The Gabbard decision was announced on June 23, 2021 by the Ohio Supreme Court. (Gabbard v. Madison Local Sch. Dist. Bd. Of Edn., Slip Op. No 2021-Ohio-2067) After a 2016 school shooting in the district in which a student emptied a gun in school injuring several students, the school board acted in 2018 to adopt […]
Regulations help explain use of ESSER and GEER funds
ESSER/GEER guidance highlights In late May, The U.S. Department of Education released guidance to states and school districts about the use of the multiple federal funds authorized for pandemic response and relief. A review of this guidance clarifies some questions about use of the funds. The guidance itself is not law, but it outlines USDOE […]
Pandemic relief bill Sub. HB 67
This won’t be the last of the pandemic response bills, but Sub. HB 67 recently was passed on a fast track through the Ohio House and Senate, sent to the Governor and signed by him on March 20, 2021. The bill has an emergency clause, so it is effective immediately. It provides numerous changes in […]
Connect with EB at Capital Conference! #OSBACC
The pandemic has presented many challenges for all of us this year, including that we will not have the opportunity to gather in person for the Ohio School Board Association’s Capital Conference. In spite of these challenges, the conference will still give us all “virtual” opportunities for connection, learning and conversation. Ennis Britton is proud […]
FFCRA leave guidance changes now effective
DoL issues new rule interpreting FFCRA leave provisions, including intermittent leave and notice of leave.
Ohio Ethics Commission Finds Potential Violation of Ethics Law
A new formal opinion of the Ohio Ethics Commission was issued on April 17, 2020. It concludes that disclosures of discussions of a public body held in a properly-convened executive session that are legally confidential (pursuant to a statute) or designated as confidential reasons that are necessary and warranted may be found to be a […]
COVID-19: FMLA Leave Expansion and Emergency Paid Sick Leave
Review the Families First Coronavirus Response Act’s provisions expanding FMLA leave and providing emergency paid sick leave and their applicability to Ohio school districts.
COVID-19 Update: Public and Student Records Requests During a Pandemic
Review guidance on the release of personally-identifiable student information to parents, students, the health department and the media during a health and safety emergency.
Food Allergies and Special Education
Students with food allergies may be eligible for special education supports and protections. For instance, a student could be IDEA- eligible as “other health impaired” if the allergies adversely affect learning or the student needs special education/related services due to the allergies. More commonly, students with food allergies may be eligible for a 504 plan if they have a physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
Medical marijuana: federal grants, employment and student issues
As medical marijuana dispensaries open in Ohio, a review of some school-related issues.