With the number of students who own cellular phones increasing at a dazzling rate, designing a school district-wide multilevel firewall to address electronic intrusions is a prudent course of action. In addition to invading a student's privacy in a locker room or bathroom, students can use camera phones to cheat on tests. Students can photograph a…

In the midst of growing controversy over the limits of student expression on the Internet, a federal trial court in Pennsylvania addressed the extent to which education officials can restrict the ability of student teachers and, by extension, teachers and other school employees, to exercise their rights to free speech on Internet social networking…

Reviews three recent court cases from separate jurisdictions dealing with letters of recommendation. Suggests ways to avoid controversy and possible litigation involving letters of recommendation. Recommends that school boards update their policies on providing letters of reference for school personnel to reflect status of law in their states.…

Updates the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act in light of two Supreme Court decisions in 2002: "Owasso Independent School District v. Falvo" and "Gonzaga University v. Doe." Suggests implications for school board policies on student records. (PKP)

Describes school board policy issues related to the content, credit, and cost of online learning. (PKP)

Tells efforts by Pearland Independent School District (Texas) school board and superintendent to adopt a standardized dress code, an effort that led to student and community opposition and controversy. Describes lessons learned. (PKP)

Describes the energy management program developed by the Carleton Board of Education in Ottawa, Ontario, and presents suggested energy conservation guidelines for school administrators. (JG)

Reviews six Supreme Court decisions on sexual harassment since 1992, three of which were education cases. Suggests content of school board policy to comply with Court's sexual-harassment decisions and thus limit liability under Title IX for offenses involving students and Title VII for acts involving school personnel. (PKP)

School boards' concerns about user injury and property loss can be reconciled with an open school policy by adopting clear, unambiguous, understandable, and enforceable rules concerning use of school facilities. Lists rules and elements of certificate of insurance to be considered. (MLF)

Numerous business issues arise when organizing a school recycling program. Important questions include the appropriate program organization, deciding what materials to recycle, the selection of appropriate business partners, and various financial issues. Offers suggestions for achieving a successful recycling program. (MLF)

Strategies outlined for developing and maintaining an administrative guide as the chief communication tool in a public school system. (Author/ MLF)

Loss control activities can help a school district avoid certain risks and reduce others. (MLF)

Analysis of 2001 United States Supreme Court decision in "Earls v. Board of Education of Tecumseh Public Schools," upholding random drug testing for students participating in extracurricular activities. Discusses implications for school policy and practice. (Contains 15 references.) (PKP)

A number of cases have been litigated challenging the basic administrative right of a board of education to close a school. The suits are discussed based on the nature of the challenge against the school board. (MLF)

The author contends that districts should reject binding interest arbitration as a means of resolving an impasse in contract negotiations, charging that it hampers good faith bargaining, adversely affects fiscal and operational management of the school system, and diminishes the governing role of the board of education. (MJL)