The LEGAL ONE Podcast

This episode was provided in Partnership with Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management.Human Resources is a big term that encompasses everything school districts do in their interactions with current, prospective and even former employees. Having consistent, effective and legally compliant protocols to address all aspects of human resources is critical for all school districts. This episode will review some of the common legal issues that arise when HR protocols break down, provide tips for sound protocols related to recruitment hiring, onboarding, ongoing staff support, staff accountability, and addressing reference checks for former employees, and offer strategies for assessing your school district's strengths and weaknesses and putting in place a process for continuous review and improvement.Host - David Nash, Esq., Director of Legal Education and National Outreach, FEA Guests - Rebecca Gold, Experienced School Leader, Human Resources Professional and LEGAL ONE Consultant; Tana Smith, Assistant Superintendent, Hopewell Valley Regional School District

This episode was provided in Partnership with Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management.What happens when staff members are directly observed by their supervisor, whether that be in the classroom, in the main office or other work settings, is a core aspect of a staff member's evaluation. But it is not the full picture! This episode will review the many aspects of staff evaluation and accountability that go well beyond what is directly observed during a formal observation, including communications with parents, interactions with colleagues, and conduct outside of school and on social media. Listeners will be provided tips for clearly conveying the many aspects of staff performance beyond direct observation, and for consistently holding staff accountable through a sound system of progressive supervision.Host - David Nash, Esq., Director of Legal Education and National Outreach, FEAGuests - Rebecca Gold, Experienced School Leader, Human Resources Professional and LEGAL ONE Consultant; Dr. Charles Ford, Superintendent, Monmouth County Vocational School District

This episode was provided in Partnership with Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management.With school staffing shortages growing across the nation, it is imperative that school districts competing for staff members signal that they offer a family-friendly environment that recognizes the many pressing needs that may arise for staff members related to their families. At the same time, school staff members provide essential services and school districts need staff members to be present in order to operate efficiently and provide reliable educational and support services for students. This episode will review legal requirements under federal and state law that impact family issues that may arise for staff, including legal obligations related to family and medical leave, sick leave, and addressing the needs of staff members struggling with mental health and/or substance use issues. It will provide tips for creating a positive school culture while ensuring that essential school functions are provided, even when emergency issues arise for staff members.Host - David Nash, Esq., Director of Legal Education and National Outreach, FEA Guests - Rebecca Gold, Experienced School Leader, Human Resources Professional and LEGAL ONE Consultant; Paula Clark, Esq., Director of HR/In-House Labor and Employment Counsel, Wayne Township School District

This episode was provided in Partnership with Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management.Sexual harassment in public schools can take many forms. This episode will provide a clear definition of what constitutes sexual harassment and the legal obligations that must be addressed in response to any potential incidents. This will include a review of staff-to-staff, staff-to-student and student-to-student issues, and requirements that must be met under federal and state law, including federal Title IX, New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination and Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights.Host - David Nash, Esq., Director of Legal Education and National Outreach, FEA Guests - Sandra L. Jacques, Esq., LL.M., Assistant Director of Legal Education, FEA; Rebecca Gold, Experienced School Leader, Human Resources Professional and LEGAL ONE Consultant

This episode was provided in Partnership with Arthur J. Gallagher.There is a growing awareness of the importance of ensuring that all students build strong connections with trusted adults in the school setting. At the same time, it is critical that school staff members understand the importance of maintaining appropriate boundaries, in order to avoid even the appearance of an improper relationship with students. This episode will review tips for creating a Code of Conduct for staff members that provides for a clear understanding of staff/student boundaries and protocols for promptly and effectively addressing any concerns that may arise. Participants will learn about one New Jersey school district's innovative approach and a national model for addressing this issue.Host - David Nash, Esq., Director of Legal Education and National Outreach, FEAGuests - Rebecca Gold, Experienced School Leader, Human Resources Professional and LEGAL ONE Consultant; Jetta Bernier, Executive Director, MassKids; Dr. Rosetta Treece, Superintendent, Hopewell Valley Regional School District

