Cracks in a school construction contract’s foundation can lead to costly disputes, project delays, and unexpected financial burdens. This article highlights key construction contract pitfalls and offers recommendations for securing legally compliant, favorable contract terms.
Indemnification
For Michigan public schools, indemnification is typically a one-way street. Indemnification means reimbursing another party for losses, damages, or liabilities...
Individualized development plans (IDPs) play a vital role in helping school officials evaluate probationary teachers and tenured teachers exhibiting disciplinary or performance deficiencies.
The Teachers’ Tenure Act requires that all probationary teachers receive an IDP developed by an “appropriate” administrator in consultation with the teacher. Revised School Code Section 1249 also mandates that schools implement IDPs for all teachers in their first year of probation in the...
The beginning of the school year is a great time to review your Section 504 and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) policies and procedures with faculty and staff to ensure compliance. Below are three back-to-school reminders about these important laws related to the education of students with disabilities.
Students New to Your School or Building
IDEA-eligible students who transfer to your school at the beginning of the year are...
When hiring a new employee, the Revised School Code requires that schools: (1) obtain a criminal history and criminal records check from both the Michigan State Police (MSP) and the FBI; (2) perform an “unprofessional conduct” check; and (3) ascertain certification status when necessary. Schools should also ensure that each applicant completes and signs USCIS Form I-9 before beginning employment to verify the applicant’s identity and authorization to work in the U.S.
Employment...
The fall sports season is almost ready to kick off, so school officials should be ready to tackle issues related to student-athlete discipline, eligibility, physicals, annual consent forms, concussion awareness, and transfers. The below frequently asked questions (FAQs) will assist school officials with addressing questions about student athletics.
Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) member schools are bound by MHSAA rules, including those addressing eligibility and...
With the new school year approaching, now is the perfect time to review your school district’s schools-of-choice procedural requirements to ensure compliance for the year ahead.
The State School Aid Act (SSAA) allows an enrolling district to count non-resident students in its membership without resident district approval under specific circumstances. Schools of choice is one such circumstance. Participation is voluntary, and a district must opt in.
The SSAA recognizes two...
With a new school year almost upon us, now is a good time to review your school’s Title IX policies, procedures, and training protocols. Schools must have a sexual harassment policy and grievance procedures that comply with the 2020 Title IX regulations, which became effective again on January 9, 2025, when a federal court vacated the 2024 regulations.
To address Title IX sexual harassment complaints, schools must have a comprehensively trained team consisting of the following “key...
School is out for the summer, and the fiscal year 2025-26 budget has been adopted, so administrators can finally rest, right? Almost! School officials must comply with State School Aid Act (SSAA) Section 18, which establishes a deadline for posting the school’s annual budget and certain required financial information.
Budget Posting and Expenditure Displays
Within 15 days after the school board adopts its annual operating budget for the...
The Michigan Association of School Boards (“MASB”) now officially endorses the Thrun Policy Service as the provider of board policies for Michigan public schools and ISDs.
MASB has announced to members that it believes the Thrun Policy Service provides the most effective and user-friendly policy service in Michigan and recommends that its members join the Thrun Policy Service. We are excited to collaborate with MASB on the Thrun Policy Service to deliver a further value-added benefit...
A recent unpublished Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals decision highlights the Fourth Amendment rights regarding searches and seizures of school employees. Lawson v Creely, Docket No. 24-5649 (CA 6, March 26, 2025). Holly Lawson, a guidance counselor, sued her former school board and school officials, alleging that school employees violated her constitutional rights when they searched her bag and subsequently detained and questioned her.
Background
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