School Law Advisory
ON LINE INDEX
abuse and neglect. See child abuse
academic freedom -202-, -236-, -247accessibility, building
-90accommodation. See reasonable accommodation
activities funds, religious clubs -167ADA. See Americans with Disabilities Act
ADAAG standards, building accessibility
-90adult services, special education, transition to -229advertisements, student publications
-228affidavits, admissibility of -28affirmative action plans
-151affirmative action
Maine Gender Equity Training Statute -157single sex classes -156age discrimination in employment, recordkeeping
-15AHERA
-13alcohol
bus driver testing -144extracurricular activities -97liability
-65Section 504 -39serving on school premises -65student substance abuse policies -37tests for, employees -18alterations, building accessibility -90Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
ameliorating medications -246application to schools
-86building accessibility
-90direct threat to safety
-275disability
-270-, -275essential functions -270-, -275grievance procedures
-88impairment -246inability to work with colleagues -210interactive process -275interpreters -121job restructuring
-275-
job interviews
-196medical examinations
-89notice of rights
-88part-time schedule -275psychological disability
-210qualified individual -270reasonable accommodation -87-, -270-, -275reassignment -275self evaluation
-88-, -103social interactions -210summary of -86undue hardship
-275unpaid leave -275work related injury -275“angry parents,” (see parental hostility cases)
applications, employment -22-, -220arbitrage
-24arbitration -262-, -17-, -206conditions of employment -222construction disputes
-111contract interpretation
-49educational policy -236-, -262grievance
-177-, -149-, -176-, -262
health insurance
-57just cause
-59-, -222leaves -33locker room supervision -44longevity pay -204Master’s Degree requirement
-222past practice -49reassignment of teachers -33reduction in force -79seniority clauses
-78sex discrimination -44sick leave
-38stale grievance
-176stipends, non-bargaining unit members -206substitute pay-58teacher nonrenewal -59teacher suspension -176timeliness
-176typographical errors -49architects
contracts
-106insurance
-160asbestos
-13Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act
-13athletics, student drug testing
-165attendance policies, academic sanctions -30attendance, student rights -82Attention deficit disorder (ADD) -211attorneys, board consultation with 276
attorney fees
PET meetings
-94prevailing party
-94special education -229baccalaureate, graduation services -41background checks 220
bargaining units. See collective bargaining
BB guns, dangerous weapons
-272behavior intervention plan -9bids and bidding. See also school finance
board member bidding
-267bond anticipation notes
-112-, -163-, -267busing contracts
-147contract award
-267defective bids
-267disqualification of bidders -267insurance
-163-, -267lease purchase finance
-267local preference
-267Maine statutory requirements
-163-, -267practical tips -267prequalification
-108school construction -102-, -112-, -163-, -267transportation
-163-, -267blood tests, alcohol -18bona fide impasse -231bona fide occupational qualification, locker room supervision -44bonds
payment
-109performance -109-, -160school construction -112books, selection of -202breath tests, alcohol -18budget meetings, Maine -172-
budget referenda, Maine requirements -172budgets
Maine budget formats
-172Maine line item budgets -172Maine state aid acceptance requirements -172Maine voter cards -172Maine warrant articles
-172buildings
accessibility -90closing
-31-, -124sale of -31-, -124schools
-31-, -118schools, religious use
-118bus driver, drug and alcohol testing
-144bus garages, lease purchase -152bus. See school bus
cafeteria plans
-14calisthenics -10cash flow borrowing -24certificates of completion -42certification, teacher -139change in placement -8changing past practice
-131checklist, family medical leave -164child abuse reporting requirements, Maine
-279Child Find, private schools -180closing, referendum -124coaches
collective bargaining
-132-, -278contracts
-278extracurricular positions -132just cause
-132-, -192-, -278nonrenewal -192-, -132termination -278cocurricular activities. See extracurricular activities
codes of conduct
extracurricular activities -97student
-6-, -284collective bargaining
arbitration -204-, -236-, -262arbitration, longevity pay -204bad faith bargaining -241bargaining process -127-
bargaining units
-20bona fide impasse -231changing past practice
-131class action -235coach termination -278condition of employment -222conflict resolution -127contract expiration -177-, -81-, -140contract interpretation
-49discipline grievance -176discipline, support staff
-259discrimination
-235duty of fair representation -149-, -235dynamic status quo -140-, -177educational policy -52-, -202-, -236-, -244-, -247-, -259-, -261-, -262employees of subcontractors
-185extracurricular pay -206extracurricular positions -132fair share fees
-46family medical leave
-19-, -53-, -99-, -164good faith bargaining
-231-, -235-, -241grievance arbitration-177-, -149-, -176-, -262grievance procedures
-243health insurance
-57-, -62-, -140impact bargaining -244impasse
-23-, -177-, -231-, -241independent contractors
-235interest arbitration -62job action
-52just cause
-40-, -222-, -278labor relations
-46-, -231-, -235last best offer -23-, -140-, -177-, -231-, -241layoffs
-96leaves -226-, -33Maine Early Retirement Incentive Statute
-161-, -169Master’s Degree requirement
-222medication administration, support staff -259meet and consult
-244merger
-20merit increases
-149MLRB
-235negotiations -244-, -261-
