Chalkboard Newsletters Archive
Chalkboard 2022
Chalkboard 2022 Issue 2 (Download PDF)
June 2022
By: M Scott Major, , and Adam T. Heavin
- Pain and Concussion as “Serious Bodily Injury” under the IDEA’s 45-Day Removal Provisions;
- Spring Supreme Court Roundup;
- RFR News
Chalkboard 2022 Issue 1
(Download PDF)
March 2022
By: Alison A. Parker, Adam S. Breipohl, and
- What Should I Read Next? The Rise in Challenges of Optional Reading Materials in School Libraries;
- Dealing with Subpoenas Requiring School Employees to Appear in Court;
- Therapy Visits and the FMLA;
- RFR News
Chalkboard 2021
Chalkboard 2021 Issue 2 (Download PDF)
September 2021
By: M Scott Major, Adam S. Breipohl, and
- “Oh, Snap(chat)!” High Court Shakes Up Tinker Regarding Off-Campus Speech;
- Options to Address Disruptions of Board Meetings;
- More Skirts, More Problems: Are Dress Codes Subject to Title IX?
Chalkboard 2021 Issue 1 (Download PDF)
March 2021
By: M Scott Major, , and Adam S. Breipohl
- Is Your District Providing Religious Instruction During School? Personal Liability Looms;
- Technology and School Speech: Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District Revisited;
- U.S. Copyright Office Guidelines for Reproduction of Copyrighted Works by Educators;
- Rosenstein, Fist & Ringold is pleased to announce that Brian J. Kuester, Emily C. Krukowski, and Samanthia S. Marshall have joined the firm.
Chalkboard 2020
Chalkboard 2020 Issue 6 (Download PDF)
November 2020
- School Safety Clearinghouse Available for Districts to Assist in the Prevention, Mitigation, and Response to Emergency Situations;
- Friendly Lawsuit? Prior Year Fiscal Limitations and Teacher Underpayment
Chalkboard 2020 Issue 5 (Download PDF)
October 2020
- CDL Drivers and Drug Testing: The FMCSA Clearinghouse;
- Q&A to clarify requirements under 2020 Title IX regulations released by OCR
Chalkboard 2020 Issue 4 (Download PDF)
September 2020
By: M Scott Major
- Serving Medically Fragile Students During COVID-19;
- Compliance with RAY BAUM’s Act and 9-1-1 Dispatchable Locations
Chalkboard 2020 Issue 3 (Download PDF)
August 2020
By: M Scott Major and Adam S. Breipohl
- When Charity Begins at School - Avoiding Unconstitutional Gifts;
- Access to School Facilities by Service Animal Trainers
Chalkboard 2020 Issue 2 (Download PDF)
May 2020
By: , Adam S. Breipohl, and M Scott Major
- The CARES Act and Student Loans: How the CARES Act Affects Garnishments related to Student Loans,
- Providing Payroll Taxes and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, and
- EEOC Provides COVID-19 Guidance Concerning Anti-Discrimination Laws
Chalkboard 2020 Issue 1 (Download PDF)
January 2020
By: M Scott Major and Adam S. Breipohl
- Changes to Probationary Teacher Status Take Effect This Year;
- Providing Assessment Reports to Parents Ahead of IEP Meetings to Ensure Parent Participation;
- Data Sharing Agreements under FERPA
Chalkboard 2019
Chalkboard 2019 Issue 8 (Download PDF)
By: and Adam S. Breipohl
- What the Constitutional Carry Bill Does (and Does Not) Change about School Weapons Policies;
- Pre-Employment Background Checks & the Fair Credit Reporting Act
Chalkboard 2019 Issue 7 (Download PDF)
By: , Adam S. Breipohl, and
- Shoes and Shirts Required: Addressing the Recent 10th Circuit Decision on Toplessness;
- Distribution of Religious Materials at School;
- OSEP Clarifies that Parent Consent Is Not Required Prior to Conducting Postsecondary Transition Assessments
Chalkboard 2019 Issue 6 (Download PDF)
By: , , and Adam S. Breipohl
- Important Reminders for Long-Term Suspensions of Special Education Students;
- Drug & Alcohol Testing for Bus Drivers Required Return to Duty & Follow-Up Testing;
- Applicants for Employment with Criminal Records;
- M. Scott Major Joins RFR as Associate Attorney.
