In light of ongoing bans on mass gatherings, many school districts are moving to a graduation ceremony plan that involves a video or other online elements (e.g. video, PowerPoint, etc.). While virtual commencements may be almost unheard of prior to this spring, there are long-standing legal requirements that apply to this format just as they […]
COVID-19
IDEA Flexibility Amidst COVID-19
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress on March 27, 2020. Part of the act directs U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to submit a report to Congress. The report, that must be submitted by the end of April, is to make recommendations for any additional waivers that might be […]
COVID-19 Update: Relief for Student Loan Borrowers
On March 25, 2020, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced efforts to increase flexibility regarding payments for student loan borrows. The efforts are to ensure that borrowers will not endure additional stress in making ends meet during the unprecedented and burdensome times we are in. The flexibility will be for no less than 60 […]
COVID-19 Update: Changes in Unemployment Law
Districts should expect to see a rise in unemployment claims due to the current pandemic. Ohio received 187,000 claims during the week of March 15-21. Substitutes, in particular, are likely to make claims during this time. Governor DeWine has issued an order (EO 2020-03D) to ease the process of obtaining unemployment benefits. Employees who are […]
COVID-19 Update: Unemployment Coverage for Public Entities
Many public employers are considering staffing adjustments in light of the coronavirus and its impact on available work. For those employees not covered under contracts that must be paid in the case of an “epidemic or other public calamity” pursuant to RC 3319.08(B) and 3319.081(G), layoffs are being contemplated. In order to have all the […]
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: Frequently Asked Questions
As we continue to receive updates and navigate the changing circumstances day-to-day, we would like to brief you about some of the questions we have been receiving from schools around the State: Can we continue to pay hourly staff members if on extended closure? R.C. 3319.081 provides that “All nonteaching employees…shall be paid for all […]
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.
COVID-19 Update: Services for Special Education Students
UPDATE (3/12/20 at 6:20 PM): At 6 PM on March 12 the US Department of Education released new guidance on special education and COVID-19 that is available here. In the past 48 hours it seems as if the already rapidly developing story of COVID-19, or novel coronavirus, has accelerated even more. With major spectator events […]
COVID-19 Update: School Board Meetings During a Pandemic
UPDATED APRIL 1, 2020 On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization officially declared that COVID-19, a novel coronavirus, has become a pandemic. We anticipate that this virus will pose many challenges to school districts and communities in the coming weeks and months. It is important for public school district boards of education to understand […]