Written by Paul T. O’Neill, this March 23, 2020 Coronavirus (COVID-19) education update provides a current status of all U.S. federal and New York state guidance for school districts, charter schools and private schools. FEDERAL Supplemental Fact Sheet on Special Education…
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Dept. of Education Allows States to Waive Standardized Tests – Impact on Massachusetts Schools
On March 20, 2020, Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, announced that states can bypass standardized testing for the 2019-2020 school year due to COVID-19. States that are unable to assess their students due to COVID-19 are invited to submit a…
Coronavirus (COVID-19): New Federal Guidance for Online Therapy and Telehealth
Since moving to shut down their normal operations in response the coronavirus health emergency, many schools and districts have moved to online operations. That has led to a range of challenges, including some relating to the confidentiality of student information….
Coronavirus (COVID-19): A Message to our Clients and Friends
Based upon the most current information from public health experts concerning the response to the COVID-19 virus outbreak, and in keeping with recommendations and/or requirements issued by federal, state and local authorities, Barton Gilman is committed to doing everything possible…
Coronavirus (COVID-19): DOs and DON’Ts for Massachusetts Employers
The following Coronavirus (COVID-19) considerations for Massachusetts employers reflects the state and federal government’s guidance as of Monday morning, March 16, 2020. DO Apply preventive and response measures uniformly to all employees. Consider flexible work arrangements, including work-from-home or other…
Coronavirus (COVID-19): DOs and DON’Ts for Rhode Island Employers
The following Coronavirus (COVID-19) considerations for Rhode Island employers reflects the state and federal government’s guidance as of Monday morning, March 16, 2020. DO Apply preventive and response measures uniformly to all employees. Consider flexible work arrangements, including work-from-home or…
Update on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Considerations Relating to NY Charter Schools
The following Coronavirus (COVID-19) update for New York Charter Schools reflects where things stand as of March 15, 2020 at 10:00 p.m. NYC CLOSING DISTRICT SCHOOLS As you may be aware, Mayor De Blasio has just announced that public schools…
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Temporary Changes to the Massachusetts Open Meetings Law
On March 12, 2020, Governor Baker issued an Executive Order suspending certain portions of the Open Meeting Law during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus)-related state of emergency. Specifically, as of March 12, 2020, your Boards and all sub-committees may take the following…
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Education Law Dos and Don’ts for Schools
Managing the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and maintaining compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). DO Notify your local health department immediately upon learning that a member of your school community may…
RI Supreme Court Clarifies Treatment of Distributions to “S” Corporation Shareholders For Child Support Calculations
In general, child support obligations are determined by applying the parties’ respective gross monthly income, less certain mandatory deductions, into a formula and guidelines adopted pursuant to administrative order. However, what on its face appears to be a matter of…
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The Education Reform Primer: Career and Technical Education (CTE) – From Agriculture to STEAM
Employment Law Blog: Massachusetts Legislature Passes Non-Compete Reform Bill
by Greg Vanden-Eykel After nearly a decade of debate, the Massachusetts legislature passed a non-compete and trade secrets reform bill in the final hours of the 2018 session. If Governor Baker signs the bill into law, which is anticipated on…
Education Blog: New Responsibilities for Massachusetts Educational Institutions Regarding Student Suicide
by Edward D. Shoulkin and Greg Vanden-Eykel Amid the rising tide of suicides on college campuses across the country, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has recognized that colleges and universities have a “special relationship” with their students in certain circumstances and,…