EdCounsel Insights

Oct 31 2023

EdCounsel Insights Podcast artwork

This podcast features host Duane Martin and other members of the EdCounsel team, who provide the latest updates on legal issues facing Missouri public schools. In each episode, the host will take a current legal topic and provide practical insights into how to manage the legal risks and compliance issues related to that topic. In January 2014, four school attorneys left the school law practice at former firms to found a completely different type of law firm – one whose sole purpose is to serve Missouri public school districts. EdCounsel is now a team of 12 attorneys who are dedicated to public schools and public school leaders.

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Episode 57: The General Assembly’s Oversight: Sex Segregated Restrooms in Missouri Public Schools

Oct 31 2023 13 mins

Some former and current legislators argue that school districts should pass policies requiring sex segregated school restrooms. The Missouri Human Rights Act prohibits segregation in public accommodations, including restrooms, on the basis of sex. This prohibition is broad enough to allow for claims that males cannot be excluded from female restrooms and vice versa. As long as this

Episode 56: Reorganization Meeting Nuts and Bolts

Mar 27 2023 30 mins

In this episode, Duane and Emily talk through the legal parameters and mechanics of board reorganization meetings.

Episode 55: Closed Session Curiosities

Mar 17 2023 21 mins

In this episode, Duane talks through some of the quirky procedural issues and common misperceptions associated with conducting closed sessions of the Board of Education.

Episode 54: Who Should Be Board President Anyway?

Mar 09 2023 16 mins

With Board reorganizations coming up next month, it is time to think about who should be your Board president. In this episode, Duane discusses the role of the Board President and general areas of responsibilities—all things to consider as you elect your new President.

Episode 53: Non-Renewal of Teacher and Principal Contracts

Feb 24 2023 25 mins

In this episode, Duane discusses the non-renewal of contracts for probationary teachers and principals, including common missteps and pitfalls.

Episode 52: Board Candidate Financial Interest Statements

Jan 13 2023 26 mins

In this episode, Duane and Emily discuss the requirements for board candidates surrounding personal financial disclosures, sometimes called financial interest statements. Emily and Duane talk through some of the confusing points associated with the filing requirements, as well as filing requirements for sitting board members.

Episode 51: Amendment 3: The Short-Term Impacts for Schools

Nov 22 2022 32 mins

With the passage of Amendment 3 legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, many school leaders are wondering what the impact, at least in the short term, will be for Missouri schools. In this episode, Emily and Duane discuss how Amendment 3 is likely to affect Missouri schools in the short term and identify some of the issues that school leaders should consider at this juncture.

Episode 50: Election Day and Schools: Polling Place Parameters and More

Oct 28 2022 26 mins

In this episode, Duane and Tom talk through general election issues for schools on election day. We discuss the ins and outs of schools as polling places, employee leave to vote, and other general election day issues that impact Missouri public schools.

Episode 49: MOCAP Update for School Leaders: A Conversation with DESE’s Dr. Marlie Williams

Oct 19 2022 30 mins

In this episode, Duane talks with Dr. Marlie Williams, DESE’s Virtual Learning Administrator, regarding changes to the MOCAP program, as well as guidance and resources for resident district school leaders.

Episode 48: Avoiding Accidental School Board Meetings

Sep 23 2022 14 mins

By email, text messaging or in-person, Board members can rather easily but unintentionally engage in a “meeting” under the law. In this episode, Duane talks through the Sunshine Law issues that can come up when board members confer about school-related topics outside of regularly scheduled meetings.