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. Our panelists will discuss new policies, guidance and legislative changes, and 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.
Sunshine Law: challenges and trends
Emily Spivack, Esq., Gingo & Bair Law, LLC; Sandy McIntosh, Esq., Scott Scriven LLP, and Chris Williams, Esq., Pepple & Waggoner, Ltd.

There’s been a notable uptick in litigation against school boards over alleged Sunshine Law violations in the past few years. 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 Feitl, Roetzel & Andress

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. This session will discuss strategies for fostering constructive relationships with law enforcement authorities in the context of maintaining a safe and secure school environment, responding to incidents that occur on school grounds, and addressing student disciplinary actions, Title IX complaints, and criminal charges.


1:15 p.m.
Break
1:30 p.m.
Department of Education and Workforce Update
Jessica Voltolini, Chief of Staff and Tony Palmer, Chief Legal Counsel, Department of Education & Workforce

Join leaders from the state Department of Education and Workforce as they review the DEW regulations, guidance and policies that directly impacted educators, administrators and districts this year. Review the most frequently asked legal questions that DEW is receiving from districts across the state.

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. Join us as we explore the challenges involved 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