negotiations, educational policy -244past practice -49-, -52-, -131-, -204permissive subjects of bargaining -236post-contract arbitration -149probationary period, support staff -259problem solving
-92-, -127prohibited practices -231public employees, coaches -206ratification of contract
-214reassignment of teachers -33reduction in force -79-, -96-, -100-, -259salary steps -81-, -177seniority
-78-, -96sick leave banks
-281slow downs -52stale grievance
-176status quo
-81-, -140-, -177step increases-140-, -177strikes -52subcontracting
-185substitute pay-58suits against employer
-149summer pay -140support staff contracts
-259-, -261surface bargaining -231teacher hiring-17teacher sick leave -38teacher transfers
-17typographical errors -49unilateral change -23-, -52, -140unilateral implementation -177-, -231union -46-, -145unit determination -235Weingarten rights -145win-win bargaining -92witnesses, payment of
-27work to rule -52zipper clause -235collective bargaining agreements
academic freedom -202-, -236arbitrability -206educational policy -52expiration
-52-
status quo
-52Commissioner of Education, Maine
-11communicable disease
-38Community School Districts, municipal assessments -63community service -10compensatory education, failure to provide services
-117computers, employee e-mail privacy
-264condoms, availability in schools -187confidentiality
employment applications -22FERPA
-154-, -233-, -254Maine School Employee Records statute -154-, -238medical records
-89parent complaints -290student addresses and phone numbers
-233student records
-37-, -154students
-254conflict of interest -11-, -64conflict resolution -127confrontation, right to in student expulsions
-274consent, psychological testing
-95Constitution, United States -283Establishment Clause
-118-, -139First Amendment -46-, -77-, -91-, -193-, -228-, -247-, -256Fourteenth Amendment
-83-, -223Free Speech Clause -41-, -77-, -138-, -167-, -228prayer in the schools-41-, -159-, -167religion. See religion
construction
arbitration -111architect contract -106bidding
-102-, -108bond anticipation financing -112building accessibility
-90building alterations and remodeling
-35change orders
-110clerk of the works -110Commissioner of Public Safety approval -35contracts
-102-, -107-, -126dispute resolution -111do’s and don’ts
-113-, -207final completion
-110hazardous materials -105-
insurance
-160land acquisition
-105lien waivers -110liquidated damages -110mediation
-111options
-105payment
-109-, -110payment bonds
-109performance bonds -109permits
-35prequalification criteria
-102-, -108progress payments -126purchase and sale agreement
-105real estate
-12-, -112referendum -112retainage
-110-, -126site suitability
-105state board approval -112statute of limitations -288substantial completion
-110survey -105title insurance
-105wetlands
-105zoning -105controversial materials
-236cooperative agreements, inter-district consolidation
copyright, fair use doctrine -189counsel, board consultation with -276criminal records
employment -220Maine Criminal Records statute -154criminal trespass notice
-258-, -259crisis response plans -6-, -257-, -284crisis response, violent special education student
cross examination
right of, admissibility of affidavits -28student expulsions -274curriculum
school board authority over -247selection of books -202debt service, Maine budget requirements -172defamation, references
-183-, -203department heads, hiring of -17-
-197-
-255-
Department of Human Services
Maine, reporting requirements
-279deregulation, electricity
-216detentions, student -10DHS. See Department of Human Services
diploma
graduation requirements -282high school equivalency exam
-190special education -42-, -282disability
-39-, -87-, -88-, -125-, -210-, -211-, -219-, -234-, -270-, -275Americans with Disabilities Act -270-, -275direct threat to safety
-275drugs and alcohol -39employee accommodations -87essential functions -270-, -275harassment -219hostile environment -219inability to work with colleagues -210interactive process -275job restructuring
-275part-time schedule -275psychological
-210qualified individual -270reasonable accommodation -270-, -275reassignment -275Section 504 -39student discipline -39undue hardship
-275unpaid leave -275work related injury -275discipline
disabled student
-39discharge, grievance arbitration -176discharge, teacher -176regulations, student -9drugs, student
-9employee interviews-145employees -104Gun Free Schools Act of 1994
-166investigation -104-, -154referred students
-9special education -8-, -9-, -26-, -143-, -240-, -255student abuse -128-, -154-
student attendance -30student bus behavior -84student, off-premises misconduct -148students
-10-, -30-, -148suspension and expulsion of special
education students -8-, -9-, -26-, -101-, -143-, -166-, -240-, -248union representation -145weapons
-9Weingarten rights -145discrimination,
Americans with Disabilities Act -210-, -270-, -275applicants
-234depression -210direct threat to safety
-275disability
-123-, -210-, -219-, -234employment -71-, -151-, -171-, -234essential functions -270-, -275fitness for duty
-234hostile environment -219inability to work with colleagues -210interactive process -275job restructuring
-275liability of supervisors
-179locker room supervision -44Maine Human Rights Act -210overview of state and federal statutes
-71part-time schedule -275psychological disability
-210qualified individual -270reasonable accommodation -270-, -275reassignment -275sex -44student single sex classes -156undue hardship
-275unpaid leave -275work related injury -275dismissal, employee
affidavits, admissibility of -28cross examination, right of -28off duty misconduct -28sexual misconduct -28teacher
-28-, -139divorce
court order -277Maine decrees, student records -174parental rights
-277shared custody
