Child Law, Policy, and the School Superintendent

This handbook has been designed to be utilized by administrators currently in the field, those new and seasoned administrators who may be beginning their first year as a chief school administrator, and beyond. Each chapter provides the reader with insight into an integral process pertinent to a topic paramount to the success of any leader.

This handbook has been designed to be utilized by administrators currently in the field, those new and seasoned administrators who may be beginning their first year as a chief school administrator, and beyond. Each chapter provides the reader with insight into an integral process pertinent to a topic paramount to the success of any leader.

ForewordPrefaceAcknowledgementsChapter 1: The Chief School AdministratorWhat is a Superintendent/Chief School Administrator?Take a Deep BreathI.N.S.I.S.T. ProtocolPerception, Law, and the Student: "Are the buildings safe?"New to the DistrictThe CabinetCertificationWriting a Job DescriptionBeing Politically Savvy (not Political)Working with your BoardUtilizing Your Board AttorneyThe Legal OpinionUtilizing Your Association AttorneyLiability InsuranceEstablishing the "Chain of Command"Know the Code of EthicsUpdate Trustees with Legal and Personnel MattersDiffuse a Board Meeting Issue Before it's PublicSummary and Future ConsiderationsChapter 2: Education Law and PolicyBoard PolicyAffirmative ActionHarassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB)Title ISection 504Compulsory Attendance, Truancy, and HomeschoolingTruancyHomeschoolingOpting Out of Federal AssessmentsCourt Related Case Summary: HIB (Hector F. v. El Centro Elementary School District)Court Related Case Summary: Compulsory Education (Jonathan L. v. SuperiorCourt of Los Angeles)Summary and Future ConsiderationsChapter 3: Child Welfare and PolicyConfidentiality and the Rights of a MinorHIPAAFERPASupreme Court Related Case Summary: FERPA (Owasso Independent School District No. I-011, aka Owasso Public Schools, et al. v. Falvo, parent and next friend of her minor children, Pletan, et al.FERPA QuizSummary and Future ConsiderationsChapter 4: Juvenile Justice Law and PolicyCriminalizing School Behavior: School to Prison PipelineStudent Threats and Preventative DisciplineThreats to TeachersWeapons in School: Zero ToleranceStudents and DrugsSchool Safety TeamsStudent WalkoutsCourt Related Case Summary: First Amendment (Cuff v. Valley Central School District)Summary and Future ConsiderationsChapter 5: Family Law and PolicyIn Loco Parentis vs. Parens PatriaeDivision of Youth and Family Services (Child and Protective Services)Divorce and CustodyMcKinney-Vento Act (Homeless Children/Families)Summary and Future ConsiderationsChapter 6: Mental Health Law and ChildrenSummary and Future ConsiderationsChapter 7: Children's Health Law and PolicyLife-threatening Food AllergiesImmunizationsCourt Related Case Summary: Immunizations (United States Court of Appeals, Second Circuit)Summary and Future ConsiderationsChapter 8: Resources for Child AssistanceTragedyMental Health OrganizationsSummary and Future ConsiderationsChapter 9: Writing Correspondence and Future Legal ConsiderationsBe DirectBe TimelyWrite to Your AudienceBe ReassuringLocal Authorities, Bodies, and OrganizationsProvide Resources (Websites)Provide Legal Research/PoliciesLanguagesSpelling/Grammar CheckAttorney ReviewChapter 10: "I'm Not Responsible, but I am to Blame"Crisis PansTest BreachesMandatory Professional DevelopmentReporting AbuseNCAA ClearinghouseCashLate Reporting (grants, etc.)Board Policy"Hey, how long has that mound of soil been there?"Lead, and Asbestos, and Mold, Oh My!Audits and Corrective ActionsProtecting Students and Hiring EmployeesChapter 11: How to Pass a Referendum for Construction ProjectsPolitical AtmosphereHiring a ConsultantParent MeetingsQ & A with Legal Counsel, Bond Counsel, and ArchitectsLiteratureFollow Board Policies on ElectioneeringMeet with Special Interest GroupsWebsiteEmail for Questions and AnswersMultiple LanguagesHost Building ToursEndnotesAbout the AuthorIndex