Legal Symposium 2026 Resources
Navigating Change-Policy and Operational Priorities for Pennsylvania’s Schools In this keynote address, senior leadership from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) will provide an in-depth overview of the Commonwealth’s evolving educational landscape. As schools face increasing demands related to student services, fiscal accountability, and instructional innovation, PDE will outline key policy priorities, emerging shifts, and expectations for collaboration with local education agencies. Designed specifically for superintendents and school solicitors, this session will highlight recent legislative developments and upcoming guidance that will influence district governance and operations. PDE leaders will also address common compliance questions and discuss strategies for strengthening partnerships between state and local systems. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of the Commonwealth’s direction in education policy and the supports available to help schools navigate both current and future challenges Presenter: Amy Lena, PA Department of Education
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Data Privacy & Security: Protecting Student Information and Access Rights Schools handle sensitive student data every day—are you prepared to keep it secure? This session explores the legal right to review student records under FERPA and Pennsylvania law, best practices for communicating with CYS and outside agencies, district responsibilities for safeguarding data, and protocols for responding to breaches. Gain practical strategies to ensure compliance and protect student privacy in an increasingly digital world. Presenters: Gabrielle C. Sereni, Sereni Law Group, LLC
Attendance, Truancy & Residency: What Every School Needs to Know Stay compliant and informed! This session covers the legal essentials of excused vs. unexcused absences, truancy laws, residency disputes, and enrollment requirements—including charter school documentation and registering undocumented students. Learn practical strategies to navigate Pennsylvania school law while supporting students and families. Presenter: Lynne Sherry, Weiss Burkardt Kramer
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Gender Identity in Schools-Navigating Legal Responsibilities: This session examines the evolving legal landscape around gender identity in education. Learn how federal and Pennsylvania laws— including Title IX and the PA Human Relations Act—impact policies on pronouns, bathrooms, athletics, and student privacy. We’ll address FERPA considerations, parental rights, and best practices for creating inclusive environments while staying compliant amid ongoing litigation and regulatory changes. Presenters: Annemarie Harr & Jocelyn Kramer, Weiss Burkardt Kramer
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Foster Care & Homeless Student Enrollment: Legal Essentials for Schools This session unpacks Pennsylvania’s complex requirements for enrolling and billing students in foster care or experiencing homelessness. Learn about Act 16 tuition provisions, 1302 affidavits, and required documentation for pre-adoptive placements and renters under Act 4605. We’ll cover Act 67 residency dispute protections, parent hearing procedures, McKinney-Vento safeguards, and how to work effectively with county contacts. Gain practical strategies to ensure compliance while supporting vulnerable students. Presenters: Andrea Cola & Jason Sam, Sweet Stevens Katz & Williams
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Parental Rights in Education-Custody, Access, and Legal Complexities Schools often face challenging questions about who can make decisions for a child. This session explores Pennsylvania law on custody versus residency, interpreting court orders and guardianship documents, and the role of 1302 affidavits. We’ll address step-parent rights, the impact of legal marriage, PFAs and school access, parents’ rights to student information, and termination of parental rights. Gain clarity on navigating these sensitive issues while ensuring compliance and protecting student welfare. Presenters: Paige Gross, King Spry
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IEPs & Legal Responsibilities This session focuses on the legal obligations surrounding Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including district responsibilities for out-placed students and the role of settlement agreements in ensuring a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Gain clarity on compliance requirements and practical strategies for managing complex special education cases. Presenters: Chris Bambach, Sweet Stevens Katz & Williams
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Student Discipline:-Legal Boundaries and Best Practices
This session explores key legal issues in school discipline, including the role of charter schools in accepting expelled students, search and seizure standards, handling electronic devices, and expulsion procedures. We’ll also review Pennsylvania’s required reporting categories and compliance obligations. Gain practical guidance to ensure disciplinary actions align with state law and protect student rights.
