Thursday, October 27, 2022 ● 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Oncenter, Syracuse
(Separate fee: $310)

Co-hosted by
New York State School Boards Association and
New York State Association of School Attorneys

Registration for this event is not included as part of your registration for NYSSBA’s Annual Convention.

Agenda

7:00 – 8:30 a.m.
Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:00 – 8:15 a.m.

8:15 – 9:15 a.m.
Textbooks, Library Books and More – Managing the New Challenges
The reasons may vary but disagreements over the content of books and other instructional materials used in public school classrooms are not new. Today, however, they can be more contentious than in the past. Get a better understanding of the legal issues and applicable laws involved in the resolution of such differences. Learn more about the legal rights and responsibilities of school districts, parents and the public in this area.

9:15 - 9:30 a.m.
Break

9:30 – 10:00 a.m.
Stateside News – An SED Perspective on the State of Education in New York
Hear about the key educational issues currently before the Board of Regents and the Commissioner of Education, as well as notable shifts in their policy-making outlook. Find out how their recent and ongoing actions and deliberations are likely to affect school district responsibilities throughout the state.

10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Employee Speech and the First Amendment
Whether it's praying on the field after a game or expressing remarks that are derogatory and/or discriminatory about students, school officials or colleagues, learn about recent developments that affect the parameters of constitutionally protected employee speech. Gain a better understanding of the rights of both staff and school officials and the rules that apply to the resolution of issues presented by such situations.

11:00 a.m. - Noon
Public and Nonpublic Schools – Legal Relationships and Obligations
From substantial equivalency determinations to transportation for nonpublic school students, find out how recent developments are restructuring the relationship between public and nonpublic schools in New York. What does it all mean? Examine more closely the legal and practical ramifications of those developments and their impact on the operation of school districts.

Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Lunch

1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Special Education Update
As school officials and parents alike continue to assess and address the current needs of children with disabilities, learn more about the actual and emerging issues facing school districts. What are the more common parental concerns? Which have been the most challenging matters so far?  What kind of disputes are going to due process for resolution? Are there any recent decisions districts need to be aware of to ensure compliance with federal and state law requirements?  Hear how recent developments are affecting district responsibilities over the education of students with disabilities.

2:00 - 2:15 p.m.
Break

2:15 – 3:30 p.m.
Collective Bargaining – What is New?  What Remains the Same?
Join a discussion about current bargaining issues and emerging trends. Explore how the influx of federal funds, changes in foundational aid, inflation and other changes in the economy are affecting school district negotiations. What are the more common issues? Which priorities should districts consider? What challenges should they be prepared to address?  How do the demands among the various unions differ? Find out the answers and become better prepared for the bargaining table.

3:30 p.m.
Adjourn