Reviews a recent Supreme Court decision reaffirming the court's stand on school prayer. The ruling resolves important issues concerning religious activity in public schools but does not address the constitutionality of moment of silence provisions. (MD)

An administrator offers seven areas of advice for school officials to follow to lessen the chances of litigation and increase the chances of prevailing in court if lawsuits are filed against them. (MD)

For school systems, the Tax Reform Act of 1986 increased the relative cost of borrowing and put greater limits on investment opportunities. Offers tips to help school boards ask the right questions to take advantage of all possible opportunities. (MLF)

The recent "Garcia" holding by the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals federalized students' constitutional rights against excessive corporal punishment under the 14th Amendment's due process clause. Major issues raised by the Supreme Court's 1977 "Ingraham v. Wright" decision are thereby resolved. School boards should review…

Administrative and judicial legalism puts pressure on local schools and narrows the scope of local decision-making. Presents the negative effects it has on the development of administrative leadership. (MD)

Provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) are putting pressure on schools. Last year, schools were only required to show gains for entire grade levels. This year, all states must also show specified improvement in various subgroups. Provides five examples. The National Education Association plans to file a lawsuit over the unfounded…

After a 20-year fight, advocates in New Jersey get a mandate for seat belts on school buses, and the controversial law could spark a new national trend. Half of the states have pending legislation on seat belts for school buses. Summarizes the arguments for and against seat belts. (MLF)

Some board members may not have considered whether e-mail is subject to state statutes ensuring that public business is done publicly. E-mail has great potential for exposing a district to liability. Sample open-meeting and/or public-record laws from several states, including California, Florida, and Virginia, are discussed. (MLH)

A recent Pennsylvania case, "Student Coalition for Peace v. Lower Merion School District Board of Directors," has established the principle that outsiders who are not invited by student groups have no right of access to school facilities under the Equal Access Act. (TE)

Considers recent issues of school law and implications for local districts: the right of untenured school employees on short-term contracts to property interest in continued employment ("Vail vs. Board of Education"), and the constitutionality of public display of religious symbols at Christmas ("Lynch vs. Donnelly"). (JW)

This article urges districts to meet federal regulations and protect students and staff from hazardous asbestos and reviews medical risks, compliance procedures, costs of asbestos removal, consequences of noncompliance, legal ramifications, and contacts for further information. (MJL)

Sound technology policies can spell the difference between an effective website and an online nightmare. An effective web development policy addresses six key areas: roles and responsibilities, content/educational value, privacy and safety, adherence to copyright laws, technical standards, and use of commercial sites and services. (MLH)

If a state legislature sets a higher standard for individualized education programs, it must be met to receive federal special-education funding. However, an Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals decision in a case involving an autistic boy threatens to weaken IDEA's authorization of higher state standards. (MLH)

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) gives employees the right to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave a year for medical or family reasons. Provides key provisions of FMLA as they apply to schools and advises districts to consult school attorneys to help ensure compliance with the act and with the interim regulations issued last summer. (MLF)

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that all school programs be accessible. School districts can make informed decisions about what and where to make ADA renovations by consulting with knowledgeable contractors and architects. Experts recommend that districts do what is doable and affordable now. Cites information sources. (MLF)