Chalkboard 2019 Issue 5 (Download PDF)
By: Adam S. Breipohl, , and
- Employee Drug Testing Safety Sensitive Positions and Medical Marijuana;
- Setting Realistic Transition Goals for Students;
- Responding to Subpoenas for Education Records;
- 24th Annual RFR Fall School Law Update and Golf Tournament.
Chalkboard 2019 Issue 4 (Download PDF)
April 2019
By: Adam S. Breipohl and
- The Pitfalls of Temporary Teacher Contracts;
- Vapor Products Banned From Educational Facilities and Events;
- Directory Information Under FERPA.
Chalkboard 2019 Issue 3 (Download PDF)
March 2019
By: and
- Use Caution in Using the Preloaded IEP Goals in EdPlan;
- School Policy for Bed Bugs Found at School;
- Confidentiality of School Employee Records/Information;
- School District Transparency Act: Transparency Requirement for the 2019-2020 School Year.
Chalkboard 2019 Issue 2 (Download PDF)
By: , Adam S. Breipohl, , and
- 2018 Farm Bill’s Legalization of Hemp,
- Hemp Products, and Hemp CBD Oil; Technical Assistance Issued on FERPA and School Safety;
- Best Practices for Protecting School District Trademarks;
- Confidentiality of Student Records
Chalkboard 2019 Issue 1 (Download PDF)
January 2019
- Proposed Construction Management Reform: How a Proposed Bill Aims to Change the CMAR Process;
- OCR and OSERS to Oversee Initiative to Address Inappropriate Use of Restraint and Seclusion by School Districts;
- Payment of Prior Fiscal Year Debts Owed by School Districts
Chalkboard 2018
Chalkboard 2018 Issue 8 (Download PDF)
November 2018
By: Adam S. Breipohl, , , and
- School District Contractors with Past Felony or Sex Offense Convictions;
- Communications Error: The Unintentional Open Record;
- Best Practices for School Districts Regarding Employee Investigations;
- When a Manifestation Determination must be Conducted for a Student on a 504 Plan
Chalkboard 2018 Issue 7 (Download PDF)
October 2018
By: , Adam S. Breipohl, and
- The Importance of Individual Education Plans for Students;
- Responding to DHS Requests to Interview Students at School;
- Child Restraint Systems for School Bus Transportation
Chalkboard 2018 Issue 6 (Download PDF)
September 2018
By: , , , and
- Teacher Dismissal for Out-of-School Misconduct;
- LRE Requirement and Therapeutic Placements;
- New Dates for School District Board Elections;
- Employee Military Leave of Absence
Chalkboard 2018 Issue 5 (Download PDF)
August 2018
- New Administrative Rules Effective in September;
- OTRS Contributions for Temporarily Employed Retired Teachers;
- Appropriate Designation for a School Psychologist Unlicensed Under the Psychologists Licensing Act;
- New Child Abuse Reporting Obligations for School Employees;
- 2018 RFR Fall School Law Update and Golf Tournament
Chalkboard 2018 Issue 4 (Download PDF)
April 2018
By: , Adam S. Breipohl, and
- Contract Services and Fiscal Year Limitations;
- Chronic Absenteeism: Medical Exemption;
- Personal Business Leave for School District Employees;
- Field Trips and Students with Special Needs
Chalkboard 2018 Issue 3 (Download PDF)
March 2018
By: Adam S. Breipohl, , , and
- Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals in the Workplace;
- Political Speech in School Hallways;
- Coaches Exempt from Wage and Overtime Provisions of the FLSA;
- What Constitutes a Free Appropriate Public Education For Special Education Students;
- RFR Red Banner Updates
Chalkboard 2018 Issue 2 (Download PDF)
February 2018
By: , Adam S. Breipohl, and
- Leave of Absence as a Reasonable Accommodation for an Employee’s Disability Under the ADA;
- Surveillance Video Footage and the Possible Violation of State and Federal Wiretapping Statutes;
- School District Employment of Minor Students;
- 2018 RFR School Law Conference to be Rescheduled
Chalkboard 2018 Issue 1 (Download PDF)
January 2018
By: Adam S. Breipohl, , , and
- Making School Websites Accessible for those with Disabilities;
- FERPA and the Creation of Student Education Records via School District Video Surveillance;
- Copyright Law and Curriculum Materials for Technology Centers;
- 2018 Spring School Law Conference
Chalkboard 2017
Chalkboard 2017 Issue 8 (Download PDF)
November 2017
By: John E. Priddy, , and Adam S. Breipohl
- Sexual Harassment – Guidance from the US Department of Education Office for Civil Rights;
- Corporal Punishment of Students with Disabilities;
- Fair Use and Reproduction of Copyrighted Materials for Classroom Use
Chalkboard 2017 Issue 7 (Download PDF)
October 2017
By: , , and Adam S. Breipohl
- Due Process Protections for Support Employees;
- Copyright Law and Recordings of Student Performances;
- Important Reminders for Long-Term Suspensions of Special Education Students
Chalkboard 2017 Issue 6 (Download PDF)
September 2017
By: Adam S. Breipohl and
- Copyright Issues for School Districts: Exhibiting Copyrighted Works at School;
- New Version of Form I-9;
- Haley A. Drusen joins RFR as Associate Attorney;
- RFR’s New Redesigned Website is Now Live—www.rfrlaw.com.
