Episodes

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...

In this episode, you will learn about the many legal issues that arise in school athletics related to hiring, training, support and supervision of school athletics personnel. Topics addressed include screening, social media reviews and criminal background checks for prospective new hires, ensuring that all athletics staff complete essential professional learning, ensuring that athletics staff are supported when being unfairly targeted and key aspects of supervising athletics personnel. Host - D...

This episode was provided in Partnership with Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management. Human Resources is a big term that encompasses everything school districts do in their interactions with current, prospective and even former employees. Having consistent, effective and legally compliant protocols to address all aspects of human resources is critical for all school districts. This episode will review some of the common legal issues that arise when HR protocols break down, provide tips for sound p...

This episode was provided in Partnership with Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management. What happens when staff members are directly observed by their supervisor, whether that be in the classroom, in the main office or other work settings, is a core aspect of a staff member’s evaluation. But it is not the full picture! This episode will review the many aspects of staff evaluation and accountability that go well beyond what is directly observed during a formal observation, including communications wi...

This episode was provided in Partnership with Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management. With school staffing shortages growing across the nation, it is imperative that school districts competing for staff members signal that they offer a family-friendly environment that recognizes the many pressing needs that may arise for staff members related to their families. At the same time, school staff members provide essential services and school districts need staff members to be present in order to operat...

This episode was provided in Partnership with Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management. Sexual harassment in public schools can take many forms. This episode will provide a clear definition of what constitutes sexual harassment and the legal obligations that must be addressed in response to any potential incidents. This will include a review of staff-to-staff, staff-to-student and student-to-student issues, and requirements that must be met under federal and state law, including federal Title IX, Ne...

This episode was provided in Partnership with Arthur J. Gallagher. There is a growing awareness of the importance of ensuring that all students build strong connections with trusted adults in the school setting. At the same time, it is critical that school staff members understand the importance of maintaining appropriate boundaries, in order to avoid even the appearance of an improper relationship with students. This episode will review tips for creating a Code of Conduct for staff members tha...