This virtual workshop provides timely resources for school attorneys navigating the complexities of education law. Attendees will gain essential insights into emerging legal trends and policy initiatives that are reshaping school decision-making and will walk away with a comprehensive understanding of what's happening now and what’s on the horizon in education law—locally and nationally.

This program will be submitted to the Supreme Court of Ohio Commission on Continuing Legal Education (CLE) for 5.5 CLE credits.

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.

.

Friday June 6, 2025

8:40 a.m.
Workshop Zoom Room Opens
9 a.m.
Parental rights litigation trends
Jessica Philemond, attorney, Scott Scriven LLP

Across the nation, lawsuits have thrust the rights, responsibilities and decision-making authority of parents and schools into the legal spotlight. Examine recent cases from across the country and unravel the intricacies of the disputes and their resolutions.

10 a.m.
Break
10:15 a.m.
Three things you should know: Essential insights for general education attorneys
Melissa Bondy, partner, Bricker Graydon LLP; Brad Ortman, attorney, Nicola Gudbranson & Cooper, LLC; and Mike Sharb, partner, Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP

Stay ahead of the curve with this dynamic session. We break down three key insights every general education attorney should know about specialized areas of school law. Whether it’s special education, immigration, school finance or another niche, our speakers will equip you with crucial knowledge to help you spot issues and advise clients.

11:30 a.m.
Lunch Break
12:15 p.m.
The first six months: how federal policy initiatives are affecting schools
Sonja Trainor, executive director, National School Attorneys Association; and Sasha Pudelski, director of advocacy, AASA, The Schools Superintendents Association

National speakers will explore how recent changes in federal policy are affecting schools now and which will likely impact schools in the near future. Gain insights to help you advise and empower your clients as they work to comply with law while constructing student-focused policies.

1:30 p.m.
Break
1:45 p.m.
Ohio Department of Education and Workforce update
Jessica Voltolini, chief of staff, ODEW

Review the latest policy shifts and legal updates from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW). Explore recent changes in the administrative code, new ODEW guidance and policies, and emerging legal considerations.

2:45 p.m.
Break
3 p.m.
The kitchen sink: legal and legislative updates you might have missed
Malania Birney, legislative consultant; Sara C. Clark, chief legal counsel; Jennifer A. Hardin, senior deputy director of legal services; and John Price, staff attorney, OSBA

With so much happening in education law and policy, it’s easy to miss important updates. Join OSBA attorneys and lobbyists for a rundown of key legislative and litigation developments that may not have made headlines but are impacting school districts in Ohio.

4 p.m.
OCSBA Business Meeting
4:15 p.m.
Adjournment