This episode was provided in Partnership with Alliant Insurance Services.All school districts need to understand their obligations for implementing Title IX, which ensures that no students in our schools are victims of gender-based discrimination, whether in the form of inadequate support for female students in athletics, under-representation in certain rigorous academic programs or ineffective responses to reports of student sexual harassment. On August 1st, 2024, those obligations underwent major changes as a result of 1677 pages of new federal regulations that went into effect that day. This podcast episode will highlight the key changes in those regulations, as well as recent Title IX case law, and provide tips for schools in fulfilling their legal obligations under Title IX.Host - David Nash, Esq., Director of Legal Education and National Outreach, FEAGuest - Sandra L. Jacques, Esq., LL.M., Assistant Director of Legal Education. FEA

This episode was provided in Partnership with Alliant Insurance Services.Ensuring that students are able to safely participate in school athletics takes a team effort. That team includes parents, students, private healthcare providers and, of course, key school officials, including school nurses, school physicians, athletic directors, coaches and athletic trainers. For the 24-25 school year, major changes were made to the process for student athlete clearance, including revised forms and new limitations on information that is to be shared with school officials, absent parental consent. This podcast episode will highlight the key aspects of the revised student athlete clearance process, ongoing obligations to address any new medical issues that school officials may become aware of, and strategies for ensuring that necessary information is shared between students, parents, healthcare providers and school officials in order to promote the health and safety of all student athletes.Host - David Nash, Esq., Director of Legal Education and National Outreach, FEAGuest - Bert Mandelbaum, MD, FAAP, School Physician

This episode was provided in Partnership with Alliant Insurance Services.We are experiencing a surge in students nationwide who are in need of mental health supports. Involvement in school athletics has the potential to greatly benefit both the physical and mental health and well-being of students. However, student athletes often face enormous pressures to succeed, both athletically and academically. For any student athlete, there is also the challenge of learning to cope with the emotional rollercoaster that inevitably comes with athletic competition. In addition, for many student athletes, the coach is the school employee who knows that student better than any other staff member, and may be the first to recognize subtle changes in the student's demeanor or behavior. In this podcast episode, participants will learn about the legal requirements relevant to addressing student mental health issues, the critical role of the coach and athletic director, and key protocols for creating a safety net to support all student athletes. Host - David Nash, Esq., Director of Legal Education and National Outreach, FEAGuests - Maureen A. Brogan, LPC, ACS, DAAETS, DRCC, Program Manager, Traumatic Loss Coalitions for Youth (TLC), Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care; Michael Stoia, Athletic Director, Red Bank Regional High School District; Lori Todd, MA, LPC, ACS, Student Assistance Counselor, Red Bank Regional High School District

Host - David Nash, Esq., Director of Legal Education and National Outreach, FEAGuest - George Guy, Principal, Cherry Hill Public SchoolsDiscrimination in our schools can take many forms. Sometimes it takes the form of overt, intentional acts which any reasonable person should recognize. But other times, discrimination can take more insidious, subtle forms. Learning how to identify those subtle forms of discrimination, including microaggressions and implicit biases, is critical for school districts in order to meet their legal duty of care and to ensure a school climate and culture that embraces the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In this episode, participants will learn about the legal obligations related to identifying, responding to, and overcoming microaggressions and implicit biases that impact the school setting for all stakeholders.

Host - David Nash, Esq., Director of Legal Education and National Outreach, FEAGuest - Rebecca Gold, LEGAL ONE ConsultantWith school districts facing increasing staffing shortages, efforts to promote diversity in hiring have become more challenging than ever. Those efforts have become ever more complicated by a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision invalidating the use of certain affirmative action policies at Harvard and the University of North Carolina. However, the legal requirement to promote diversity in hiring and ensure nondiscriminatory hiring and promotions remains in effect for all New Jersey school districts. In this episode, participants will gain an understanding of current legal requirements, the impact of a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, and the elements related to recruitment and hiring practices that must be addressed in each district's Comprehensive Equity Plan. Listeners will also learn about innovative recruiting strategies that have made a real difference for New Jersey school districts.

