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
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