-277student residency -263Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders -114dress codes, student -138drugs -9-, -37-, -39-, -69-, -97-, -255bus driver testing -144employee testing, Maine -18-, -69-, -144extracurricular activities -97Section 504 -39student discipline -9student substance abuse policies -37drug and alcohol tests
bus driver
-144employee
-18-, -69Maine Statute
-18-, -69policy -165student athletes
-165due process
expulsions, procedural due process
-250-, -251extracurricular activities -97sexual harassment -98student expulsion -2substantive, student attendance policies -30suspensions -7due process hearing
athletic participation -83duty to request
-117private schools
-180duty of fair representation -149-, -235-, -245dynamic status quo
expired contracts -177step increases-177early retirement incentives, Maine statute -161-, -169education records -6-, -284educational policy -52-, -202-, -236-, -244-, -247-, -259-, -261-, -262arbitration -262bargaining -244grievance arbitration-262SAD 58 arbitration decision
-202support staff -259-, -261-
electric power, deregulation
-216employee
abuse, duty to report -154abuse of students -128-, -154abuse investigations -154accommodations
-234Affirmative Action Plans -151applicants
-234applications -196-, -220benefits
-198bus driver drug and alcohol testing
-144coaches
-192-, -206confidentiality of records -238confidentiality of complaints
-290contracts
-230criminal records
-220defamation -183-, -203definition of -185directory information
-238disability accommodations -87disability
-87-, -123-, -1-234discharge
-123-, -176disciplinary interviews
-145discrimination
-151-, -179-, -196drug testing -18-, -69-, -144e-mail privacy
-264family medical leave
-99-, -129-, -164fitness for duty
-234grievance arbitration-176hiring -196-, -220-, -234independent contractors -162-, -203-, -287injunctions -230interviews -151-, -171-, -196-, -220-, -234investigating -104-, -154job restructuring
-87liability of supervisors for discrimination claims -179Maine Criminal Records statute -154Maine DHS reporting
-154Maine Early Retirement Incentive statute -161-, -169Maine Gender Equity Training statute -157Maine Human Rights Act -123Maine Personnel Records statute -22Maine School Employee Records statute -154-
Maine Wage Claim statute -173Maine Wage Payment statute
-239medical examinations
-89military leave-226misconduct -104parent complaints -290payment for unused vacation
-239payment on termination
-239personnel records -238physical examinations
-76principal
-230protection from harassment orders -258psychological disability
-210records
-135reduction in force -96references -183-, -220-, -213-, -217rights, history of
-153salary steps -177Section 403(b) plans -198-, -280sexual harassment -98-, -116-, -141-, -203social interactions as disability
-210step increases-177suspension -176tax sheltered annuities
-280teaching principal -230termination -230time of payment
-239vacation pay -21-, -239wages -21-, -173-, -203witnesses, interviewing
-151employee benefits
cafeteria plans
-14family medical leave
-19-, -53health insurance
-14Section 125 plans -14Section 403(b) plans -198-, -280tax sheltered annuities
-198-, -280taxation
-14employee discipline and discharge
abuse of students -128-, -154certification lapse -133investigation -128-, -154union representation -145-
Weingarten Rights -145employment
applications -22-, -220conflict of interest -11criminal records check
-220delegation of employment decisions
-32discrimination laws -71drug testing -18-, -69-, -144hiring -32immigration -70jury duty
-72lie detectors -75Maine employer statute
-69Maine family medical leave
-72Maine smoking statute
-72military leaves
-68minimum wage
-72overtime
-72physical examinations
-76Principal Employment statute, Maine
-43recordkeeping
-15rest breaks -72sexual harassment. See sexual harassment
statutes, overview of state and federal
-71substance abuse testing
-18-, -69-, -144support staff -32teacher. See teacher employment
termination -32-, -67video display terminal law -55wages -21-, -72worker’s compensation
-73-, -123employment at will -67employment discrimination
claims -151interviews of witnesses
-151laws -71environmental complaints
respiratory problems-146school buildings
-146“sick buildings”
-146equal access act
gay-lesbian support groups -283sexual orientation -283-
equivalent instruction. See home schooling
equipment leases -142essential job functions, disabled employee
-87Establishment Clause
-41-, -47-, -118-, -137-, -139-, -285baccalaureate services
-41graduation prayer -41school use, religious -47ESY. See extended school year services
evaluations
just cause requirements
-59medical certification -129nonrenewal -59principal
-122special education -182executive session
consultation with counsel -276official action
-276student expulsion -2expulsion, student -1-, -2-, -4-, -9-, -26-, -101-, -115-, -143-, -148-, -181-, -250-, 251-, -257confrontation of witnesses -274cross examination -274disabled students -101due process -2executive session -2hearsay
-274length of
-4Maine statute -250-, -251notice of
-2off-premises misconduct -148-, -251procedures -2-, -181repeated misconduct -250-, -251special education -8-, -9-, -26student witnesses -274extended school year services
-168extracurricular activities
coaches
-278codes of conduct
-97collective bargaining
-278disabled students -125equal access act
-283gay-lesbian support groups -283home schooling
-208-
Maine Special Education Statute -170pay to play -34student fees -34suspension from
-83e-mail, employee privacy -264fair share fees
-46Fair Use Doctrine. See copyright
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) -99-, -129-, -164checklist
-164Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
-6-, -37-, -66-, -154-, -174-, -233-, -254-, -284annual notice -233directory information