Host - David Nash, Esq., Director of Legal Education and National Outreach, FEAGuest - Maureen A. Brogan, LPC, ACS, DAAETS, DRCC, Program Manager, Traumatic Loss Coalitions for Youth (TLC), Rutgers University Behavioral Health CareRecent data suggests an alarming spike in mental health needs for students and staff in our public schools. In this episode, participants will learn about legal requirements under state and federal law related to addressing mental health needs, including a new State law regarding depression screening for students, expansions of state requirements related to health insurance coverage, an overview of the interactive process and reasonable accommodations, and key mental health considerations related to school security.

Host - David Nash, Esq., Director of Legal Education and National Outreach, FEAGuest - John Worthington, Esq., Coordinator of Special Education Law, FEANew Jersey has one of the most expansive anti-discrimination laws in the nation, which provides strong protections for students and staff members in our schools. In this episode, participants will learn about the broad protections available under NJLAD, including protected categories, recent expansions and clarifications of those protections related to racial discrimination, protections from discrimination linked to hair type/style/texture, and gender equity, including equity in pay and protections for the rights of new mothers, and the various options available for raising a claim of discrimination against a school district.

Host - David Nash, Esq., Director of Legal Education and National Outreach, FEAGuests - Christian Fuscarino, Executive Director, Garden State Equality and Kate Okeson, Co-Founder, Monmouth Consortium for LGBTQ+ Youth and NJ High School Art TeacherThe stakes couldn't be higher. Across the nation, a concerted effort is underway to pressure local school districts to reduce or even abandon essential policies, practices, and curricula that are intended to promote a safe and supportive learning environment for LGBTQ+ students. These efforts have the potential to exponentially increase the risk of harm to students. In this episode, participants will learn about the legal requirements to support LGBTQ+ students under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination and other state and federal laws; key elements of guidance developed by the New Jersey Department of Education and Attorney General related to supporting transgender students; and the legal consequences and foreseeable dangers related to adopting board policies that require the outing of LGBTQ+ students to parents or guardians.

Presenter: Michael Kaelber, Esq., LEGAL ONE Coordinator of Online Course DevelopmentThis session will discuss the various leaves available to school employees and how they interact with one another. Leaves to be considered will include, but not be limited to basic sick leave, personal leave and other contractually negotiated leaves, FMLA, FLA, and NJ paid family leave.

Presenter: Michael Kaelber, Esq., LEGAL ONE Coordinator of Online Course DevelopmentThis session will review the legal requirements for gifted and talented education in New Jersey, including the recently passed Strengthening Gifted and Talented Education Act and its new reporting requirements. Also to be discussed will be program requirements, funding issues, identification, programming and equity issues in gifted and talented programs.

Presenters: Sandra Jacques, Esq., LEGAL ONE Supervisor of Legal Research and ContentThis session will provide an overview of New Jersey Registration and Residency Laws pertaining to students enrolling in a public school. Participants will gain an understanding of the limitations of a School District when seeking documentation from prospective students. Additionally there is a discussion of the residency exceptions available to students that are not domiciled within the boundaries of the School District.

Presenters: Sandra Jacques, Esq., LEGAL ONE Supervisor of Legal Research and Content Development; Diahann DeRuggierio MSW, M.Ed., Bergen County Special Services, Regional Coordinator, McKinney-Vento Education of Homeless and Youth ProgramThis Podcast will provide an overview of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Participants will gain an understanding of a school's obligations to homeless students, as well as information about the application of Title I funds, the role of the District's Homeless Liaison, and additional resources.

Presenters: John Worthington, Esq., LEGAL ONE Education Law Specialist; Geta Vogel, LEGAL ONE Coordinator of Mental Health and WellnessThis episode will provide an overview of the HIB process, and more specifically, how to work with students with disabilities involved in HIB incidents as a victim, perpetrator or witness. State and federal guidance for working with students with disabilities when investigating HIB incidents will also be discussed, as well as best practices for working with these students and addressing their needs when they are involved in HIB incidents.

Presenters: John Worthington, Esq., LEGAL ONE Education Law Specialist; Geta Vogel, LEGAL ONE Coordinator of Mental Health and WellnessThis episode will address teacher certification requirements when working in a special education or general education setting and delivering instruction and services to students with disabilities. Issues caused by teacher and staff shortages will be discussed, including specifically, staffing issues in secondary settings. The TOH and TOSD licenses and their impact on staffing classrooms will also be discussed.

Presenters: David Nash, Esq., Director of LEGAL ONE and National Outreach, FEA; Jeff Gale, Director, Office of School Preparedness and Emergency Planning, NJDOEThis episode will review the rise of violent extremism across the nation and the impact on public schools. Listeners will learn about how to distinguish extremism from protected First Amendment expression, strategies for identification, prevention of extremism, and response to incidents of extremism involving students, parents, community members and/or school staff.

Presenters: David Nash, Esq., Director of LEGAL ONE and National Outreach, FEA; Diane Litterer, Executive Director, New Jersey Prevention Network; Andrea Zapcic, Prevention Director, New Jersey Prevention NetworkThis episode will review the impact of recreational marijuana use for adults on public schools. The episode includes a review of legal requirements and best practices for responding to marijuana and other substance use, available resources to support students, and key elements of a comprehensive Toolkit for Schools, developed by NJ Prevention Network and LEGAL ONE

Presenter - Sandra Jacques, Esq., LLM, LEGAL ONE Supervisor of Legal Research and Content DevelopmentIn 2022, a new statute established requirements that a School District must fulfill if it has a School Newspaper. This episode will discuss the 2022 law, as well as the types of speech limitations that a District may assert pertaining to articles and/or editorials the student journalists may wish to publish.

Presenters - Michael Kaelber, Esq., LEGAL ONE Coordinator of Online Course Development; Sandra Jacques, Esq., LLM, LEGAL ONE Supervisor of Legal Research and Content DevelopmentThe deadline to submit a School District's Comprehensive Equity Plan (CEP) was extended to June 30, 2023. This episode will provide an overview of the information necessary to complete the CEP. A discussion of statutory mandates will also provide the listener with examples of actions that demonstrate actionable options for a School District to successfully complete the CEP.

Presenters - John Worthington, Esq., LEGAL ONE Education Law Specialist; Geta Vogel, LEGAL ONE Mental Health and Wellness CoordinatorThis episode will address the legal requirements for addressing threats and dangerousness when working with students with disabilities. The unique legal requirements for disciplining and removing these students when the student is considered a danger or threat will be reviewed. In addition, the legal requirements for assessing and addressing potential threats in accordance with recent legislation will be reviewed in the context of addressing students with disabilities.

Presenter - David,Nash, Esq., Director of LEGAL ONE and National Outreach, FEAThis episode will review key legal parameters for addressing religious expression in school and at school events for both students and staff, in light of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in Kennedy v. Bremerton.

Presenters - David Nash, Esq. Director of LEGAL ONE and National Outreach, FEA; Robyn Gigl, Esq., Partner, Gluck Walrath LLP This episode will review key legal requirements and best practices related to supporting transgender students in our schools, including a review of student confidentiality rights, ensuring a gender inclusive curriculum, addressing name changes, access to locker rooms and restrooms, and responding to acts of bullying and discrimination.

Presenter - Sandra Jacques, Esq., LLM, LEGAL ONE Supervisor of Legal Research and Content Development This episode will address the steps of Progressive Discipline required for staff that have issues with excessive absenteeism and/or tardiness.  Recent TEACHNJ Cases will demonstrate how Arbitrators analyze Conduct Unbecoming Claims for these situations, and will provide guidance as to the Due Process rights of the staff member.

Presenter - Michael Kaelber, Esq., LEGAL ONE Coordinator of Online Course Development This episode will review key changes to New Jersey's Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights that have gone into effect for the 2022-23 school year, including new requirements related to staff reporting protocols, responding to students engaged in multiple incidents of bullying, initiating investigations, and potential parent liability. 

Presenters - John Worthington, Esq., LEGAL ONE Education Law Specialist; Geta Vogel, LEGAL ONE Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator In this episode, we will discuss important dates and tasks with respect to claims for compensatory services arising from the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020 - September 1, 2021) and the tasks all districts must complete as part of unique legal requirements for this time period. The need to hold meetings for all students and document IEP team determinations and the services provided to students to address FAPE denials will be addressed. In addition, unique requirements with respect to the students and parents with whom IEP team meetings are required, as well as service determinations and provision of services when appropriate, will be addressed. 

Presenters - David Nash, Esq. Director of LEGAL ONE and National Outreach, FEA; Ellen Bass, Esq., Of Counsel, Busch Law Group In this episode, Ellen Bass shares insights from her career in school law, spanning more than 40 years, including her time as an Administrative Law Judge and school board attorney.  Judge Bass reviews common mistakes in how school officials prepared for and conducted hearings, and shares tips for reducing the potential for litigation.

Presenters: David Nash, Esq., LEGAL ONE Director and Wayne Yankus, MD In this episode listeners will learn about the latest developments regarding health Protocols for school districts as districts open for the 2022-23 school year, including a review of the latest Executive Order signed by Governor, and the most recent guidance from the CDC and New Jersey Department of Health.

https://bit.ly/3xqtblr (View resources discussed during this episode, including available online courses.) Presenters: David Nash, Esq., LEGAL ONE Director interviews Maureen Brogan, LPC, ACS, DAAETS, DRCC, Statewide Coordinator, Traumatic Loss Coalitions for Youth, Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care. In this episode, learn about key considerations and strategies for educators, counselors and parents about how to discuss the horrific events in Uvalde, Texas and other school shootings with children. Listeners will hear about key tips for having discussions with children at various ages and developmental levels, learn about the importance of helping children process the information they are receiving from social media and other sources, and help adults recognize the issues that they may need to process and address in order to be equipped to speak with children. 

https://bit.ly/3xqtblr (View resources discussed during this episode, including available online courses.) Presenters: David Nash, Esq., LEGAL ONE Director interviews Jeff Gale, Director, Office of School Preparedness and Emergency Planning, NJDOE. In this episode, learn about the trends and key lessons that have emerged related to school shootings over the past two decades, and key information emerging from the horrific school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. Listeners will also learn about the specific resources available to support schools related to school security, best practices regarding threat assessment and collaboration with law enforcement and other entities, and recent changes in law that impact school safety and security. Topics to be discussed include: Key takeaways from the research from the U.S. Secret Service (2019 and 2021 reports) regarding completed and averted school shooting in recent years. Understanding the resources available from the NJDOE Office of School Preparedness and Emergency Planning to assist school districts in assessing and improving their school security protocols. Best practices related to conducting student threat assessments and available research and models and understanding when to share information with law enforcement. Understanding where to go for information on recent revisions in school security law including changes that went into effect in January 2022.

https://bit.ly/3xqtblr (View resources discussed during this episode, including available online courses.) Presenters: David Nash, Esq., LEGAL ONE Director interviews Teresa Taylor, PhD BCBA-D CCTP, Director of Special Services, Jackson Township Public Schools. In this episode, learn about the critical importance of conducting both threat assessments and risk assessments for students who are showing signs of either suicidal ideation or homicial ideation. Listeners will learn about research that documents the high likelihood that students who engage in school shootings and other acts of violence are also experiencing mental health issues, including suicidal ideation. Listeners will learn about how one New Jersey school district has put in place protocols to fully examine all of the needs of students who may pose a threat of harm to self or others, and steps to consider to begin putting such protocols in place in your district.

https://bit.ly/3tiXwRL (View resources discussed during this episode, including available online courses.) Presenters: David Sciarra, Esq., Executive Director, Education Law Center; Derek Black, Esq., Professor of Law, South Carolina School of Law and author, Schoolhouse Buring: Public Education and the Assault on Democracy In this episode, Education Law Center Executive Director David Sciarra interviews Derek Black, Esq., Professor of Law at South Carolina School of Law. Professor Black is the author of a leading education law casebook, Education Law: Equality, Fairness, and Reform, and the book Schoolhouse Burning: Public Education and the Assault on Democracy. His areas of expertise include education law and policy, constitutional law, and civil rights. Professor Black discusses the legacy and lasting national impact of the Abbott v. Burke litigation, and contrasts the approach taken in New Jersey with that of other states seeking to address issues of equity in education.

https://bit.ly/3xd9zCN (View resources discussed during this episode, including available online courses.) Presenters: David Sciarra, Esq., Executive Director, Education Law Center; Rosie Grant; Executive Director, Paterson Education Fund; Kaleena Berryman, Executive Director, Abbott Leadership Institute In this episode, Education Law Center Executive Director David Sciarra interviews Rosie Grant; Executive Director of the Paterson Education Fund, and Kaleena Berryman, Executive Director of the Abbott Leadership Institute. Ms. Grant and Ms. Berryman have both played leading roles in promoting grassroots engagement public school reform. Ms. Grant and Ms. Berryman discuss the central role of community engagement in the fight for educational equity and excellence for all students and the many positive outcomes that have resulted through grassroots parent involvement.

https://bit.ly/3sPZrNx (View resources discussed during this episode, including available online courses.) Presenters: David Sciarra, Esq., Executive Director, Education Law Center; Elise Boddie, Esq., Founder and Director of The Inclusion Project, Rutgers Law School In this episode, Education Law Center Executive Director David Sciarra interviews Elise Boddie, Esq., Founder and Director of The Inclusion Project at Rutgers Law School.  Ms. Boddie is an award-winning legal scholar and a full-time law professor at Rutgers Law School in Newark where she teaches constitutional law, civil rights, and state and local government law. Before joining Rutgers she was the Director of Litigation at the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF).  She is also advising counsel for plaintiffs in a pending lawsuit challenging de facto segregation in New Jersey. In this episode, Ms. Boddie discusses the central issues in that pending litigation, and the benefits of an inclusive school environment for all students.

https://bit.ly/3yDV3ox (View resources discussed during this episode, including available online courses.) Presenters: David Sciarra, Esq., Executive Director, Education Law Center; Gary Stein, Esq., Former Justice, New Jersey Supreme Court, Special Counsel, Pashman, Stein, Walder, Hayden In this episode, Education Law Center Executive Director David Sciarra interviews  former New Jersey Supreme Court Justice Gary Stein, who served on New Jersey's highest court for 17 years from 1985 to 2002.  During Justice Stein's tenure, the New Jersey Supreme Court handed down a series of far reaching decisions in the Abbott v. Burkelitigation; decisions which have significantly changed the shape of urban education in New Jersey for millions of our poorest students, and which laid the groundwork for the ongoing legal battles that continue today to promote equity and access to high quality education for all students, regardless of race, income level or zip code.  Justice Stein takes us inside the debates that resulted in theAbbottdecisions, reflects on the legacy ofAbbott, and reviews the equity challenges that still need to be overcome.

https://bit.ly/39J6pgD (View resources discussed during this episode, including available online courses.) Presenters: David Sciarra, Esq., Executive Director, Education Law Center; Theresa Luhm, Esq., Managing Director, Education Law Center; Steve Morlino, CEFM, LEED AP, School Facilities Management Consultant In this episode, Education Law Center Executive Director David Sciarra interviews two leading experts on school facilities and the law. Theresa Luhm, Esq., is Managing Director, Education Law Center; and Steve Morlino, CEFM, LEED AP, School Facilities Management Consultant. They discuss the New Jersey Supreme Court's Abbott VII decision and the profound impact it has had and will continue to have for generations to come. In that case, the Court ordered that funding be provided to support renovation and construction of high quality school facilities in the Abbott districts, a decision that has resulted in billions of dollars of funding for school facilities and provided a roadmap for other districts in New Jersey and nationwide to follow.

https://bit.ly/3KCPFnU (View resources discussed during this episode, including available online courses.) Presenters: David Sciarra, Esq., Executive Director, Education Law Center; Ellen Frede, Senior Co-Director, National Institute for Early Education Research, Rutgers University In this episode, Ellen Frede, who is the Senior Co-Director of the National Institute on Early Education Research at Rutgers University discusses the landmark Abbott VI  decision handed down by the New Jersey Supreme Court in 2000, which ordered the implementation of high quality preschool with properly certified teachers and class sizes of no more than 15 in the Abbott school districts, and the lasting impact of this decision in New Jersey and nationally. Dr. Frede's extensive experience in the area of early childhood education includes service as a teacher, researcher, college professor and as Assistant Commissioner for Early Childhood Education at the New Jersey Department of Education.

