EAST LANSING: 517.484.8000 | NOVI: 248.533.0741 | WEST MICHIGAN: 616.588.7700
Our website is currently being updated, and will be temporarily unable to register new accounts. Please contact Rachel Hewitt (RHewitt@ThrunLaw.com) with any questions, or to be notified when the updated website is available.
Teachers often wear many hats, and a teacher’s authority to access student records shifts in these different roles. A teacher acting in the capacity of a union representative typically does not have authority to access student education records without parental consent.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) defines “education records” as records, files, documents, and other materials that contain information directly related to a student that...
Employee social media posts may present challenges for schools already seeking to manage the charged political atmosphere, as was the case for some schools following Charlie Kirk’s recent assassination and other political and social issues. This article discusses the scope of school employees’ First Amendment rights, and the factors school officials should consider before disciplining a district employee for social media posts.
In 1968, the U. S. Supreme Court first recognized public...
The State of Michigan’s new fiscal year begins on October 1 and, as of this newsletter’s publication date, the Legislature has not yet passed a state budget. For schools, this uncertainty creates multiple concerns. Without an approved budget, state aid payments could be delayed or disrupted, leading to cash flow challenges.
While these concerns are understandable, it is important not to panic or resort to drastic measures, such as tapping into bond proceeds, debt funds, or...
Michigan’s Fire Prevention Code (FPC) requires each general powers school district, intermediate school district, and public school academy operating any of grades K through 12 to conduct fire, tornado, and lockdown drills.
2025-26 Requirements
During the 2025-26 school year, a school must, at a minimum, conduct the following drills:
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...