Chalkboard 2017 Issue 5 (Download PDF)
August 2017
By: , , and
- Oklahoma’s Patriotic Access to Students in Schools Act and the Parents’ Bill of Rights;
- Corporal Punishment of Students with Disabilities;
- Reminder Regarding Changes to the Definition of Career Teacher;
- RFR Fall School Law Seminar and Golf Tournament.
Chalkboard 2017 Issue 4 (Download PDF)
April 2017
- Update on Board Resolutions Regarding State Ballot Measures;
- Verifying Employee Federal Employment Authorization Status;
- OSDE Issues Guidance on 4-Day School Week and Special Education Services;
- Temporary Teacher Contracts
Chalkboard 2017 Issue 3 (Download PDF)
March 2017
- The Supreme Court’s Ruling on What Constitutes A Free Appropriate Public Education for Special Education Students;
- Funding of School Improvements by Municipalities;
- Obligations of School District Employees for Reporting Child Abuse or Neglect;
- Implementing the Professional Learning Focus Component of the TLE
Chalkboard 2017 Issue 2 (Download PDF)
February 2017
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration Issues New Rule Limiting Post-Incident Drug Testing;
- Agenda Items for Rehiring Employees;
- The Importance of Employee Job Descriptions When Defending Discrimination Claims.
Chalkboard 2017 Issue 1 (Download PDF)
January 2017
- Emerging and Important Issues in Special Education;
- Best Practices for School Districts Regarding Public Participation at Board Meetings;
- Required Changes to Child Nutrition Procedures;
- 2017 Oklahoma Legislative Session News.
Chalkboard 2016
Chalkboard 2016 Issue 8 (Download PDF)
November 2016
- Recent Amendments to Oklahoma Statute Addressing Sports-Related Head Injuries;
- Federal Court Issues Preliminary Injunction Barring Enforcement of New Overtime Rules;
- ESSA and the Educational Stability of Foster Children.
Chalkboard 2016 Issue 7 (Download PDF)
October 2016
- School Finance - A Short Reminder;
- Addressing Parental Refusal to Participate in Meetings;
- School District Hearings and the Fifth Amendment Right against Self-Incrimination;
- RFR Legislative Updates.
Chalkboard 2016 Issue 6 (Download PDF)
September 2016
- Advocacy and Distribution of Information Regarding State Ballot Measures;
- School Districts Must Obtain Written Parental Consent Before Making Biometric Scans of Minors;
- Restrictions on School Districts Regarding Contracts for Consulting Services;
- RFR Hires N. Roxane Gebhart;
- Upcoming RFR Seminars.
Chalkboard 2016 Issue 5 (Download PDF)
August 2016
- FCC Issues Ruling Regarding the Use of Robocalls and Automated Text Messages by School Districts;
- FCC Regulations Regarding E-Rate Eligibility and Access to Social Media;
- OCR Issues Dear Colleague Letter Regarding Section 504 and Students with ADHD;
- Legislative & Policy Follow Up;
- 2016 Fall Education Conference, Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at Tulsa Technology Center’s Riverside Campus (9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.);
- 21st Annual Golf Tournament and Fall School Law Update, Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at Bailey Golf Ranch in Owasso, Oklahoma.