https://bit.ly/3vVyFUT (View resources discussed during this episode, including available online courses.) Presenters: David Sciarra, Esq., Executive Director, Education Law Center; Silvia Abbatto, Superintendent, Union City Public Schools In this episode, Education Law Center Executive Director David Sciarra interviews Silvia Abbato, who is the first woman and first person of Hispanic descent to serve as Superintendent for the Union City School District. This episode examines the impact of the New Jersey Supreme Court's landmark 1998 Abbott V decision, in which the Court recognized the constitutional obligation for the State of New Jersey to identify and address the negative effects of poverty on the ability of children to receive a thorough and efficient education, the lasting impact of that decision and the challenges that remain in working to overcome the impact of poverty on education today.

https://bit.ly/3uOhMfo (View resources discussed during this episode, including available online courses.) Presenters: David Sciarra, Esq., Executive Director, Education Law Center; David Aderhold, Ed.D., Superintendent, West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District; Anthony Trongone, Superintendent, Millville Public Schools In this episode, Education Law Center Executive Director David Sciarra interviews two superintendents - Tony Trongone, Superintendent of Millville Public Schools, and Dr. David Aderhold, Superintendent of West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District. Both have been leaders in the effort to promote educational equity for all students regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status or zip code. They discuss the impact of the Abbott v. Burke litigation, and in particular the Abbott IV decision, in which the Court embraced the concept of having substantive curriculum standards as part of the Constitutionally protected entitlement to a thorough and efficient system of public schools for all students.

https://bit.ly/37zfRSu (View resources discussed during this episode, including available online courses.) Presenter: Larry Lustberg, Esq., Co-Director, Gibbons Fellowship in Public Interest & Constitutional Law, Gibbins Law Firm In this episode, Education Law Center Executive Director David Sciarra interviews Larry Lustberg, now an attorney at the Gibbons law firm in Newark, New Jersey. Larry was a key player in the early days of the Abbott v. Burke litigation, and discusses the historic Abbott II decision in 1990,in which the New Jersey Supreme Court held that children in our poorest, largely urban school districts were constitutionally entitled to an education comparable to that provided to children from our most affluent school districts.

View resources discussed during this episode, including available online courses. Presenters: David Sciarra, Esq., Executive Director, Education Law Center; Paul Tractenberg, Esq., Founder of the Education Law Center and Professor Emeritus, Rutgers Law School In this episode, former Rutgers Law School Professor and founder of the Education Law Center, Paul Tractenberg, who was truly a pioneer in New Jersey and nationally.  Professor Tractenberg discusses the incredible disparities in educational quality that existed and were widely accepted a half century ago, before New Jersey's groundbreaking Abbott v Burke litigation, and the steps taken in the 1970s and 80s that set the stage for the many legal successes that followed.

https://bit.ly/3o1AFs5 (View resources discussed during this episode, including available online courses.) Presenters: David Nash, Esq., LEGAL ONE Director; Mandi Zucker, Founder and President at Inner Harbor and Certified Grief Recovery Specialist. Dealing with the loss of a loved one can be a devastating experience. For school staff members who spend so much of their time focused on supporting the needs of students, it is critical that school districts have in place strong support systems to support those staff when they suffer a personal loss. In this episode, listeners will hear key strategies for supporting their colleagues and addressing their own needs after a loss. Key topics to be addressed in this episode include: Creating safe outlets for staff members to share information regarding personal loss or other traumatic experiences; Providing strategies for staff to support colleagues who have experienced personal loss or trauma;and Best practices for facilitating the return to work for staff members after a loss or other traumatic event.

https://bit.ly/2Zhg096 (View resources discussed during this episode, including available online courses.) Presenters: David Nash, Esq., LEGAL ONE Director; Susan Coyle, MA; Middlesex County Traumatic Loss Coalition Coordinator; Kathy Shoemaker, Ph.D, Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Psychology, Rutgers Graduate School of Education Given the increasing demands placed on educators and school leaders in these unprecedented times, school staff face significant risk of burning out, lashing out or losing empathy for students, parents and colleagues, which in turn can jeopardize employment and create significant potential liability for individuals and school districts. Understanding your own social and emotional needs and engaging in proper self-care is essential for all school staff members. In this episode listeners will learn simple strategies to support their own social and emotional well being. Key topics to be addressed in this episode include: Simple mindfulness techniques that you can use even when you only have a brief period of time available; Tips for promoting and implementing mindfulness techniques throughout your school district; and Resources to help you ensure consistent implementation of best practices to support social and emotional well-being.

