Episodes

In this episode, listeners will learn about the legal framework that must be followed when responding to school staff member requests for accommodations, including key legal considerations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504. The episode will include a review of the interactive process that school districts must follow and examples of incidents where employees made unreasonable requests, as well as examples where districts failed to act reasonably. Listeners will also learn...

In this episode, listeners will learn about the legal framework that must be followed when responding to school staff member requests for accommodations, including key legal considerations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504. The episode will include a review of the interactive process that school districts must follow and examples of incidents where employees made unreasonable requests, as well as examples where districts failed to act reasonably. Listeners will also learn...

In this episode, listeners will learn about the importance of working with students to explore potential solutions to important issues. That includes getting student input on how to talk with students about issues such as substance use and student mental health, and how to get student buy-in for major changes in state law, including implementation of the new law on internet-enabled devices. In short, this episode is focused on the value of student voice in helping to craft solutions and get stud...

In this episode, participants will learn about the importance of listening to students on a wide range of issues in order to identify potential health and safety hazards, understand emerging trends related to topics such as substance use and mental health, and serve as a reality check to assess the real world impact of district policies, protocols and practices. Host - David Nash, Esq., Director of Legal Education and National Outreach, Foundation for Educational Administration Guests - Rebecc...

In this episode, listeners will learn about the major legal issues that occur when communications break down between school officials and parents of students with disabilities, and strategies for effectively navigating areas of potential disagreement and promoting collaboration. Topics discussed include addressing child find obligations, collaborating with parents in developing, reviewing and revising IEPs, addressing student behavioral issues and recognizing the unique perspective, expertise an...

In this episode, listeners learn about the key areas where disputes are most likely to arise between parents and school districts related to student behavior and bullying, the potential legal ramifications when those disputes occur and escalate, strategies for deescalating and resolving issues, and key steps for building trusting relationships with parents and promoting a positive school climate. Listeners will learn how to apply the LIGHT System, an innovative framework for effectively communic...

This episode focuses on raising awareness about the environmental and health issues that arise related to the handling of disposable vapes, the current state and federal laws that address handling and disposal of these products, and current guidelines that are available to help guide schools in addressing this complex issue. Host - David Nash, Esq., Director of Legal Education and National Outreach, FEA Guests - Maya Shenoy, MPH, NCNTT, Program Manager at the Southern NJ Perinatal Cooperative;...

In this episode, listeners will learn about the key legal requirements to provide Arts Education in New Jersey Schools. Listeners will gain information about the benefits that a School District and its students gain in areas including Special Education, reducing chronic student absenteeism, improving graduation rates and academic success, improving school climate and culture, mental health benefits, improving student communication skills, providing inclusive environments open to all students, pr...

This episode focuses on understanding the evolution of the tobacco industry’s efforts to target minors and promote tobacco use, the resources available through the Institute for Nicotine and Tobacco Studies to assist school districts and others throughout the nation, and lessons learned from prior successes in addressing tobacco use among youth. Host - David Nash, Esq., Director of Legal Education and National Outreach, FEA Guest - Kevin Schroth, Esq., Associate Professor in the Department of ...

This episode focuses on the evolving trends related to use of tobacco products by students, effective strategies for working with youth at the grassroots level, relevant legal obligations for school officials, and a review of a comprehensive toolkit developed by New Jersey Prevention Network and LEGAL ONE. Host - David Nash, Esq., Director of Legal Education and National Outreach, FEA Guests - Diane Litterer, Executive Director, New Jersey Prevention Network; Carlo Favretto, Statewide Youth Co...

In this episode, listeners will learn about the key legal requirements that must be addressed when schools and law enforcement work together to address student substance use and related issues. Listeners will gain insights into key aspects of the Memorandum of Agreement between Education and Law Enforcement and learn key strategies for ensuring the most effective possible working relationship between schools and law enforcement. Host - David Nash, Esq., Director of Legal Education and National ...

