
Hosted by NJPSA/FEA · EN

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 Outreach, FEA Guest - Patrick Kissane, President of NJ Association of School Resource Officers

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 players.Host - David Nash, Esq., Director of Legal Education and National Outreach, FEA Guest - Kathy McCutcheon, MSN, RN, NCSN, Lecturer, Rutgers School of Nursing- Camden, School Nurse Program, Member, New Jersey State School Nurse Association

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 Youth Coordinator, New Jersey Prevention Network

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 and Training Specialist, New Jersey Prevention Network

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 suspected of being under the influence, and the broader role of the principal in addressing substance use education, prevention, and response.Host - David Nash, Esq., Director of Legal Education and National Outreach, FEA Guests - Robert Schwartz, Esq., NJPSA Chief Legal Counsel and John Farinella, Esq., NJPSA Legal Counsel and former high school principal

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 clarity on legal obligations related to addressing student health issues, dealing with student behavior issues, working with private bus companies and ensuring proper training and information sharing.Host: David Nash, Esq., Director of Legal Education and National Outreach, Foundation for Educational AdministrationGuests: Janine S. Byrnes, President, New Jersey School Transportation Supervisors Association; Sandra Jacques, Esq., LL.M, Assistant Director of Legal Education, Foundation for Educational Administration

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 short term as part of the larger effort to reimagine staff evaluation going forward. Listeners will learn about ongoing legal obligations related to staff evaluation and progressive supervision, key changes in effect for the 2025-26, and potential changes under consideration for the future.Host: David Nash, Esq., Director of Legal Education and National Outreach, Foundation for Educational AdministrationGuest: Karen Bingert, Executive Director, New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association

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 legal obligations in the DEI realm related to supporting students and other key stakeholders, gain clarity on the impact of recent Presidential Executive Orders and federal guidance, and learn where the law has changed related to DEI.Host: David Nash, Esq., Director of Legal Education and National Outreach, Foundation for Educational AdministrationGuests: George Guy, Director of Elementary Education, Cherry Hill Public Schools; Rebecca Gold, LEGAL ONE Consultant and former Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources

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 supporting, and the legal right to access a public education regardless of citizenship status. The episode also provides a clear explanation of the difference between Presidential Executive Orders, federal laws and Constitutional obligations. Host: David Nash, Esq., Director of Legal Education and National Outreach, Foundation for Educational AdministrationGuest: JoAnne Negrin, Ed.D., Chief Operating Officer, Language & Literacy Associates for Multilingual and Multicultural Education (LLAMAME), LLC.