School Law Update

2016 School Law Update
September 21, 2016
Holiday Inn - Kearney, NE
Pre-registration is now closed. Please visit the on-site registration desk for registration information. 

Agenda
7:45 - New and First Time NE Superintendent Breakfast

8:30 - Registration

9:00 - Technology Update
Jim Gessford, Josh Schauer & Just Knight - Perry Law Firm
Court decisions on searches of student cell phones continue to change.  Newer technologies such as monitoring software, surveillance equipment and drones present issues for schools. This session will help school officials stay on top of technology related issues and legal developments.

9:45 - The Best School Law Cases from the Past Year and The Ones to Follow for 2016-2017
KSB School Law
It's been another active year for school law cases, and it looks like there will be some landmark decisions coming down in 16-17, as well.  This presentation will be a fast-paced look at the legal, political, and practical impact of these cases on public schools.  Be prepared to laugh, cry, and watch the attorneys from KSB make fun of each other. 

10:30 - Break

10:45 - Are you up to speed on ESSA and other new federal rules?
Greg Perry - Perry Law Firm
ESSA was billed as a “big step to local control.”  In this session, you will learn about the basic components of ESSA and current developments on the status and substance of the proposed regulations and other new federal updates, as well as considerations for necessary policy updates and revisions.

11:30 - Bibles, Boy Scouts, and First Amendment Cases You’ll Get Wrong This Year
KSB School Law
Cheerleader banners, Bibles, Christmas Programs, and Boy Scouts: What are "Things I didn't think would lead to major lawsuits," Alex!?  Schools are FULL of First Amendment issues and pitfalls.  While they probably weren't at the top of your list when you became an administrator or ran for the board, they're some of the most important and complicated legal issues you'll consider.  In many communities, First Amendment issues can become very politically unpopular.  We'll cover the most common (and repeated) pitfalls in public schools, the obligations of boards and administrators in setting policy, and the new issues created by all these newfangled apps you wish you could ignore.

12:15 - Lunch
*New Superintendents and their mentors will lunch with the School Attorneys 

1:15 - Non-optional Option Enrollment: Let's Get It Right
KSB School Law
With all this talk about charter schools, many districts are wondering how "school choice" might affect them.  One key component in the discussion is the role Nebraska's option enrollment laws already play in allowing many choices for families.  There are only a few statutes governing option enrollment, but implementing them in light of all of the unique needs of schools and students is challenging.  We'll review the obligations and decisions all boards and administrators must make, and we'll discuss the most recent legal challenges to districts' option enrollment decisions.  By the end of the presentation, you'll understand your district's options for complying with Nebraska's "school choice" laws already in existence.

2:00 - Break

2:15 - Transgender Students: Dealing with the issues presented by transgender students at the school level while the courts attempt to define public policy
Rex Schultze - Perry Law Firm
In this session Rex will update you on the fluid status of the current plethora of litigation regarding the rights of transgender students in our public schools, and then, more importantly, will discuss approaches and protocols schools can take in providing every student a safe and non-discriminatory learning environment. 

Lodging Information
Holiday Inn - Kearney
(308) 237-5971
Rate: $99.95 + tax
**Book by August 23, 2016

Any cancellation request must be received no later than Monday, September 19, 2016

*A 48 hour (2 business day) cancellation policy is in place for all events. To avoid being charged the full registration fee, please submit any requests to cancel your registration before the cancellation deadline. Please contact Michelle, michelle@ncsa.org, with all cancellation requests and inquiries. Please note: your registration fee will be refunded or waived ONLY if an event is cancelled due to inclement weather. Otherwise, the 48 hour (2 business day) cancellation policy remains in effect for all events.