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NOTE: This information is designed merely to inform and alert you of recent legal developments. This blog is not a substitute for competent legal counsel and readers should not act upon this information without legal advice. If legal advice is needed with respect to a specific factual situation, readers are encouraged to seek professional assistance.
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EEOC issues final regulations about Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
On April 15, 2024, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued its final regulations
Confidentiality of executive session discussions
Under Ohio’s Open Meetings Act, boards and other public bodies are permitted to enter executive session to discuss specific topics spelled out in the law. In essence, executive session is a built-in exception to the general requirement that public bodies conduct their deliberations in public. This provision recognizes that the nature of certain topics makes privacy and discretion in deliberations paramount.
Question of the Month: How much access do board members have to student and employee records?
Access to student records
When are committees and subcommittees subject to the Open Meetings Act? - Sidebar
In today’s Legal Ledger Sidebar, Sara Clark and John Price discuss committees and subcommittees, which is a topic that comes up frequently for our members. Specifically, they discuss when committees are required to comply with the Open Meetings Act and what that means.
Bus driver flex career path model created by DEW
The last budget bill, House Bill 33, made significant changes to public education in Ohio. Over the last few months, OSBA’s legal division has been sharing information and resources developed by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) to implement those changes.
Participating in political activities
As we approach the March 19 primary election, we’ve started receiving more calls on the legal hotline about the ability of board members and district employees to engage in political activities.
Voting at school board meetings – Sidebar
In the most recent OSBA Legal Ledger Sidebar, Sara Clark and Jennifer Hardin discuss voting at school board meetings, including quorum, specific requirements for votes, method of voting and executive sessions.
Office for Civil Rights guidance document
Earlier this week, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S. Department of Education issued new guidance documents on Section 504 (Sec. 504) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Sec. 504 prohibits discrimination against students with disabilities by public schools and other institutions receiving federal funds. The four new guidance documents provide assistance to school districts on Sec. 504 rights of students with specific conditions.
Board members serving in other roles
Recently, we’ve received several calls on the OSBA legal hotline about the ability of a board member to serve in different capacities within the community. Being an effective board member requires a combination of skills and traits, and a commitment to the welfare of the educational community.