Description
Book SynopsisThis handbook has been designed for a tool to be utilized by administrators currently in the field, those new and seasoned administrators who may be beginning their first year as a chief school administrator, Board of Education Trustees looking to examine the role of the school superintendent as chief school administrator, and those graduate students in educational leadership courses who are working within lectures to bridge the theory into practice as they prepare for leadership roles and standardized licensing exams that require a formidable knowledge of the world of the chief school administrator. As a proponent of having a strong knowledge base as it pertains to the broad scope of the core principals of child law and administrative policies in dealing with the day-to-day interactions of the Office, each chapter provides the reader with insight into an integral process pertinent to a topic paramount to the success of any leader who has elevated, or aspires as such, to the role of sc
Trade ReviewThe text from Dr. Tomko on child law, policy, and the superintendent is a handbook that can be beneficial to both current and aspiring leaders in educational administration. Dr. Tomko's intended scholarship and topics will add to the professional literature that currently exists and can be used as a supplemental text for students and professionals considering the school superintendent role in the future. -- Andres A. Alonso, Former Professor of Practice, Harvard University Graduate School of Education, Chief Education Officer of the Baltimore City School District, Deputy Chancellor for the New York City Department of Education
Dr. Richard Tomko has authored a handbook for educational leaders that focuses on child law, policy, and the superintendency. As a former superintendent of schools for over 12 years, and a professor for over 10 years at Seton Hall University in the field of Education, Leadership, Management and Policy, I believe that this handbook is relevant and timely to meet the changing landscape of public education in the United States. As a past president of the New Jersey Association of School Administrators, I will seek to use Dr. Tomko's Handbook in our Superintendent Mentoring Program. The application of this resource will benefit the aspiring superintendent as well as the seasoned professional. -- Michael D. Kuchar, Superintendent of Schools; Past President New Jersey Association of School Administrators
Child, Law, Policy and the School Superintendent: A Necessary Partnership is mandatory reading for Chief School Administrators and Board of Education members. The practical and succinct information provided is invaluable for everyone within our great profession. I regret that I did not have access to Dr. Tomko’s insights earlier in my career. There is no question that all who ultimately are responsible for the education and welfare of students shall prosper from this gifted writer. Mark J. Finkelstein Superintendent, The Educational Services Commission of New Jersey Past President, New Jersey School Boards Association Past President, New Jersey Association of School Administrators -- Mark J. Finkelstein, Superintendent, The Educational Services Commission of New Jersey
Dr. Richard Tomko’s handbook for educational leaders is a must for aspiring as well as established superintendents. Child law and policy are subjects that confront every educational professional on a daily basis. This handbook has a place on my bookshelf right next to my copy of the Department of Education’s Administrative Code. It is a new “go to” text. Patrick Fletcher Superintendent of Schools Past President, New Jersey Association of School Administrators -- Patrick Fletcher, Superintendent of Schools, Past President, New Jersey Association of School Administrators
Dr. Tomko has used his experience as a successful superintendent of schools to provide insight into those areas of administration that are not well known to aspiring chief school administrators but are extremely important to those professionals new to the office. The sections of the book that are dedicated to audits specific to the financial and governance issues in any district are vital for those administrators looking to make a seamless transition to a new district as its superintendent of schools. Thomas P. Egan State Monitor, New Jersey Department of Education Special Agent - U.S. Department of Treasury (ret.) -- Thomas P. Egan,
All students of educational policy, school law, or school leadership should consider reading Dr. Richard Tomko’s “Handbook for Educational Leaders.” There are few educational leaders in the State who have as much understanding of the practical impact that school laws and policy have on the operation of schools as Dr. Tomko. His thorough grasp of this material comes through in every chapter of the Handbook, which will undoubtedly become an essential text for all aspiring educational leaders. Jonathan M. Busch, J.D., M.A. Public School Board Attorney -- Jonathan M. Busch, J.D., M.A.
