2007 NDCSA SCHOOL LAW SEMINAR HIGHLIGHTS

The twenty-eighth annual School Law Seminar was held on Thursday, October 25, 2007, at the Ramkota Hotel in Bismarck.

Gary Thune, NDSBA Legal Counsel, began with a presentation on Due Process Rights of Students and Parents that covered suspensions, expulsions, and extracurricular discipline. He continued with a discussion on IDEA and Discipline Procedures--2007 Regulations. After a break, NDSBA Director of Policy Services Alyssa Martin discussed Criminal Background Checks.

The final topic prior to lunch was 2007 Legislation, From a School Lawyer's Perspective presented by Gary Thune.

The afternoon session began with a Potpourri session by Gary Thune that included the following topics: Board-Created Vacancies, Board Members as Employees and Volunteers, Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices in School, Zero Tolerance Policies, and 18-year-olds Returning to Your School.

The next session had Attorney Tiffany Johnson leading a session entitled You Be The Judge that dealt with Coat Closets (and other learning sites), Gay-Straight Alliance, Porn Sites, and Equal Access.

Gary Thune concluded the day with Who's Being Sued and Why? He discussed cases dealing with topics such as back pay, nonrenewal, and NDHSAA violations.

The day concluded with the NDCSA Annual Meeting with President Butch McConn, Fargo, presiding.

Mark your calendar for next year’s School Law Seminar to be held at the Ramkota Hotel on Thursday, November 13, 2008.