LM Summer2020_hi

LegalCorner

Back-To-School Legal Guidance

Chad Watkins IASA Associate Director/General Counsel As State Superintendent Dr. Carmen Ayala said, the return of school will not be “business as usual.” To help school leaders navigate these uncertain times, IASA is partnering with leading law firms throughout Illinois to provide districts with critical guidance during the 2020–21 school year. In every issue of Leadership Matters , the IASA Legal Corner will showcase an article, sometimes several articles, written by attorneys who specialize in legal matters related to education. We’ll also begin a monthly legal issues podcast to discuss some of your most vital concerns. It is our hope

you find the content insightful, timely and helpful in addressing the critical matters you face. In this first issue, we share three articles related to employment, collective bargaining, and student mental health and issues. Thank you to Guin Mundorf, LLC, Miller, Tracy, Braun, Funk & Miller, Ltd. and Franczek P.C. for contributing this month. As a reminder, the articles are provided for informational purposes only, and you are advised to contact your district counsel for legal advice. Click on the links to access the articles.

Navigating Employment Issues During COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic raises a myriad of potential legal issues pertaining to employees. Guin Mundorf LLC writes how school leaders need to be aware of new federal leave entitlements and how the changes will impact school districts.

Collective Bargaining During COVID-19 The greatest obstacle to safe and effective implementation of any reopening plan is a poor relationship with staffing groups. Miller, Tracy, Braun, Funk & Miller, Ltd. writes about keys to bargaining and shares a checklist to use during negotiations.

COVID-Related Student Mental HealthQuestions Medical experts advise schools should be prepared to provide school-based mental health services to all students. Franczek P.C. writes about five key questions school leaders need to consider to avoid exposing their districts to liability while addressing student mental health.

9 LM Summer 2020