-233divorced parents
-174parent access to student records -174policies
-233public inquiries
-254student addresses and phone numbers
-233student violence
-254yearbook as education record
-66family medical leave, Maine Act -19-, -531991 Maine amendment -53FERPA. See Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
field trips, liability for
-48finance. See school finance
firearms. See guns
First Amendment
advertiser’s free speech
-228books -247fair share fees
-46Internet
-193newspapers -247plays -247publications -77-, -91student publications -228student violence
-256teacher classroom speech -247teacher speech outside classroom -247threats -256FMLA. See Family and Medical Leave Act
foreign exchange student, immigration -227Form 1099 -287Fourteenth Amendment
-83-, -223-
free appropriate public education (FAPE)
Rehabilitation Act -125-, -158Section 504 -158Free Speech Clause. See free speech
free speech
activities funds
-167advertisements
-228baccalaureate services
-41graduation prayer -41obscene language -138publications -77religious clubs
-167school use, religious -47student
-138-, -228student publications -228Freedom of Access Act, Maine -225applications, confidentiality of
-22consultation with counsel -276executive session -276handout for schools -225official action
-276probationary teacher employment -50public notice form -225record request, responding to
-225reduction in force -100student expulsion -2Sunshine Law
-225yearbook as public record -66Freedom of Information Act. See Freedom of Access Act
functional behavior assessment -9fundraising, nonprofit organizations
-85gay rights. See sexual orientation
gender, Maine Gender Equity Training statute -157gifted and talented
special education -268under-performing -268gifts, taxation of
-85Goals 2000 law, summary of
-136good faith bargaining
-231-, -235-, -241grades
finality of
-178modification of, special education -178weighted, special education
-178-
graduation
prayer -41-, -159-, -167special education requirements
-42-, -232-, -282-
grievance arbitration. See arbitration
grievance
disability rights
-88expired contracts -177procedures -243salary steps -177stale grievance
-176teacher discipline -176timeliness
-176guardianship, student residency -263Gun Free School Zones Act of 1990
-165Gun Free Schools Act of 1994, OSEP advisory ruling -166guns -9-, -115-, -136-, -272Gun Free Schools Act of 1994
-136student expulsion -115Halloween, celebration of -137harassment. See sexual harassment
Hatch Amendment -95-, -136hate crimes, sexual orientation
-283hazardous materials, school construction -105health insurance
arbitration -57-, -62pre-tax payment of premiums
-14Section 125 plans -14hearing
principal employment
-43student expulsion -1-, -2-, -250-, -251-, -274teacher nonrenewal -40hearsay, student expulsions -274hiring
applications -196disabled job applicants
-87discrimination
-196interviews -196holiday, celebrations of
-137home schooling, Maine
1996 statute -208access to school programs -208cocurricular activities
-208-
course credits-208extracurricular activities -208homeless students -263homosexual. See sexual orientation
hostile environment -60-, -116-, -219-, -266IEP (Individual Education Plan). See special education
immigration
employer obligations
-70student visas -227impact areas, teacher layoffs
-79impasse
-23-, -177-, -231-, -241last best offer -177independent contractor
collective bargaining
-162-, -235contract driver
-162definition of -162employees, distinguished from
-203IRS reporting -162-, -287Maine State Retirement System -162psychological examiner
-162taxation
-162unemployment compensation
-162independent educational evaluations
-36-, -56reimbursement for -56Individual Education Plan (IEP). See special education
injunctions, employment contract -230insurance
architect
-160bids and bidding
-267contractor -160coverage gaps
-218errors and omissions -200-, -218exclusions -200-, -218Maine school bid statutes -163owner -160performance and payment bonds -160school board liability
-200-, -218school construction -160sex abuse and molestation coverage
-218Internal Revenue Code
Form 1099 -287independent contractors
-287penalties
-287-
tax sheltered annuities
-280Internet
First Amendment -193policies
-193student use -191interpreters, at public meetings -121interviews
accommodation
-234disabilities -234employee job interviews -171employment discrimination claims
-151fitness for duty
-234student
-3investigation
disability harassment
-219employee misconduct
-104employment discrimination claims
-151hostile environment -219sexual harassment -98student abuse -128-, -154student discipline -3investments, Maine school units -24job descriptions, essential job functions -87job restructuring
-87-, -275jury duty, Maine statute
-72just cause
coaches
-132-, -192-, -278extracurricular positions -278Master’s Degree requirement
-222teacher nonrenewal -40-, -59labor relations. See collective bargaining
last best offer -23-, -140-, -177-, -231-, -241law enforcement officials, investigative information -154layoffs and recall -79-, -96-, -100lease purchase
-142-, -152-, -267bids and bidding
-267bus garages -152school buildings
-249leases -142leasing, school buildings -249leaves
family medical
-19-, -53-, -99-, -123-, -129-, -164jury duty
-72-
maternity
-99-, -164military
-68-, -226sabbaticals -33sick -38-, -281sick leave banks
-281lesbian. See sexual orientation
liability
asbestos removal -13defamation -183discrimination claims
-203employee references -183-, -213-, -217insurance
-200-, -218negligence -48school trips -48serving alcohol
-65sexual harassment of employees -60-, -266sexual harassment, student-to-student
-134sexual harassment, teacher-to-student
-98sexual orientation discrimination -283student suicide
