layoffs
20:02 – AB 438 impacts
23:14 – CBAs and classified layoffs
26:20 – *UPDATES* as of March 2025

For more information on the topics discussed in this podcast, please visit our website at: www.lozanosmith.com/podcast.
...more
36min
February 26, 2025Episode 88 School Facilities, Funding and Construction Series – Part 1: The New State Bond
In this three-part podcast series, host Sloan Simmons engages with Lozano Smith Facilities and Business Partners Megan Macy and Anne Collins, as well as special guest Sue Bell, Chief Facilities Officer for the Elk Grove Unified School District, on a thoughtful discussion regarding state funding and post-Proposition 2 spending. This discussion will assist listeners in issue spotting, problem solving, and building a proactive approach to planning and managing your district’s future. Part 1 of the series covers what is different in the new State Bond, and what it means from a practical perspective for school districts.
Stay tuned for Part 2: Planning and Procurement and Part 3: Implementation, and visit www.lozanosmith.com/podcast to access the upcoming episodes upon immediate release.
Show Notes & References
3:05 – Impact of Proposition 2 State Bond and resulting changes
5:26 – Facilities Master Plans and how to use them
8:27 – New supplemental grants and modernization funding
12:17 – Aspects where greater clarity is still needed
15:58 – Interim housing for declared state of emergencies
17:50 – Project labor agreements
18:20 – Practical perspectives
...more
21min

FAQs about Let’s Talk - Lozano Smith Podcast:

How many episodes does Let’s Talk - Lozano Smith Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 99 episodes available.

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