U.S. Supreme Court Issues Opinion In Landmark Case Addressing Public School Discipline of Student Speech That Is Online And Off-Campus
Case summary of U.S. Supreme Court's decision on student's off-campus speech.
Influenza Vaccinations Required For All Massachusetts Students
Last month, the Department of Public Health (DPH) announced that all Massachusetts students will be required to get a flu vaccine by December 31, 2020. The mandatory immunization requirement aims to reduce the overall impact of respiratory illness among students as an added precaution during the COVID-19 pandemic. The requirement applies to all children 6 [...]
COVID-19 Client Advisor (July 20, 2020)
This week’s Advisor is a bit of a potpourri with an update on workplace specific safety standards in Phase III, an overview of DESE’s updates, requirements and guidance around school reopening plans, and a legislative update regarding Police Reform efforts in Massachusetts. COVID-19 Advisor vol 14 (July 20, 2020)
DESE Two-Step Process and Template for Fall Reopening Plans
On July 15, 2020, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) released information regarding a two-step process for submitting Fall Reopening Plans and a online form/template to be used by districts. Two-Step Process for District Fall Reopening Plans, July 15, 2020 Below is the text of the On the Desktop message from Commissioner Riley [...]
Initial Fall Reopening Guidance
[Message from Commissioner's Weekly Update, June 29, 2020] On Thursday, June 25, DESE released initial fall school reopening guidance [download] following weeks of collaboration with stakeholders and the medical community. The guidance calls for schools to reopen this fall while meeting safety requirements, including the use of masks for all but the youngest students and [...]
Required Safety Supplies for Re-Opening Schools
Safety Supplies Necessary for Schools to Reopen in the Fall
Massachusetts Schools (Physically) Closed for the Remainder of the School Year
Governor Baker orders schools closed for the school year.
Governor Baker Orders State’s Public and Private Schools Closed
Massachusetts Governor order's state's public and private schools closed for three weeks.
Governor Baker Declares A State of Emergency
Massachusetts declares state of emergency in response to COVID-19
Union-Friendly Dues Act Imposes New Obligations
Overriding a veto, the Massachusetts Legislature recently passed a union-friendly Collective Bargaining Dues Act (“Act”) in response to the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Janus v. AFSCME. In Janus, the Supreme Court ruled that mandatory union fees on non-members were unconstitutional in the public sector. The Act allows unions to charge non-members reasonable fees [...]