» Education and School Law

As a Florida school district employee, if you receive a negative evaluation, you should respond in writing as it will become part of your personnel file. You also have the right to request a certain amount of designated reviews. You should consult your specific school district’s handbook to understand what that process is. Read More

In Florida, teacher evaluations are based on a specific rubric. Therefore, your principal’s personal opinion of you should have nothing to do with your evaluation. If you receive a bad evaluation, and if you believe it’s due to your principal’s personal opinion, you should consult an education law attorney. Read More

It is unconstitutional for a teacher to pray with or pray in the presence of students at a public school in Florida. Due to the unique nature of a public school teacher, they’re considered government employees and any prayer by such an employee would be considered an endorsement of religion by the school which violates the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Read More

Generally, yes, you can speak at school board meetings in the State of Florida. In accordance with Florida’s Sunshine Law, school board meetings are open to the public except for some contract negotiations. You should consult with your local school board to make sure you understand the policies and procedures and what you have to do to get on the agenda to speak. Read More

Unfortunately, the United States Supreme Court has ruled that students do not have a private action under FERPA. However, you may have an action under Florida state law. For instance, there could be privacy violations or perhaps a negligence claim that can be asserted. You should consult with an education attorney, tell him or her the circumstances of your case, and have them advise you. Read More

Whether or not your child could be suspended from a public school in the State of Florida without a hearing depends on the nature of the suspension. If the suspension is for less than 10 days then the child has a right to be heard, but not necessarily has a right to a formal hearing. If the suspension is more than 10 days then the law requires that a formal hearing be held, normally before the local school board. Read More

Your child can individually pray at a Florida public school so long as the prayer is not coercive or doesn’t disrupt the school. For example, your child can say a blessing before his or her meal at lunch, however, the school cannot sponsor or be seen to sponsor the prayer. Read More

Whether or not your child’s conversations at home, whether on a telephone or a computer, can lead to disciplinary action at school, really depends on the facts. For example, if a child is having a conversation about bullying or harming another student, or creating some sort of disruption in the school, the school has a good argument for the discipline. If something like that occurs, you should consult with an education attorney, tell him or her the facts, and let them advise you as to how to proceed.  Read More