OCSBA School Attorney Hybrid Workshop
June 7th 2024 8:30 AM- 4:00 PM

Gain invaluable insights into legal matters impacting public schools with our comprehensive workshop for school attorneys. Whether you prefer in-person or virtual attendance, our program provides timely and relevant resources for navigating the complexities of education law.

Please note, attendance is exclusive to members of the Ohio Council of School Board Attorneys (OCSBA). For inquiries about OCSBA membership, contact Lenore Winfrey at lwinfrey@ohioschoolboards.org.

To attend this workshop in-person, please register by Tuesday June 4th, 2024. Online registration closes on Thursday June 6th, 2024.

The Supreme Court of Ohio Commission on Continuing Legal Education has approved this program for 5.25 hours of continuing legal education (CLE) credit.

Sessions

Date Title Location
6/7/24 [In-Person] OCSBA School Attorney Workshop 8050 North High St Columbus, OH 43235
6/7/24 [Virtual] OCSBA School Attorney Workshop Webinar

Friday June 7, 2024

8:30 a.m.
Registration
9 a.m.
Navigating gender identity issues in schools
Erin Wessendorf Wortman Esq., and Giselle Spencer, Esq., Ennis Britton Co., L.P.A.

Explore the rights of students to express their gender identity authentically, the role of parents and caregivers in shaping school practices and the rights of staff members in supporting diverse student populations. Learn about new policies, recent guidance and legislative changes, as well as strategies for navigating gender identity issues in K-12 schools under the current legal and political landscape.


10:15 a.m.
Break
10:30 a.m.
The Sunshine Law: Challenges and trends
Emily Spivack, Esq., Gingo & Bair Law LLC; Sandra R. McIntosh, Esq., Scott Scriven LLP; and Christian M. Williams, Esq., Pepple & Waggoner Ltd.

There’s been a notable uptick in litigation against school boards over alleged Sunshine Law violations. Review the most frequent challenges and their resolutions and discuss proactive strategies to safeguard districts from legal troubles in the future.


11:30 a.m.
Lunch
12:15 p.m.
Fostering constructive relationships with law enforcement authorities
Diana M. Feitl, Esq., Roetzel & Andress LPA

Schools interact with law enforcement authorities, including prosecutors and law enforcement agencies, in various capacities to ensure safety, address legal matters and uphold the law within the educational environment. Discuss strategies for fostering constructive relationships with law enforcement authorities to maintain a safe and secure school environment, respond to incidents that occur on school grounds and address student disciplinary actions, Title IX complaints and criminal charges.


1:15 p.m.
Break
1:30 p.m.
hio Department of Education and Workforce Update
Jessica Voltolini, chief of staff, and and Tony Palmer, chief legal counsel, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce

Leaders from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) review regulations, guidance and policies that directly impacted educators, administrators and districts this year. Get answers to the most frequently asked legal questions they are receiving from districts.

2:30 p.m.
Break
2:45 p.m.
Ballots and blackboards: Addressing election issues in K-12 schools
Jack Hemenway, Esq., Frost Brown Todd LLP

Explore the intersection of politics and education as we approach the upcoming election. Examine the challenges in regulating social media posts and classroom speech related to the election; the ability of board members and employees to participate in levy campaigns and other political advocacy efforts; and strategies for addressing controversies that may arise from election-related discussions or activities in K-12 schools.


3:45 p.m.
OCSBA Business Meeting
4 p.m.
Adjournment