-286library books, home schooling, access to -208lie detectors, overview of state and federal statutes
-75limited public forum. See public forum
line item budgets, Maine budget formats -172locker room, supervision of -44long term removal. See special education
Maine Administration of Medication statute
-259Maine Criminal Records statute -154Maine DHS reporting, abuse of students -154Maine Family Medical Leave Act -19-, -53Maine Gender Equity Training statute -157Maine Human Rights Act
disability accommodations -87disabled employees -123inability to work with colleagues -210psychological disability
-210reasonable accommodations
-123termination of employees -123Maine Labor Relations Board (MLRB). See collective bargaining
Maine Personnel Records statute -22Maine Reference Immunity statute
-217Maine School Employee Records statute -154Maine State Retirement System
1993 amendments -221constitutional challenge
-221Early Retirement Incentive statute -161-, -169vesting
-221Maine Substance Abuse Testing statute -144Maine Video Display Terminatal Training law -55Maine Wage Claim statute -173Maine Wage Payment statute
-239Maine Whistleblowers’ Protection Act -6-, -284manifestation determination
-9-, -240Master’s degree, condition of employment
-222mathematics, single sex classes -156mediation, construction disputes -111Medicaid funding, special education
-29medical examinations, disabled employees
-89medical leave. See leaves
medical services, special education
-61-, -182medication
ADA, ameliorating medications -246collective bargaining, support staff
-259Maine Administration of Medication statute
-259unlicensed personnel, administration by -259metal detectors, student searches -253military leaves. See leaves
misconduct, student, discipline for off-premises misconduct -148-, -251municipalities, failure to pay school assessments
-63negligence
school trips -48supervision of students
-48negotiations. See collective bargaining
nonprofit corporation
-85nonrenewal
continuing contract teachers
-40deadlines
-40probationary teacher -25procedures -40notice
family medical leave
-129Maine sexual harassment statute -60principal nonrenewal
-43-, -122special education discipline -8student substance abuse
-37Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
-156-, -211-, -215-, -266-
other health impaired
-211guidelines, sexual harassment
-266single sex classes -156Office of Special Education Programs. See OSEP
off-premises misconduct, student discipline for -148-, -251open forum. See public forum
OSEP, advisory ruling, suspension of Section 504 students -166parental hostility cases, special education rulings
-175-, -212parents
access to student records -174complaints -290criminal trespass notice
-258disagreements
-277divorced
-263Maine divorce decrees, student records -174notice of student substance abuse -37protection from harassment -258protective orders. See protection from harassment
release of child
-120religious school tuition
-285residency
-263rights and responsibilities -277shared custody
-120-, -277threats -258past practice
changing, proving and uses -131contract interpretation
-49job actions -52summary of -131typographical errors -49work to rule -52pay to play -34peace and usefulness. See student expulsion
personnel files
medical records
-89retention of -135PET (Pupil Evaluation Team)
attorney fees -94decision making
-80discipline meeting -9graduation requirements -42membership -80scheduling of meetings
-80-
student discipline -26student removals
-101physical examinations, employees, overview of Maine statute -76police, investigative information -154policies
advertisements in student publications -228alcohol use -65BB guns
-272bus driver drug and alcohol testing
-144codes of conduct
-97computer
-264copyright
-189crisis response plan -257DNR orders -114drafting, tips on
-242drug testing -18-, -69-, -165drug testing, athletes-165e-mail -264employee absenteeism
-123employee reference -217employee smoking -72employment at will -67employment discrimination -151expulsion
-257extracurricular activities -34-, -97Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) -233Gun Free Schools Act of 1994
-136home schooling
-208Internet
-193legal effect of
-242list of board discipline policies
-5obscene language -138off-premises misconduct -148-, -251-, -257privacy
-264publications -77-, -91recommendation waiver forms
-217risk assessment
-257school use, religious -47search and seizure -118-, -253sexual harassment -60-, -266-, -289sexual orientation -283student attendance -30student conduct
-6-, -284-
student discipline -5student dress -138student grooming -138student publications -228substance abuse
-37threats of violence -256violence
-257weapons
-115-, -257-, -272yearbook
-66polygraph, overview of state and federal statutes
-75prayer in schools
graduation -41-, -159-, -167Presidential guidelines
-167student-initiated
-159-, -167prevailing party, attorney fees
-94pre-employment inquiries -89principal
contracts
-122-, -230deadlines for nonrenewal -122employment -43-, -122-, -230evaluation -122hearings
-43hiring -43injunctions -230nominations -43nonrenewal -43probationary period -122suspension of students
-7teaching
-230termination -43-, -230privacy, employee e-mail -264private schools
Child Find -180disabled students -93special education -93-, -180-, -195probationary teacher
deadline for nomination -25employment -50Freedom of Access Act
-50nonrenewal -25-, -186penalties
-25right to know law -50problem solving bargaining. See collective bargaining
prohibited practice complaint, Maine
discrimination, union activity
-260duty of fair representation -245statute of limitations -245prohibited practices, Maine
discrimination
-235duty of fair representation -235good faith bargaining
-235independent contractors