In this episode, listeners will learn about the critical functions served by the Student Assistance Coordinator (SAC) in New Jersey schools, and how the SAC plays a key role in promoting a comprehensive drug and alcohol counseling program and promoting student wellness. Host - David Nash, Esq., Director of Legal Education and National Outreach, FEA Guest - Lori Roland, LPC, LCADC, Student Assistance Coordinator, Brick Township High School

In this episode, listeners will learn about the essential role of the school nurse in addressing student substance use and the related health issues that arise. The broad scope of responsibilities of the school nurse will be reviewed. Key aspects of how the school nurse works closely with other key stakeholders, including the school principal, Student Assistance Coordinator, parents and students, will be highlighted, along with strategies for building strong connections with those other key play...

In this episode, listeners will learn about some of the innovative ways that schools can effectively engage with students and parents to address substance use prevention. Listeners will learn about the New Jersey Prevention Network’s extensive work with students and school leaders and key strategies for building a strong network of student leaders and working closely with families. Host - David Nash, Esq., Director of Legal Education and National Outreach, FEA Guest - Carlo Favretto, Statewide...

In this episode, listeners will learn about some of the emerging trends regarding student substance use and how to remain informed about the ever changing nature of student substance use. Listeners will hear valuable insights from an experienced school leader about how to build a culture of trust and respect that enhances information sharing and helps promote student safety. Host - David Nash, Esq., Director of Legal Education and National Outreach, FEA Guest - Bob Mikos, Program Development a...

In this episode, listeners will learn about the legal requirements that must be followed when there is reason to believe that a student may be under the influence of alcohol or a controlled dangerous substance. Listeners will learn about the landmark New Jersey case, In Re Graceffo, and the relevant statutes that address this issue. Participants will also learn about the related legal considerations that the school principal needs to consider in addressing both the imminent issue of a student su...

Safely transporting students to and from school, school events, and school field trips can be a complex endeavor, and raises the potential for numerous health and safety concerns. In this episode, listeners will learn about major changes in New Jersey law that have been enacted in recent years, existing state and federal requirements, the rights of parents to direct what happens at student dismissal and new options available for addressing the shortage of bus drivers. The episode will provide cl...

Meaningful and effective evaluation systems are a critical element of a high quality public school system. But while our society and the demands on our schools have rapidly transformed in recent years, our staff evaluation systems have often remained stuck in a prior 20th century model. In this episode, listeners will hear about steps that are being taken in the State of New Jersey to reenvision staff evaluation, and the important changes to staff evaluation that are being implemented in the sho...

School districts are charged with ensuring a safe, affirming environment for all students, staff members and families, that embraces and celebrates the rich diversity of all stakeholders, with treating students, parents and staff in an equitable manner, and with ensuring an inclusive school environment. This represents not only the ethically right thing to do, but also reflects long-standing legal obligations under both federal and state law. In this episode, listeners will learn about specific ...

School districts need to consider a wide range of unique student issues and comply with state and federal law when it comes to meeting the needs of students who are multilingual learners (MLs). In this episode, listeners will gain an understanding of legal requirements to provide MLs with sound, research-based educational programs, the requirement to effectively communicate with parents/guardians in their native language, the value and legal necessity to take an “assets based” approach to suppor...

In light of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor (June 27, 2025) it is critical for school districts to understand their ongoing legal obligations related to addressing gender identity and sexual orientation. In this episode, listeners will learn about key aspects of the Mahmoud decision and how that decision impacts parental rights related to religious expression and opting their children out of certain classroom lessons in grades K-5. The episode also includes a review of ongoi...

As the Artificial Intelligence revolution continues to transform all aspects of our society, school districts need to understand their evolving legal obligations. In this episode, listeners will learn about new federal and New Jersey laws addressing deepfake technology, including new civil and criminal penalties, and new tools for working with social media platforms to remove harmful content. The episode also includes a discussion of key legal considerations as school districts develop their pol...

In this episode you will learn about the key legal principles that must be followed related to budgeting and handling athletics funds and working with vendors. This includes a discussion of properly handling gate receipts, following the School Ethics Act in all dealings with private vendors, and the importance of the business administrator and athletic director working together to implement strong internal budget controls. Listeners will hear about a major incident involving dozens of school dis...

In this episode, you will learn about the key elements of sportsmanship that must be followed at all school athletic events and the many foreseeable legal issues that may arise when sportsmanship breaks down. Topics addressed include proactively educating staff, student athletes, parents, and spectators about the expectations for appropriate behavior, the legal obligations that arise when misbehavior occurs and strategizing for responding to incidents that occur. Host - David Nash, Esq., Direct...