News from Thrun Law

MERC Upholds Unilateral Imposition of Insurance Cap

February 11, 2014

On January 21, 2014, the Michigan Employment Relations Commission (“MERC”) upheld an Administrative Law Judge’s Decision and Recommended Order finding that school districts have the right to impose the “cap” option under the Publicly Funded Health Insurance Contribution Act (PA 152 of 2011). Decatur Pub Schs -and- Van Buren Ed Ass’n, Case No. C12 F-123 and Case No. C12 F-124. MERC also found that school districts have no duty to bargain over the method used to comply with PA 152....

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Wishing Patrick Berardo, Joe Mosier, and Donald Bonato a Happy Retirement!

January 20, 2014

It is difficult to say farewell to three senior partners who have significantly and positively contributed to public education law in Michigan over the past four decades and who will be warmly remembered for their contributions to public education, exceptional dedication to client service, and friendships with clients and colleagues.

Pat Berardo graduated from the University of Michigan Law School in 1970 and has been at Thrun Law Firm for more than 40 years. He is appreciated for his...

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Michigan State Police Announce Significant Changes to Criminal Background Check Procedures for Contracted Services Providers

January 9, 2014

The Michigan State Police (MSP) Criminal Justice Information Center has issued an updated Guidance for Michigan Schools and Their Partners on Conducting Criminal Background Checks. This Guidance became effective on January 1, 2014 and includes significant changes to the criminal history record information (CHRI) process for...

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Final Reminder: Annual Audits and Qualifying Statements Must Be Filed by December 31

December 19, 2013

The December 31 deadline for filing annual audits and qualifying statements is fast approaching. School officials should take the necessary steps to ensure that audits are filed with the Michigan Department of Education (“MDE”) and that the Municipal Finance Qualifying Statement form is filed with the Michigan Department of Treasury (“Treasury”) on or before December 31, 2013, to avoid late fees and other negative consequences.

Annual Audits

The timely filing of the...

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Thrun Law Firm Supports Troops!

December 4, 2013

As part of Thrun Law Firm’s Holiday Outreach we have adopted a platoon of soldiers with the 1st Cavalry Division stationed in Afghanistan. The holidays can be an especially tough time for the men and women of our Armed Services, and it is our sincere hope that we can make a difference in a soldier's life. Although we can never replace the joy of being home with family and friends, we hope that a care package and a letter or card from someone who appreciates their sacrifice will brighten...

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Two Thrun Attorneys Take MCSA Leadership Positions

November 29, 2013

We are pleased to announce that Katherine Wolf Broaddus and Meg Hackett will take leadership positions with the Michigan Council of School Attorneys (“MCSA”) for the upcoming term. Ms. Broaddus has served on the MCSA Board of Directors since 2010 and was recently elected to the position of President...

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Don’t Forget to File Your Qualifying Statement . . . Using the New Form!

November 28, 2013

The importance of obtaining “qualified” status each year from the Michigan Department of Treasury (“Treasury”) cannot be overemphasized. School districts, intermediate school districts, and public school academies that do not obtain qualified status may experience significant delays in issuing bonds and notes during calendar year 2014, which may be especially problematic for cash flow borrowings such as state aid notes (“SANs”) and tax anticipation notes (“TANs”).

The Revised...

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E-Rate Changes Coming

November 27, 2013

    Recently, Thrun Law Firm alerted our clients to proposed rule changes by the Federal Communication Commission (“FCC”) to the Universal Services Fund program ( “E-Rate”). Among other recommended changes, the proposed rules include: (1) expanding high speed fiber-based broadband internet access; (2) encouraging the use of...

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Two New Attorneys Join Thrun Law Firm

November 2, 2013

    We are pleased to announce that Robert J. Robinson and Jessica A. Walker have joined Thrun Law Firm.

Robert J. Robinson has joined Thrun Law Firm in its Municipal/Public Sector Law Practice Group. Mr. Robinson will be based out of our firm’s East Lansing office.

Mr. Robinson joins us after having his own municipal...

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Thrun Law Firm Model Discipline Policy and Forms Now Available

November 1, 2013

Must a student be expelled for assaulting a staff member? When is an expelled student eligible for reinstatement? What special rules apply to students with disabilities? How much “process” is due a student before a suspension or expulsion?

Before disciplining a student, school officials must understand the interplay between constitutional due process requirements; federal law, including the Gun-Free Schools Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and Section 504 of the...

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