Presenters: Alyssa Hicks & Gianna Corpora, King Spry
Social Media in Education-Legal Risks and Responsibilities This session addresses the legal challenges schools face with social media, including out-of-school conduct and the professional use of social platforms by teachers and staff. Learn how Pennsylvania law and district policies intersect with student rights, employee responsibilities, and disciplinary procedures in the digital age. Presenters: Annemarie Harr & Jocelyn Kramer, Weiss Burkardt Kramer
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School Funding-Understanding Laws and Financial Impacts This session will provide an overarching lens on the interconnectedness of school law, school code, fiscal code, regulations, policy, procedure, and applied interpretations that all merge together to provide the environment within which school finance and funding must operate. While child accounting and special education Act 16 reporting remain critical components; metrics regarding LEA wealth and household incomes, charter school enrollments, and various student weights add even more complexity to the major school subsidy formulas. In a constantly evolving educational landscape, the session will help provide practical strategies to stay compliant and protect your district’s financial stability. Presenters: Timothy J. Shrom, Ph.D. & Hannah Barrick, PASBO
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Legal Issues with AI in Pennsylvania Education: Risks and Responsibilities Artificial Intelligence is transforming classrooms—but it brings complex legal challenges. This session examines Pennsylvania’s evolving policies on AI in schools, including compliance with FERPA and COPPA, student data privacy protections, ethical guardrails, and liability concerns. Learn best practices for vetting AI tools, managing data security, and navigating emerging legislation to ensure responsible and lawful use of AI in education. Presenter: Kalani Asroff, Sweet Stevens Katz & Williams
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Section 504 in Pennsylvania Schools-Legal Compliance and FAPE: This session explores the legal obligations under Section 504 and Pennsylvania’s Chapter 15 regulations, including responsibilities for out-placed students and how settlement agreements impact the provision of a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Gain clarity on eligibility, accommodations, and dispute resolution to ensure compliance and protect student rights. Presenter: Tom Warner, Sweet Stevens Katz & Williams
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Collective Bargaining in Pennsylvania Schools:-Legal Framework and Best Practices This session explores the legal foundations of collective bargaining under Pennsylvania’s Public Employee Relations Act (Act 195) and Act 88, including mandatory subjects of negotiation, impasse procedures, and strike limitations. Learn how these laws shape teacher and staff contracts, grievance processes, and district obligations. Gain practical insights for navigating negotiations while ensuring compliance and maintaining positive labor relations. Presenter: Jack Dean, Elliott Greenleaf and Dean
SROs & SPOs in Pennsylvania Schools-Roles, Responsibilities, and Legal Boundaries This session examines the legal framework for School Resource Officers (SROs) and School Police Officers (SPOs) in Pennsylvania. Learn about their authority, limitations, and responsibilities under state law, including student rights, search and seizure considerations, and collaboration with school administration. Gain clarity on compliance and best practices for maintaining safety while respecting legal protections. Presenters: Rose McHugh & Peter Ruane, Sweet Stevens Katz & Williams
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Professional Boundaries in Pennsylvania Education-Legal and Ethical Standards Maintaining clear boundaries is essential for protecting students and educators. This session reviews Pennsylvania’s Code of Professional Practice and Conduct, district policies on adult/student interactions, and the legal implications of boundary violations—including electronic communication and social media use. Learn best practices for safeguarding relationships, preventing misconduct, and ensuring compliance with state law and professional ethics. Presenter: Avery Smith, King Spry
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Legal Issues in School Mental Health-Compliance and Confidentiality
Mental health support in schools is critical—but it comes with complex legal responsibilities. This session examines Pennsylvania laws and recent legislative acts impacting mental health services, including Act 71, Act 44, Act 18, and Act 55. We’ll cover confidentiality requirements under FERPA and HIPAA, district obligations for providing services, and liability considerations when partnering with outside providers. Learn best practices for compliance, documentation, and safeguarding student rights while addressing mental health needs.
Presenters: Elizabeth Kelly, King Spry
Title IX in Pennsylvania Schools-Compliance and Current Challenges This session explores the legal requirements and evolving interpretations of Title IX in K–12 education. Learn how federal and state regulations impact policies on sex-based discrimination, athletics, gender identity, and grievance procedures. We’ll cover recent updates, investigation protocols, and best practices for ensuring compliance while protecting student rights. Presenter: Kalani Asroff, Sweet Stevens Katz & Williams
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