Learn how to navigate challenges facing today’s schools. Why Attend? Harris Beach education law attorneys and consultants will provide real-world, practical tips and answer questions to help you navigate thorny issues and the nuances unique to schools.

Special Education Master Class & General Session will run concurrently from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 pm.


General Session: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.


Safety First: The Legal Side of School Security Initiatives

Even with the best of intentions, there are important considerations in using school resource officers, armed security and video surveillance. Considerations include contracts, hiring in-house vs. contracting with third parties, and medical and psychological qualifications for the carrying of guns as well as preparing for and responding to community reaction, providing appropriate surveillance notice, complying with FERPA requirements and retaining records.

Employee Mental Health: Reasonable Accommodations, Medical Inquiries and Leave Entitlements

School districts have received an increasing number of requests from employees seeking accommodations for mental health issues.  We will discuss what districts may do in response to such requests under relevant state and federal disability laws, as well as Education Law Section 913.

The Changing Legal Landscape of Sexual Harassment Prevention in the Educational Setting

We’ve seen a significant increase in harassment claims with many types of employers. We’ll discuss best practices and the interplay of Title IX, the New York’s Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) and other pertinent laws and regulations with regard to sexual harassment prevention in the educational setting.

Assessing Administrative and Instructional Support Needs

This session will review the importance of regularly assessing a school district’s administrative and instructional support needs focused on student development and the improvement of student achievement. A suggested protocol for this assessment will demonstrate how to examine a school district’s current organization and benchmark with similar districts. We’ll also offer options to improve a district’s overall effectiveness and efficiency. Lastly, we’ll take a close look at how a review of the human resource function can be a critical part of this assessment and can be a proactive way to protect the organization from litigation while simultaneously supporting student learning and professional development.


Special Education Master Class 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.


Learn about the most complicated and challenging issues in special education, including:

  • Homebound instruction considerations for students with mental health needs
  • Addressing students at risk of committing school violence
  • Placement dilemmas: Procedures for moving students to more restrictive settings
  • When to provide specialized reading instruction as an IEP service
  • CSE and Section 504 responsibilities for non-resident students attending your schools
  • Assistive technology: How much is enough?

Who should attend?

  • Superintendents
  • Business Officials
  • Human Resource Directors
  • Principals, Assistant Principals
  • Chief Information Officers, IT Personnel
  • Special Education Personnel
  • Pupil Service Personnel

Don’t miss this informative, complimentary seminar! Register by February 22, 2019. Questions? Email them to Courtney Lusk at clusk@harrisbeach.com.

If we experience inclement weather, there will be a snow date on Thursday, March 7, 2019.