-235zipper clause -235protection from harassment -258-, -259protective orders. See protection from harassment
psychological disability
-210psychological testing, student
95, 136
public forum -47-, -77publications, student -77-, -91-, -167-, -228Pupil Evaluation Team. See PET
quid pro quo harassment -60-, -141real estate
bidding requirements
-31disposal of -31sale or transfer, requirements for -31school closing
-31reasonable accommodation -39-, -71-, -270-, -275direct threat to safety
-275disabled employees -87-, -123drugs and alcohol -39interactive process -275job restructuring
-275part-time schedule -275reassignment -275safety exception
-87Section 504 -39undue hardship
-275unpaid leave -275work related injury -275recall. See layoffs and recall
recommendations, employee
-217recordkeeping
age discrimination -15employment -15Maine Human Rights Act -15Title VII
-15-
records
personnel, confidentiality of
-22retention of -135student discipline -6-, -284student substance abuse
-37yearbook as public record -66reduction in force, employee
-79-, -96-, -100-, -259references
defamation -183-, -203disclosure of misconduct -217employee
-183-, -213-, -217hiring -220incomplete or inaccurate -217liability for -183-, -213-, -217Maine Reference Immunity Statute
-217referendum
school closing
-124school construction -112Rehabilitation Act -39-, -87-, -103-, -121-, -125-, -158disability accommodations -39-, -87-, -125-, -158extracurricular activities -125free appropriate public education -125-, -158interpreters -121procedural requirements -125-, -158Section 504 -103-, -125-, -158Section 504, ameliorating medications -246Section 504, attention deficit disorder
-211Section 504, comparison with special education -39Section 504, drugs and alcohol
-39Section 504, impairment -246Section 504, other health impaired -211Section 504, self evaluation
-103Section 504, single track referral/IDEA -211Section 504, student discipline
-39religion
baccalaureate services
-41curriculum exemptions
-223Equal Access Act -188-, -205Establishment Clause
-118-, -139free exercise -223free speech -41-, -118graduation prayer -41-, -159-, -167holidays
-137-
prayer -159-, -167Presidential guidelines
-167public forum -47Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA)
-194-, -223school building use -47-, -118separate school districts
-139student clubs -188student distribution of material
-77-, -91student publications -77-, -91Supreme Court ruling, free speech -118tuition, Establishment Clause
-285tuition, religious schools -285tuition, school choice
-285weapons in school -194representation at disciplinary hearings -145residency, student
exceptions to -263guardianship -263parents, separated or divorced
-263-, -277power of attorney -263school attendance -82student
-263superintendent’s agreement, Maine
-263residential placement, payment for
-119rest breaks, Maine statute -72retirement
average final compensation -16earnable compensation
-16Maine Early Retirement Incentive statute -161-, -169Maine State Retirement System -16-, -221right to know. See Freedom of Access Act, Maine
-225risk assessment
-252-, -257-, -273dangerous students -273special education students -273student violence
-252threats -273warning signs
-252rule of necessity, conflict of interest
-64salary steps -81-, -177Saturday attendance -10School Administrative Districts, municipal assessments
-63school administrators, Maine Gender Equity Training statute -157school board
codes of conduct
-97complaint procedures
-290conflict of interest -11-, -64consultation with counsel -276curriculum authority -247delegation of employment decisions
-32disqualified members
-64expulsion authority -1-, -250-, -251hiring -17-, -32liability insurance -200-, -218Maine Gender Equity Training statute -157parent complaints -290policies
-5-, -97-, -242procedural rules
-214quorums
-64reduction in force -100student admission -6student readmission -4support staff -32termination of employees -32veto -214school budgets
Maine budget formats
-172Maine line item budgets -172Maine state aid acceptance requirements -172Maine voter cards -172Maine warrant articles
-172school buildings
alterations and remodeling -35closing of
-31Commissioner of Public Safety approval -35construction defects -288construction insurance
-160environmental complaints -146financing of -249insurance
-160leasing of
-249Maine school bid statutes -163permits
-35renovation of -249respiratory problems-146sale of -31statute of limitations, construction claims -288-
school bus
busing contracts
-147door-to-door transportation -51private roads -51special education students -143school closings, Maine
-31school consolidation, cooperative agreements -197school construction
bids and bidding
-267bond anticipation notes (BAN)
-12bonds -12-, -160concept approval -150defects in
-288equipment -150financing
-12insurance
-160lease purchase of bus garages
-152Maine Municipal Bond Bank
-12Maine Rules -150Maine school bid statutes -163priority list -150rating system -150real estate, acquisition of -12referenda
-12state approval
-12statute of limitations -288school facilities, home schooling, access to
-208school finance
arbitrage
-24bids. See bids and bidding
building construction. See school construction
building finance
-249building leasing
-249cash flow borrowing -24equipment leases -142late payments of school district assessments
-63lease purchase of bus garages
-152Maine budget formats
-172Maine warrant articles
-172state subsidy -249tax exempt equipment leases
-142TRAN (tax revenue anticipation note) -24school investments, Maine -24-
school safety
criminal trespass notice
-258safety, protection from harassment
-258school trips, liability for -48search and seizure
locker searches
-253random searches