Chalkboard 2016 Issue 4 (Download PDF)
May 2016
- Field Trips and Special Needs Students
- Suggestions for School Districts Conducting Student Interviews for Disciplinary Reasons
- School Districts and the Medicare Data Match Questionnaire
Chalkboard 2016 Issue 3 (Download PDF)
April 2016
- The Uninterrupted Scholars Act and DHS Access to Education Records
- Annexation by Board Resolution
- One More Consideration After Finding A Student Ineligible For An IEP
- Best Lawyers® Releases Its Award Listing for 2016
Chalkboard 2016 Issue 2 (Download PDF)
March 2016
- The Proper Role of School Resource Officers
- Assisting Parents and Students in Setting Realistic Transition Goals
- Proposed Rule Change For Mandatory Annexation
Chalkboard 2016 Issue 1 (Download PDF)
January 2016
- An Overview of the Types of School District Annexation
- The Every Student Succeeds Act Promises Significant Changes to the Federal Role in Education
- What Constitutes A Change of Placement
- Value Added Services - RFR Client Legislative Update Service
Chalkboard 2015
Chalkboard 2015 Issue 6 (Download PDF)
December 2015
- Common Pitfalls School Districts Face When Implementing a Reduction-in-Force;
- Correcting Payroll Errors Without a Friendly Suit;
- Reminder to Consider Student Absences For Health Issues;
- Official 2016 Oklahoma Holidays.
Chalkboard 2015 Issue 5 (Download PDF)
October 2015
- Important Reminders for Long-Term Suspensions of Special Education Students
- OSHA’s Hazard Communication Program—What School Districts Need to Know
- Teacher Use of Crowdfunding Websites
- Meet RFR’s Adam S. Breipohl
Chalkboard 2015 Issue 4 (Download PDF)
August 2015
- School Districts Must Have Consent Before Making Informational Autocalls to a Cell Phone
- Is Your District Adequately Reporting Progress on Students’ IEP Goals?
- Best Practices When Using Criminal Records in Employment Decisions
Chalkboard 2015 Issue 3 (Download PDF)
June 2015
- Best Practices for School Districts Regarding Student Data;
- Avoid Boilerplate Transition Services in IEPs;
- Annual Policy Advisory;
- Remember to Update Email Listing
Chalkboard 2015 Issue 2 (Download PDF)
February 2015
- Guidelines for Bible Distribution in Oklahoma Schools;
- Student 504 Plan Eligibility After Ineligibility for Special Education Under IDEA;
- Save The Date - RFR Spring Education Seminar
Chalkboard 2015 Issue 1 (Download PDF)
January 2015
- Affordable Care Act—Are You Ready For 2015
- Volunteer Exemption under the Fair Labor Standards Act
- More Guidance To School Districts Regarding Disability Based Bullying
- New Rules Jeopardize Funding of Internet Services
Chalkboard 2014
Chalkboard 2014 Issue 7 (Download PDF)
November 2014
- How Serious is "Serious?"
- Exempt/Nonexempt Status and Overtime
- Students Can Be Personally Sued for Injuries in Accidents Involving Driver's Education Vehicles
Chalkboard 2014 Issue 6 (Download PDF)
September 2014
- Important Amendments to the Oklahoma Employment Security Act
- Automatic Renewal Provisions in Contracts
- OSER’s Clarification on Secondary Transition
- 2014 Fall School Law Update and Golf Tournament
Chalkboard 2014 Issue 5 (Download PDF)
August 2014
- Recent Constitutional Law Decisions Have Important Implications for Education
- A Civil Remedy for Violations of the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act
- Related Service Providers and Attendance at IEP Meetings
- 2014 RFR Fall School Law Update and Golf Tournament
Chalkboard 2014 Issue 3 (Download PDF)
May 2014
- Addressing Parental Refusal to Participate in IEP Meetings
- Employee Speech and First Amendment Protection
- Indemnification Clauses
Chalkboard 2014 Issue 2 (Download PDF)
April 2014
- Confidentiality of School District Personnel Records
- Authority to Sign Contract For School District
- OCR Clarifies Position on Students with Disabilities in Extracurricular Athletics
- Payment for Internet Access From Oklahoma's Universal Service Fund
- Matthew P. Cyran Returns to RFR
Chalkboard 2014 Issue 1 (Download PDF)
February 2014
- The Suspens(ion) is Killing Me . . . and What is Immorality Anyway?
- Are Student Absences For Health Issues Getting the Consideration They Demand?
