This handbook has been designed for a tool to be utilized by administrators currently in the field, those new and seasoned administrators who may be beginning their first year as a chief school administrator, Board of Education Trustees looking to examine the role of the school superintendent as chief school administrator, and those graduate students in educational leadership courses who are working within lectures to bridge the theory into practice as they prepare for leadership roles and standardized licensing exams that require a formidable knowledge of the world of the chief school administrator. As a proponent of having a strong knowledge base as it pertains to the broad scope of the core principals of child law and administrative policies in dealing with the day-to-day interactions of the "Office," each chapter provides the reader with insight into an integral process pertinent to a topic paramount to the success of any leader who has elevated, or aspires as such, to the role of schools' chief in any district in the United States. As specific laws and protocols may be attenuated across borders, the basic concepts, theories, and obstacles remain the same. There is no one...or twenty books that can define and prepare a school administrator for every situation that he will face on any given day. However, there are specific areas of the job description that can be learned and used as a foundation for further investigation and inquiry into particular decisions and matters of interest. A true leader can never be too prepared for any mission, especially when she is charged with strengthening the future of the community and encouraging fortitude in her administrators, teachers, and students.
Foreword Preface Acknowledgements Chapter 1: The Chief School Administrator What is a Superintendent/Chief School Administrator? Take a Deep Breath I.N.S.I.S.T. Protocol Perception, Law, and the Student: "Are the buildings safe?" New to the District The Cabinet Certification Writing a Job Description Being Politically Savvy (not Political) Working with your Board Utilizing Your Board Attorney The Legal Opinion Utilizing Your Association Attorney Liability Insurance Establishing the "Chain of Command" Know the Code of Ethics Update Trustees with Legal and Personnel Matters Diffuse a Board Meeting Issue Before it's Public Summary and Future Considerations Chapter 2: Education Law and Policy Board Policy Affirmative Action Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) Title I Section 504 Compulsory Attendance, Truancy, and Homeschooling Truancy Homeschooling Opting Out of Federal Assessments Court Related Case Summary: HIB (Hector F. v. El Centro Elementary School District) Court Related Case Summary: Compulsory Education (Jonathan L. v. Superior Court of Los Angeles) Summary and Future Considerations Chapter 3: Child Welfare and Policy Confidentiality and the Rights of a Minor HIPAA FERPA Supreme Court Related Case Summary: FERPA (Owasso Independent School District No. I-011, aka Owasso Public Schools, et al. v. Falvo, parent and next friend of her minor children, Pletan, et al. FERPA Quiz Summary and Future Considerations Chapter 4: Juvenile Justice Law and Policy Criminalizing School Behavior: School to Prison Pipeline Student Threats and Preventative Discipline Threats to Teachers Weapons in School: Zero Tolerance Students and Drugs School Safety Teams Student Walkouts Court Related Case Summary: First Amendment (Cuff v. Valley Central School District) Summary and Future Considerations Chapter 5: Family Law and Policy In Loco Parentis vs. Parens Patriae Division of Youth and Family Services (Child and Protective Services) Divorce and Custody McKinney-Vento Act (Homeless Children/Families) Summary and Future Considerations Chapter 6: Mental Health Law and Children Summary and Future Considerations Chapter 7: Children's Health Law and Policy Life-threatening Food Allergies Immunizations Court Related Case Summary: Immunizations (United States Court of Appeals, Second Circuit) Summary and Future Considerations Chapter 8: Resources for Child Assistance Tragedy Mental Health Organizations Summary and Future Considerations Chapter 9: Writing Correspondence and Future Legal Considerations Be Direct Be Timely Write to Your Audience Be Reassuring Local Authorities, Bodies, and Organizations Provide Resources (Websites) Provide Legal Research/Policies Languages Spelling/Grammar Check Attorney Review Chapter 10: "I'm Not Responsible, but I am to Blame" Crisis Pans Test Breaches Mandatory Professional Development Reporting Abuse NCAA Clearinghouse Cash Late Reporting (grants, etc.) Board Policy "Hey, how long has that mound of soil been there?" Lead, and Asbestos, and Mold, Oh My! Audits and Corrective Actions Protecting Students and Hiring Employees Chapter 11: How to Pass a Referendum for Construction Projects Political Atmosphere Hiring a Consultant Parent Meetings Q & A with Legal Counsel, Bond Counsel, and Architects Literature Follow Board Policies on Electioneering Meet with Special Interest Groups Website Email for Questions and Answers Multiple Languages Host Building Tours Endnotes About the Author Index
