Education Law Insights

In this episode, Franczek partners Kendra Yoch and Jennifer Smith discuss Title IX Investigations involving LGBTQ+ parties and understanding Title IX regulations as they pertain to the LGBTQ+ community. 

Join our regular COVID-19 panel of Franczek attorneys, including Nicki Bazer, Jennifer Smith, and Kendra Yoch as we discuss the latest information that schools need to know surrounding the Executive Order and updated ISBE and IDPH guidance. We discuss the new shortened timeframes for exclusion as well as updates on face coverings, test-to-stay, and temporary school closures, among other key topics. As always, send us any COVID-related questions or topics you’d like us to discuss.

Inequitable funding impacts educational programming and student outcomes. Illinois has historically had one of the most inequitable distribution of education dollars in the country. In this episode, we explore how the Evidence Based Funding formula works and the impact since the legislation passed in 2017. We are happy to welcome Robin Steans and Melissa Figueira of Advance Illinois to help us understand the nuts and bolts of the funding formula. We are also excited to welcome Dr. Chuck Lane, Superintendent of Centralia High School District, and Dr. Kimako Patterson, Superintendent of Prairie-Hills School District 144, to discuss the impact that the new formula has had on their districts and their efforts to advance equity. Finally, we preview proposed changes to school funding that are on the horizon. Franczek partners Amy Dickerson and Kendra Yoch will serve as moderators.

This episode dives into ways that schools can support students in exploring and securing post-secondary options and in taking steps to reach their college and career goals in ways that are inclusive and equity-driven. We are excited to welcome Aide Acosta, Chief College Officer at Noble Network of Charter Schools, and Candace Kyles, Senior Director of College Graduation Office at University of Chicago Charter School. Kendra Yoch and Amy Dickerson serve as moderators as we discuss schools’ strategies for preparing students for success after high school and supporting students in building foundations and connections to expand opportunities. Our panelists also talk about the support they provide to alumni to increase student perseverance through college and to family-sustaining employment. Please send your questions our way and join us for an engaging discussion.

This episode will feature school districts with district- and school-level diversity and equity leadership teams, led by teachers and administrators throughout the district community. We are excited to welcome Mr. Tony Medina, Principal at Palatine High School in Township High School District 211; Dr. Rob Lang, Assistant Superintendent for Staff Services at Community High School District 99; Dr. Shawn Messmer, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Innovation at Maine Township High School District 207, and Franczek Partner Michael Hernandez. Kendra Yoch and Amy Dickerson serve as moderators as we discuss the models utilized at each of our speakers’ districts; strategies for engaging a variety of stakeholders; maintaining strong leadership, momentum, and continuity; and legal considerations for decentralized models. We also take a closer look at the equity goals contained in ISBE’s 2020-2023 strategic plan, including the plan for incorporating an Equity Journey Continuum tool into each district’s public report card by the 2022 reporting year. 

In this episode, Kendra Yoch and Amy Dickerson, along with Franczek attorney Emily Tulloch discuss some of the highlights of new legislation that have impacted the School Law landscape. The full summary of changes in School Law can be found and downloaded on our website at www.franczek.com.

Our regular COVID-19 webinar panel of Franczek attorneys, including Nicki Bazer, Amy Dickerson, Dana Fattore Crumley, and Kendra Yoch continue discussing updates on the latest information that schools need to know surrounding recent ISBE and IDPH guidance issued 9/21/21. In this episode, we discuss the recent executive orders, emergency regulations, vaccines, close contacts, school exclusions, and more. 

This episode of the Education Insights Law Podcast focuses on setting Equity priorities and plans for the new school year. We are excited to welcome Dr. Valerie McCall, Director of Educational Equity at West Aurora School District 129, and Nate Rouse, Director of Equity, Race, and Cultural Diversity Initiatives at Barrington School District 220. Kendra Yoch and Amy Dickerson serve as moderators as we discuss the process of setting priorities, engaging stakeholders, and building equity into the fabric of the district. Our guests talk about the role of equity audits; developing the capacity and participation of students, staff, and community; and overcoming barriers that impede progress toward established goals. 

This episode will focus on engaging and reengaging students and families following the disruptions over the last year and a half. We are excited to welcome Dr. Zakieh Mohammed, Senior Manager for Attendance and Truancy, Office of Student Support and Engagement; Adrian Segura, Interim Chief Officer for Family and Community Engagement; and Claire Bohmann, Manager for Students in Temporary Living Situations, all of the Chicago Public Schools. The work of engaging students and families in the school community is always critical. And after more than a year of remote and hybrid learning through a pandemic that brought disruptions to all aspects of life, reconnecting with and supporting students is more important than ever. Chicago Public Schools is undertaking enormous projects to reach thousands of families to get students back into school and connected with needed supports. Kendra Yoch and Amy Dickerson serve as moderators as we discuss strategies and legal considerations related to re-engaging students, especially those who have been truant and those who are experiencing homelessness.

Join our regular COVID-19 panel of Franczek attorneys, including Shelli Anderson, Nicki Bazer, Amy Dickerson, Jennifer Smith, and Kendra Yoch as we continue discussing updates on the latest information that schools need to know for reopening safely in Fall 2021. In this episode, we discuss the latest CDC, IDPH, and local health department guidance on masking, special education legal updates, remote learning, quarantining, and more.