-253student drug testing -165weapons searches -253Section 125 plans. See employee benefits
Section 403(b). See tax sheltered annuities
Section 504. See Rehabilitation Act
seniority
-78-, -96settlement agreements
special education -271stay-put
-271sex abuse, insurance coverage
-218sex discrimination -44sexual harassment -266abuse of students -154criminal trespass notice
-258disability based
-219education and training
-141employee
-60-, -116-, -141-, -203-, -215employee-student -215grievance procedures
-289hostile environment -116-, -141-, -203-, -266in employment
-60investigation of
-98-, -128legal remedies
-60liability
-60-, -98-, -289Maine statute -60OCR student-to-student guidelines
-215peer harassment
-215policies
-60-, -266-, -289posting and notice requirements -141practice tips -266protection from harassment orders -258quid pro quo -141same sex harassment
-215sexual orientation -283student
-134-, -141-, -215-, -266-, -289student to student -134-, -141-, -215-, -266-, -289-
supervisors -60-, -266Supreme Court standard -116teacher to student -141-, -266Title VII
-116Title IX
-141vulgar language
-141workplace training requirement -141sexual orientation -283employment discrimination -283hate crimes -283short term removal -9“Sick buildings,” environmental complaints
-146sick leave. See leaves
sick leave banks. See leaves
single sex classes -156smoking
Maine statute -72on school premises, federal statute -136special education
accommodations
-143-, -155alternative services -255annual goals -291attention deficit disorder (ADD) -211attorney’s fees
-94-, -229autism -265BB guns
-272behavior
-9-, -61-, -143-, -232-, -240classroom modification
-232comparison with Rehabilitation Act
-125compensatory education -117-, -130court ordered removals
-26damages
-184dangerous students -26-, -155-, -273day treatment -232DHS obligations
-237dietary needs -199diplomas
-42-, -282discipline
-8-, -9-, -26-, -143-, -240-, -255discrete trial therapy -232drugs -255due process hearings
-273educational performance -209evaluations -182-
expulsion and suspension -8-, -9-, -26-, -101-, -143-, -166-, -240-, -248extended school year services
-168extracurricular activities -34-, -170functional behavior assessment -9gifted students
-268goals and objectives -265grade indicator
-178graduation requirements -42-, -232-, -282hearing appeal deadline
-45hearing officer rulings
-232home schooling, access to programs
-208IDEA amendments 1997 -237IEP (Individual Education Plan) -93-, -130-, -209-, -265-, -291inclusion
-155independent evaluations -36-, -56individualized health plans -114injury, likelihood of -273interpersonal relationships -209learning disabled -61long term removal -9-, -26-, -255Lovaas
-232manifestation determination
-9-, -240Medicaid funding -29medical services
-61-, -182multiple disabilities -232non-academic
-209-, -237other health impaired
-211out of district placement -212-, -269parental hostility cases
-175-, -212parochial schools -56PET concerning acts of violence -255PET process -80private schools
-93-, -180-, -195refusal to access
-117regulations -240reimbursement of parents -269remedy when IEP inappropriate -130removal
-255residential placement
-119-, -212risk assessment
-273school buses -143services during removal -9-, -255services, inability to provide
-224-
settlement agreements
-271short term removal -9-, -26-, -240-, -248single track referral - Section 504 -211social skills -209state agency obligations -232-, -237statute of limitations -45-, -56stay-put
-26-, -271-, -273student progress
-291student records, parent access
-229substance abuse
-237suspension and expulsion -8-, -9-, -26-, -101-, -143-, -166-, -240-, -248temporary restraining order -26threats -273time lines, student removal -255time out areas
-229transfer students
-201transition to adult services -229transportation
-84-, -143tuition students
-201tutoring
-26-, -248-, -255unilateral placement -269violent students
-255weapons
-255-, -272standard of proof, student discipline
-3status quo
dynamic/static
-177expired contracts -177step increases-177statute of limitations
prohibited practice complaints
-245school construction -288special education hearings -45-, -56stay put requirement, special education -26-, -271-, -273step increases
expired contracts -177status quo
-177student assistance teams -37student discipline policies -5student expulsion -1-, -2-, -4-, -115-, -250-, -251Maine statute -4off-premises misconduct -251readmission -4school board role in -1-
student publications, advertiser’s free speech -228student records
parent access to
-174-, -229retention of -135student suspension -8-, -9-, -101student threats, First Amendment -256student
abuse -128-, -154-, -279accommodations
-155activities funds
-167activities funds
-167addresses
-233age limit
-190athletes, drug testing-165athletic participation -83attendance policies -30bus transportation -51clubs -283codes of conduct
-6-, -284condom availability -187curriculum exemptions, religious -223custody disputes
-120dangerous student -155detentions -10directory information
-233disability based harassment -219discipline
-10-, -30-, -148discrimination by clubs
-205distribution of religious material -91divorced parents access to records -174DNR orders -114dress codes -138drug policy -165drug testing -165-, -253drugs and alcohol, Section 504
-39education visas
-227educational performance -209enrollment -263expulsion
-1-, -2expulsion
-181expulsion and suspension of special education students -166expulsion for off-premises misconduct -148-, -251expulsion. See expulsion, student
extended school year services
-168extracurricular activity fees -34FERPA
-154-, -233foreign exchange -227free speech -228free speech -138gifted -268grades, special education students -178graduation ceremonies
-41graduation prayer -159graduation prayer -167grooming
