OSBA’s Legal Assistance Fund is turning 50!
In 2026, OSBA’s Legal Assistance Fund (LAF) will celebrate 50 years of supporting and protecting public school districts across Ohio.
Blog Slug
legal-ledger
Blog Disclaimer
NOTE: This information is designed merely to inform and alert you of recent legal developments. This blog is not a substitute for competent legal counsel and readers should not act upon this information without legal advice. If legal advice is needed with respect to a specific factual situation, readers are encouraged to seek professional assistance.
MailChimp List
e0de929d7c
Taking the oath of office
Under state law, a school board member must take an oath of office before entering upon the duties of their office. Recently, many school districts across the state received public records requests for copies of the oaths of office for current board members.
Sixth Circuit Court examines First Amendment concerns raised by pronoun usage in schools
In a decision issued earlier this month, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals concluded that disciplining students for using biological pronouns rather than their classmates’ preferred pronouns violates the First Amendment. The case, Defending Edn. v. Olentangy Local School Dist. Bd. of Edn., was originally brought in response to three district policies regarding harassment, bullying and the use of personal communication devices.
Mastering the gavel: Parliamentary procedure for school boards
In this Legal Ledger Sidebar, Jennie Hardin and Sara Clark discuss some of the basics of parliamentary procedure, a key tool for a board president when guiding the board through its agenda. The discussion covers topics such as types of motions, managing amendments, and revisiting the board’s prior decisions.
Sixth Circuit upholds district’s ban on “Let’s Go Brandon” apparel
Earlier this month, the U.S.
School bus safety grant application window open
The biennial budget adopted by the Ohio General Assembly this summer became effective on Sept. 30.
Are your district websites and apps accessible under the ADA?
In April 2024, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a new rule that sets technical requirements for school districts and other state and local governments to follow to make sure their websites and mobile apps are accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Federal appellate court allows OCR layoffs to move forward
On Sept. 29, the First Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision that will allow the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) to move forward with its reduction in force (RIF) of employees who worked in the Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
Serving English learners
In August, the US Department of Education (USDOE) rescinded a 2015 Dear Colleague letter that described how state and local education agencies could meet their obligations to serve children who are English learners.