News from Thrun Law

Rising COVID-19 case numbers have caused many Michigan schools to return to remote learning and vir­tual instruction. Although virtual instruction differs from face-to-face instruction, FERPA and Michigan’s student privacy laws still require schools to protect a student’s personally identifiable information.

Using a videoconferencing platform (e.g., Zoom, Google Hangouts, Microsoft Teams) for virtual instruc­tion does not, by itself, violate FERPA. School officials should, however, be...

As school officials evaluate their school’s present and future real property needs, the potential for prop­erty sales may arise. This article addresses frequently asked questions we receive about selling real estate.

1. Is a school authorized to sell property?

Yes. The Revised School Code provides schools with broad authority to dispose of and convey property to public and private entities. Any...

It is difficult to say farewell to our colleague and friend Robert Huber, who is retiring from Thrun Law Firm at the end of 2020. Robert’s exemplary service over the past 26 years cannot be overstated and will leave a lasting and positive impact on Michigan schools. Robert’s personable and engaging nature, extensive le­gal knowledge, and exceptional dedication to clients have all been hallmarks of his practice and his time with Thrun Law Firm.

Robert earned his undergraduate degree...

After an initial announcement several years ago and several subsequent delays, the Enhanced 911 (E911) requirements adopted by the Michigan Legisla­ture in the Emergency 911 Service Enabling Act, with some exceptions, take effect on December 31, 2020. The E911 requirements apply to any multi-line tele­phone system (MLTS), which is as system comprised of com­mon control unit(s), telephone sets with unique telephone numbers, and control hardware and soft­ware. A school building will often use...