-138guardianship -263guardianship -263Gun Free Schools Act of 1994
-166hair length -138Hatch Amendment -95Hatch Amendment -136homeless
-263hostile environment -219immigration -227inclusion
-155Maine DHS reporting
-154newspapers -228non-academic areas -209obscene language -138off-premises misconduct -148-, -251OSEP advisory ruling, special education discipline
-166parents, divorced or separated
-263parents, divorced -263parents, separated -263power of attorney -263power of attorney -263prayer -167prayer -159-, -167Presidential guidelines, religion and prayer
-167psychological testing
-95-, -136publications -77-, -91-, -167-, -228readmission of
-4records
-154-, -174religion
-167religious clubs
-188religious clubs
-205-
religious expression -167religious school tuition
-285residency
-263residency
-263right to die -114rights, history of
-153risk assessment
-252-, -273school attendance -82-, -190-, -263school trips -48search and seizure -165-, -253sexual abuse -128-, -154sexual harassment -98sexual harassment -141sexual orientation -283single sex classes -156special diet -199special education -26-, -143-, -155-, -209-, -240-, -268student assistance teams -37substance abuse policies -37suicide, liability for -286surveillance of
-10surveys of -136suspension -7-, -240suspension and expulsion of special education students -166suspension. See suspension, student
telephone numbers -233transfer
-6-, -201-, -263-, -284transfer, disciplinary records
-6-, -284violence
-251-, -252, -254-, -256-, -257violence
-252-, -256visas -227weapons
-253-, -272weapons searches -253witnesses
-274substance abuse testing, Maine employer statute -69substantive due process, sexual harassment
-98suicide
liability for -286special education placement
-237summer services. See extended school year services
Sunshine Law. See Freedom of Access Act, Maine
superintendent
support staff hiring -32-
support staff termination -32employment applications -22superintendent’s agreement. See residency
supervisors, liability for discrimination claims -179support staff
collective bargaining
-259-, -261educational policy -259-, -261probationary period -259surface bargaining -231surveillance -10survey
Hatch Amendment -95-, -136student participation in
-95suspension, student
disabled students -101due process -7extracurricular activities -83-, -97procedures -7special education students -8-, -9-, -26-, -240-, -248tutoring during
-248tax exempt, equipment leases
-142tax sheltered annuities
contribution limits -198-, -280employer plan
-280participation -280Section 403(b)
-280taxation
independent contractor classification
-162school gifts -85teacher
conflict of interest -11definition of -100grievance arbitration-176First Amendment classroom speech
-247hiring, arbitrability of
-17job actions -52Maine Early Retirement Incentive Statute
-161-, -169pregnancy -38probationary -25-, -50-, -92-, -127-, -186salary steps -177sexual harassment -98sick leave
-38speech outside classroom -247-
suspension -176work to rule -52teacher certification
employment -133-, -139lapsing
-133teacher employment
arbitration -59dismissal
-28-, -139just cause
-59nonrenewal -25-, -40-, -59probationary -25-, -50-, -139-, -186substitute pay-58temporary restraining order, special education students -26testimony,
credibility of witnesses
-3student
-3testing
bus driver drug and alcohol testing
-144employee alcohol testing -18textbooks, home schooling, access to
-208time out areas
-229Title IX
employee-student harassment
-215grievance procedures
-289OCR student-to-student guidelines
-215peer harassment
-215policies
-289same sex harassment
-215sexual harassment -141single sex classes -156student to student sexual harassment
-215-, -266-, -289teacher to student sexual harassment
-266training, Maine Gender Equity Training Statute -157TRAN (tax revenue anticipation note) -24transfer students
application process -201-, -284disciplinary records -6-, -284obligations toward -201termination of
-201transportation. See also school bus
bids and bidding
-267bus driver drug and alcohol testing
-144bus suspension
-84-
busing contracts
-147contracts, Maine school bid statutes
-163door-to-door -51private roads -51students, bus -51Trespass, criminal trespass notices-258TSA. See tax sheltered annuities
tuition
agreements -249debt service, inclusion
-249foreign students
-227high school, home schooled students
-208religious schools
-285tutoring, special education -248-, -255undue hardship, disabled employee
-87unemployment compensation, independent contractors -162unilateral implementation
impasse
-177last best offer -177union dues, fair share fees -46union representation, Weingarten rights -145video display terminal, Maine training law
-55videotaping, students
-10violence, student
expulsion
-251FERPA issues
-254First Amendment -256notice to students and staff -254off-premises misconduct -251policies
-257psychologist view of
-252risk assessment
-252-, -257threats -256warning signs
-252visas, student education
-227voter cards, Maine budget meetings
-172wage and hour, overview of state and federal statutes -72Wage Payment statute, Maine, 1991 amendment
-54wages
Maine Wage Claim statute -173payment on termination
-239time of payment
-239vacation pay -21-, -239-
withholding -21warrant articles, Maine budgets -172weapons
-9-, -115-, -194-, -253-, -255-, -257-, -272BB guns
-272knives -272random searches
-253religious freedom -194search and seizure -253student expulsion -115Weingarten rights -145Whistleblowers’ Protection Act, Maine -6-, -284withholding, wages -21witnesses, payment of
-27workers’ compensation
discrimination
-123employee termination
-123overview of Maine statute -73workplace smoking -72-, -136yearbook
Freedom of Access Act, Maine -66public records
-66zipper clause -235-