https://bit.ly/2XhI8rB (View resources discussed during this episode, including available online courses.) Presenters: David Nash, Esq., LEGAL ONE Director; Susan Coyle, MA; Middlesex County Traumatic Loss Coalition Coordinator. As we work through a global pandemic, there has been a significant increase in the number of staff dealing with mental health needs. It can be difficult to assess your own needs and to know how to support your colleagues. This session will provide key tips for identifying those staff in need and tips to support your needs and those of your colleagues in these challenging times. Key topics addressed in this episode include: How to recognize your own mental health needs; How to support a colleague struggling with their mental health; and How to recognize a crisis situation and respond appropriately to emergent needs

https://bit.ly/2XhtJMt (View resources discussed during this episode, including available online courses.) Presenters: David Nash, Esq., LEGAL ONE Director; Susan Coyle, MA; Middlesex County Traumatic Loss Coalition Coordinator; Rebecca Gold, LEGAL ONE Consultant When it comes to supporting school staff and addressing mental health needs, all school staff - from the superintendent, to the director of human resources, to other school administrators, educators and support staff - have a critical role to play. This episode is part of a series offered in collaboration with the ERIC North subfund of the New Jersey Schools Insurance Group. Key topics addressed in this episode include: Potential scenarios that could arise related to staff mental health and key protocols to address those situations the role of key players in addressing staff mental health, including the school board, superintendent, HR Director, affirmative action officers, other school administrators and ALL school staff members, and Key steps that should be taken at the beginning of the school year to set the proper tone in addressing staff mental health.

https://bit.ly/3niwszM (View resources discussed during this episode, including available online courses.) Presenters: David Nash, Esq., LEGAL ONE Director; Susan Coyle, MA; Middlesex County Traumatic Loss Coalition Coordinator; Rebecca Gold, LEGAL ONE Consultant. The pressures confronting school staff members have never been greater, with a global pandemic, constantly changing public health protocols, a worldwide racial justice movement and other local and world events that have had a profound impact on so many of staff, students and parents.  This episode is the first in a 5-part series that will review the importance of proactively addressing the mental health needs and social and emotional wellbeing of school staff members.  The series will also provide simple techniques and strategies that can be used immediately by listeners to assess their own needs, support their colleagues, practice self-care and deal with personal loss.  Key topics addressed in this episode include: The legal requirements that school districts must address concerning staff member mental health; The potential impact on student well-being and productivity if school districts fail to act to address staff mental health; and The many positive outcomes that result when employers proactively support their staff members' mental health needs.

https://bit.ly/3yUm4l3 (View resources discussed during this episode, including available online courses.) Presenters: Sandra L. Jacques, Esq., LL.M., LEGALONE Supervisor of Legal Research & Content Development, and Rose Acerra, Past President & Legislative Chairperson for NJPTA. On June 23, 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court provided clarification regarding students' off-campus 1st Amendment Free Speech Rights, when it rendered its Decision in the case of MAHANOY AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT v. B. L., A MINOR, BY AND THROUGH HER FATHER, LEVY, ET AL., which has also come to be known publicly as “The Cheerleader Case”. This Podcast continues the discussion of the March 2021 LEGALONE Podcast addressing Student Free Speech Rights, by reviewing the U.S. Supreme Court's June 2021 Decision, and noting the change in legal standard from the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals 2020 Decision in this case.

https://bit.ly/3iyiSWr (View resources discussed during this episode, including available online courses.) Presenters: David Nash, Esq., Director of Legal Education Rebecca Gold, LEGAL ONE Consultant, Maureen Brogan, Statewide Coordinator, Traumatic Loss Coalitions for Youth, Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care, and Susan Coyle, Middlesex County Traumatic Loss Coalition Coordinator. As school officials prepare for yet another year of schooling during a global pandemic, the cumulative impact of recent events on staff mental health and wellbeing has been profound. In this episode, listeners will learn about their legal obligations when they learn about staff members struggling with mental health issues, the protections available for staff members who ask for help, and practical strategies for providing ongoing support and creating a climate where staff members will seek support when needed.