- Lease-Purchase Agreements
- Spring School Law Seminars
Chalkboard 2013
Chalkboard 2013 Issue 3 (Download PDF)
December 2013
- Sexual Harassment Under Title IX - What School Districts Need to Know
- Best Lawyers 2014 listing for Rosenstein, Fist & Ringold
Chalkboard 2013 Issue 2 (Download PDF)
September 2013
- Teacher Who Resigned Rather Than Exercise His Right to a Pre-Termination Due Process Hearing Entitled to Unemployment Benefits
- Tenth Circuit Affirms Summary Judgment in Lawsuit Brought Against the Deer Creek School District
Chalkboard 2013 Issue 1 (Download PDF)
July 2013
- Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: Coverage Considerations for School Districts
- 2013 Policies Available
Chalkboard 2012
Chalkboard 2012 Issue 4 (Download PDF)
January 2013
- Open Carry Law and School District Sites
- All Members of the Board of Education Have The Authority to Consult with the School District's Legal Counsel
- 2013 Official State of Oklahoma Holidays
Chalkboard 2012 Issue 3 (Download PDF)
November 2012
- Free Speech in Schools: How Classroom Assignments Implicate the First Amendment
- January 1, 2013 Deadline for Shifting to Narrowband Braodcasts over VHF/UHF Radio Channels is Fast Approaching
- RFR News: Kelsey K. Bardwell joins RFR as Associate Attorney
Chalkboard 2012 Issue 2 (Download PDF)
July 2012
- Rolling, Walking Board Meetings: Practice Leads to Unenforceable Actions, Potential Criminal Consequences
Chalkboard 2012 Issue 1 (Download PDF)
- U.S. Department of Education Makes Minor but Significant Changes to FERPA
- RFR's Roxane Gebhart Honored
Chalkboard 2011
Chalkboard 2011 Issue 4 (Download PDF)
- Expunging Criminal Records: How Complimentary Laws Cause Confusion and Concealed Dangers for Employers
- Official 2012 State of Oklahoma Holidays
- Announcing RFR's The Compendium
Chalkboard 2011 Issue 3 (Download PDF)
- New Dismissal and Nonreemployment Procedures and Repeal of Trial De Novo for Career Teachers
- Tenth Circuit Affirms three Decisions in Favor of the Prue School District
Chalkboard 2011 Issue 2 (Download PDF)
- The Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals Clairifies the Law Regarding Temporary Teacher Contracts
- Supreme Court Addresses Miranda Rights of Students Questioned at School by Police
Chalkboard 2011 Issue 1 (Download PDF)
- New Oklahoma Guidelines Governing Use of Physical Restraint and Seclusion for Students with Disabilities
Chalkboard 2010
Issue 3 (Download PDF)
- Announcing the Creation of EDOklahoma - A National Voice for Oklahoma's Schools
- Oklahoma's 2-1-1 Call Center
Issue 2 (Download PDF)
- New Guidance on Performance Based Contracts
- School districts Prevail in Challenges under Senate Bill 2XX
- Bulletin: Tenth Circuit Rules on Oklahoma Immigration Law
Issue 1 (Download PDF)
- Disclosure of Employee's Birth Date
- RFR New Hires - Samanthia S. Marshall and Staci L. Roberds
Chalkboard 2009
Issue 3
- Amendments to the Family Medical Leave Act
- Bulletin: Policy Updates
Issue 2 (Download PDF)
- Overview of Opportunities of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
- Policy Alert: Changes in Employee Background Check Requirements
- Bulletin: Identity Theft Red Flag Rules go into Effect on May 1, 2009
Issue 1 (Download PDF)
- The New COBRA Subsidy Provisions
Chalkboard 2008
Issue 4 (Download PDF)
- Understanding The New Parent Revocation of Consent Regulations Under The Individuals With Disabilities Education Act
Issue 3 (Download PDF)
By: Bo Rainey
- Student Expression: Protected Speech and True Threats
- Failure to Specify Subject Matter of Agenda Item Held to be Willful Violation of Open Meeting Act
Issue 2 (Download PDF)
- How the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 Affects Student Eligibility for Section 504 Accommodation Plans
Issue 1 (Download PDF)
- 403(b) Tax Sheltered Annuities Regulations
- California Home Schooling Decision Unlikely to Affect Oklahoma
Chalkboard 2007
Issue 4 (Download PDF)
- Educating the Undocumented Immigrant - Part Two
- Effectively Investigating and Remedying Racially Harassing Conduct
Issue 3 (Download PDF)
- Legislative Update: Vision Screening and Diabetes Management
- Education and the Illegal Immigrant, Part One
Issue 3 Insert (Download PDF)
- School Law Bills - 51st Okla. Legislature, 1st Regular Session