It’s not too late to register for the Connecticut Association of Schools’ Annual Leadership Conference. Several Shipman attorneys will present as part of the Connecticut Association of Schools’ (CAS) Annual Leadership Conference to be held at the Mystic Marriott in Groton, Connecticut on March 14-15, 2024. Registration is open until March 1, 2024.

FERPA and FOI: What the F are the Rules?
Presented by: Tom Mooney and Julie Reznik

This presentation will focus on the similarities and differences between FERPA and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the two statutes by which parents and others may demand access to information from school officials.  School leaders should understand the different rules that apply under FERPA and the FOIA. The timelines for response are different for these statutes, and the information that must be disclosed will differ depending upon the identity of the party making the request.  Through scenarios and questions for discussion, participants will learn (1) about the extent (and limitations) of confidentiality requirements under FERPA and the FOIA, (2) how best to respond to requests for information under these two laws, and (3) about the special rules (and dangers) that apply to email communications.

Social Media: Rights and Realities of Regulation by School Officials
Presented by: Natalia Sieira Millán and Tom Mooney

This presentation will review the First Amendment rights of students and staff members as these rights may be exercised through social media.  It will review the important differences between the free speech rights of students and the free speech rights of staff members, and it will explain the counterintuitive result of judicial decisions that students have greater free speech rights than the staff members who teach and supervise them.  Through scenarios and discussion, participants will learn about (1) the scope of free speech rights of students and of staff members, and (2) whether and when students and staff members may be held accountable for any disruption they may cause through their posts on social media notwithstanding the protections of the First Amendment. 

Special Education Issues for School Administrators
Presented by: Abby Booth and Peter Maher

Among many other responsibilities, building leaders often are tasked with addressing a variety of special education issues for their students and related questions from parents and staff. This presentation will discuss important special education legal issues that many school leaders routinely face.  The discussion will be led through scenarios and a frequently-asked-questions format, and participants will discuss and learn about child find obligations, preparation versus predetermination; addressing thorny issues that arise during a PPT meeting; ensuring implementation of IEPs and services; and having difficult conversations with parents and staff. An emphasis will be placed on preventative issue-spotting and practical considerations.

For more information about the event, or to register, visit the Connecticut Association of Schools website.