Since 1977, OSBA’s Legal Assistance Fund (LAF) has provided supportive assistance to boards of education in cases or controversies of statewide significance. Qualifying districts may request and receive:
- financial assistance to pay for a portion of litigation expenses
- an amicus curiae brief to be filed on behalf of the district
- legal research or consultation to assist the district’s attorney
In 2015, LAF provided support in several cases that involved matters of statewide significance. For the first time in many years, OSBA’s legal advocacy efforts found their way to the U.S. Supreme Court, where LAF filed amicus briefs in two separate cases. Our briefs and other forms of assistance are making a difference and are contributing toward favorable judicial decisions that can have a very positive impact on your district and its students.
We hope that your district will consider joining LAF. Through your support, we can continue to focus on legal issues that impact all Ohio school districts. To join, please place consideration of joining LAF on your next board meeting agenda. Invoices were mailed to district treasurers this week, so please encourage your treasurer to remit payment after board approval.
For more information about LAF, please visit our website. If you have any questions or there is anything we can do to provide assistance, please call Lenore Winfrey, senior administrative associate of legal services at (614) 540-4000 or (855) OSBA-LAW.