Not quite a textbook or a how-to manual, Child Law, Policy, and the School Superintendent: A Necessary Partnership, will be one of those books kept near at hand on the desk or the shelf behind the desk! Practicing superintendents will want to refresh their memories, check something that will be sent in print. New and aspiring superintendents will want the book close at hand so they can be confident that their experiences are not unique to themselves. They will have a mentor-in-print as they traverse the requirements and exigencies of a new position. Rich Tomko shares lessons learned drawn from his extensive and diverse experiences as a superintendent. The tone of the book is collegial and helpful. The advice is given as though he was called on the phone by a colleague who wants to talk over something or to see what he thinks. Aspiring, new, nearly new, and experienced superintendents will find Child Law, Policy, and the School Superintendent: A Necessary Partnership an investment in their knowledge and competence. Sr. Remigia Kushner, CSJ Director, Educational Leadership Programs Manhattan College -- Sister Remigia Kushner, School Leadership Program, Manhattan College, School Leadership Program, Manhattan College
Table of ContentsForeword Preface Acknowledgements Chapter 1: The Chief School Administrator What is a Superintendent/Chief School Administrator? Take a Deep Breath I.N.S.I.S.T. Protocol Perception, Law, and the Student: “Are the buildings safe?” New to the District The Cabinet Certification Writing a Job Description Being Politically Savvy (not Political) Working with your Board Utilizing Your Board Attorney The Legal Opinion Utilizing Your Association Attorney Liability Insurance Establishing the “Chain of Command” Know the Code of Ethics Update Trustees with Legal and Personnel Matters Diffuse a Board Meeting Issue Before it’s Public Summary and Future Considerations Chapter 2: Education Law and Policy Board Policy Affirmative Action Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) Title I Section 504 Compulsory Attendance, Truancy, and Homeschooling Truancy Homeschooling Opting Out of Federal Assessments Court Related Case Summary: HIB (Hector F. v. El Centro Elementary School District) Court Related Case Summary: Compulsory Education (Jonathan L. v. Superior Court of Los Angeles) Summary and Future Considerations Chapter 3: Child Welfare and Policy Confidentiality and the Rights of a Minor HIPAA FERPA Supreme Court Related Case Summary: FERPA (Owasso Independent School District No. I-011, aka Owasso Public Schools, et al. v. Falvo, parent and next friend of her minor children, Pletan, et al. FERPA Quiz Summary and Future Considerations Chapter 4: Juvenile Justice Law and Policy Criminalizing School Behavior: School to Prison Pipeline Student Threats and Preventative Discipline Threats to Teachers Weapons in School: Zero Tolerance Students and Drugs School Safety Teams Student Walkouts Court Related Case Summary: First Amendment (Cuff v. Valley Central School District) Summary and Future Considerations Chapter 5: Family Law and Policy In Loco Parentis vs. Parens Patriae Division of Youth and Family Services (Child and Protective Services) Divorce and Custody McKinney-Vento Act (Homeless Children/Families) Summary and Future Considerations Chapter 6: Mental Health Law and Children Summary and Future Considerations Chapter 7: Children’s Health Law and Policy Life-threatening Food Allergies Immunizations Court Related Case Summary: Immunizations (United States Court of Appeals, Second Circuit) Summary and Future Considerations Chapter 8: Resources for Child Assistance Tragedy Mental Health Organizations Summary and Future Considerations Chapter 9: Writing Correspondence and Future Legal Considerations Be Direct Be Timely Write to Your Audience Be Reassuring Local Authorities, Bodies, and Organizations Provide Resources (Websites) Provide Legal Research/Policies Languages Spelling/Grammar Check Attorney Review Chapter 10: “I’m Not Responsible, but I am to Blame” Crisis Pans Test Breaches Mandatory Professional Development Reporting Abuse NCAA Clearinghouse Cash Late Reporting (grants, etc.) Board Policy “Hey, how long has that mound of soil been there?” Lead, and Asbestos, and Mold, Oh My! Audits and Corrective Actions Protecting Students and Hiring Employees Chapter 11: How to Pass a Referendum for Construction Projects Political Atmosphere Hiring a Consultant Parent Meetings Q & A with Legal Counsel, Bond Counsel, and Architects Literature Follow Board Policies on Electioneering Meet with Special Interest Groups Website Email for Questions and Answers Multiple Languages Host Building Tours Endnotes About the Author Index
