We are often reminded about our vulnerability to violence as active shooter incidents in schools erupt far too regularly. While our schools should be a safe place for students and staff, the frequency of campuses becoming crime scenes has been increasing. Statistically, active shooter incidents in schools are rare, but our awareness of these disturbing trends could be subjecting our school community members to greater stress. Prolonged exposure to these stresses can have an impact on the mental health of your employees.

The intensive media coverage of the coronavirus outbreak (now officially designated as COVID-19) could be raising many concerns in your local schools. Your staff and parents may have questions on what risks are faced in your schools. At least one case of bullying may have been motivated by fears about coronavirus. It’s helpful for all these community members to keep the fears of this new disease threat in perspective.

You are probably aware that the emerging learning concept of flexible seating in the classroom fosters greater creativity, movement, collaboration and student-centered environments. Flexible seating permits quick reconfiguration to a variety of activities and helps children to channel their energy into engagement. While there are positives to the 21^st century classroom, it’s important that any implementation you consider is accompanied by a thorough assessment of safety and security.

Curtains, shades, drapes and shutters are among the window covering options you may be considering for classrooms or other facilities in your schools. In addition to their capabilities, construction, materials and costs, you will also need to look closely at the risk management factors involved.

Keeping weeds under control on your school grounds is important for sanitation, pest control and fire safety, especially in communities prone to wildfires.

New California legislation takes effect January 1, 2020 affecting your benefit plans. Here is a quick reminder of these important changes.

To say the least, today’s families are busy. Packed schedules aren’t just a reality for parents. The kids have school, sports, and many other extracurricular activities. Getting everyone to the right place at the right time – above all, doing so safely – is a real challenge. You may have heard about ways technology is being employed as a problem-solver for helping get students from point A to point B using the ridesharing model.

You may be aware of a new law, AB 218, that will expand the statute of limitations for civil suits arising out of childhood sexual assault, impose additional damages in certain cases, and extend for three years cases that expired previously. A plaintiff will have 22 years after attaining the age of majority (to age 40) or five years from the discovery of the related factors, and damages awarded can be tripled if it’s proven that a sexual assault happened due to a cover up. Provisions of AB 218 is discussed in greater detail in our recent Briefing.

Your community probably includes children and youth suffering homelessness. These children may lack reliable shelter for many reasons, from poverty to natural disaster, from affordable housing shortages to refuge from violence. Federal law, the McKinley-Vento Act, as well as California state law requires schools to provide immediate access to free and appropriate public education to homeless children without requiring proof of residency, immunization and health records, school records or legal guardianship documentation. While it can be challenging, local educational agencies (LEAs) have an obligation to remove barriers to homeless students.

In serving students with special needs, you may be required to include related services under an individualized education plan (IEP). The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) includes the following as possible related services, as well as other possible assistance to allow special needs students to benefit from general education: