Strengthening and Protecting District Finances by Implementing Reserve PlansJan 29th, 2026
by Marya Al Khoury

Strengthening and Protecting District Finances by Implementing Reserve Plans

Reserve plans play a major role in supporting a school district’s long term financial planning and secure financial standing. Creating reserve funds is a way to plan ahead and incrementally save money for expected future events. Reserve funds help mitigate the financial impact of major, nonrecurring or unforeseen expenditures of a school district’s operating budget.

New York Updates Teacher Tenure Rules and AreasJan 29th, 2026
by Wendy K. DeWind

New York Updates Teacher Tenure Rules and Areas

In June 2025, the New York State Education Department and Board of Regents proposed changes to teacher tenure rules and tenure areas. The changes to the tenure areas became effective October 22, 2025. These changes aim to modernize classifications and streamline the tenure process for public school teachers. Additionally, several tenure areas have been removed. All of these changes apply only to new probationary appointments; existing tenure status remains unaffected.

Changes To Reorganizational Meeting Scheduling Requirements And Other Upcoming Calendar Issues For School DistrictsDec 18th, 2025
by Cameron B. Daniels

Changes To Reorganizational Meeting Scheduling Requirements And Other Upcoming Calendar Issues For School Districts

A recent amendment to the Education Law will allow school districts more flexibility in preparing for and scheduling their annual reorganizational board meeting in July each year. Specifically, on November 21, 2025, the Governor signed Chapter Law 515, which amends several sections of the Education Law applicable to central, union free, and city school districts in the State.

The Second Circuit Clarifies Student Free Speech Rights Involving Social Media and Off Campus ConductDec 18th, 2025
by Colleen W. Heinrich

The Second Circuit Clarifies Student Free Speech Rights Involving Social Media and Off Campus Conduct

The relationship between social media, discipline, and student free speech rights continues to evolve. The Supreme Court has noted that, “in light of the special characteristics of the school environment,” a school has the right to place some limits on students’ speech beyond those that would be permissible outside of the school context.

The Importance of Pre-Referendum Contracts  With Architects and Construction ManagersNov 24th, 2025
by Elizabeth Genung

The Importance of Pre-Referendum Contracts With Architects and Construction Managers

Pre-referendum contracts for architectural and construction management services play an important role in any capital works project. While it is only a small portion of the work necessary to complete the overall construction project, the pre-referendum period sets the stage for the remainder of the project.

Recent PERB Ruling: Union Stickers On School Property Not Protected By Taylor LawNov 24th, 2025
by Allison L. Marley

Recent PERB Ruling: Union Stickers On School Property Not Protected By Taylor Law

A recent New York State Public Employment Relations Board (“PERB”) decision clarified the limits of union messaging on school property. The case centered on whether placing stickers supportive of a union in school hallways and other public areas of a school building constituted protected activity under Section 209-a.1 of the New York State Civil Service Law (more commonly referred to as the “Act” or the “Taylor Law”).

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