The 21st Annual Law Symposium Resources Page
The 21st Annual Education Law Symposium is July 6-9, 2023, at the Brown Hotel, Louisville, KY. The Symposium begins on Thursday, July 6 at 7 PM and concludes at noon on Sunday, July 9. Sponsored by: Loyola Marymount University and the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA).
Stay up to date on the latest information on the law as it applies to Catholic school education and ministry. Join with experts and colleagues to learn about current issues in school law, possible future issues and practical strategies.
For further information please contact Sr. Mary Angela Shaughnessy at Loyola Marymount University or Sr. Dale McDonald at NCEA.
Presenter Biographies Symposium Schedule Attendance Certificate
Breakout Session Descriptions
(in the order of the presentation time schedule listed on the program)
Thursday, July 6
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Mandatory: Friend or Foe? A Pastor’s Perspective
Fr. Shayne R. Duvall, Pastor, Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Louisville, KY
According to Merriam-Webster, the basic definition of the word Mandatory is, “Something required by law or rule.” As human beings, created in the image and likeness of God, we know there are two types of laws: God’s law and man’s law. What can we make mandatory and what can we not? Fr. Shayne will give a pastor’s perspective and share some examples on why we should not be afraid to make more things mandatory.
Friday, July 7 - Morning Session
Legal Updates
Sister Angie Shaughnessy, EdD, PhD
This presentation will discuss recent court decisions and other issues of importance for Catholic educators. Examples will be given. Topics will include constitutional and statutory issues, document discovery, custody, medical issues, disabilities, field trips, confidentiality harassment, negligence, publication of information, state funding of charter schools, and more.
Handout
Legally Sound Parent/Student Handbooks
Sarah Wannemuehler, Ed.D.
This session will provide information regarding the components needed in a legally sound Parent/Student Handbook. Access to the presenter’s 2023-2024 Handbooks will be provided.
Dealing with Student Health Issues
Amy Hubbs
This presentation will discuss legal and practical issues schools and school personnel face when dealing with students with a variety of health issues.
Handout
Fundamentals of the Law: What You Need to Know
Armando Paz
An introduction to legal terms and concepts for everyday use.
Handout 1 Handout 2 Handout 3
Friday, July 7 - Afternoon Session 1
Personnel Issues in Catholic Schools: A Superintendent’s Perspective
Erin Barisano
Personnel issues are integral to the functioning and overall success of Catholic schools. As Catholic school leaders, it is crucial for us to understand, acknowledge, and effectively address these challenges to create a positive, nurturing, and mission-focused environment for both staff and students. This presentation will explore some common personnel issues encountered in Catholic schools and propose strategies to mitigate and resolve them.
Handout 1 Handout 2 Handout 3 Handout 4 Handout 5
My School Tests for Drugs: Should Yours?
Daniel J. Zoeller and Randy Perkins
Current research says the percentage of 8th, 10th and 12th graders who used marijuana daily has more than tripled between 1991 and 2020. We also know that while teen drinking is slightly down over this period, teens binge drink at twice the rate of adults.
Hear how one school added a thorough and beneficial drug and alcohol testing program to its health and well-being initiatives. Learn how they made the decision to start a helping program of testing and how it works. Listen to real stories of successful interruptions and partnership with parents that diverted dangerous paths students were taking.
Child Custody and Privacy Issues and Catholic Schools
Amando Paz, JD
An overview of the legal issues faced by Catholic schools as they pertain to students of divorced or divorcing parents.
Handout
Friday, July 7 - Afternoon Session 2
Exploring the Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Private School Administration: Opportunities and Challenges.
Joy Lopez, EdD
This talk explores the opportunities and challenges of implementing AI technologies in schools. Topics covered include applications of AI in schools, ethical and legal considerations, implementation strategies, and challenges such as cost, bias, and limited expertise.
Fundraising Success: Solving the Mystery of the Case and the Approach
Rosemarie Nassiff, SSND, PhD and Kara Lemma, PhD
The purpose of this session is to better understand why people give to Catholic schools and the way to make a successful approach. The two presenters have worked together as funders and as fundraisers and will provide insider information about what you need to know if you are planning to approach a foundation or a donor for a grant.
Athletics and Legal Issues
Amy Skretny-Fowler, Rick Arnold, Rob Saxton
This panel will discuss current issues dealing with student athletes and school sports programs. Panel members will discuss issues and potential solutions. Be prepared to share issues, ideas, thoughts and solutions that you may be dealing with in this area.
Friday, July 7 - Afternoon Session 3
Crisis management: Dealing with Armed Intruders
Anthony Riegling, MBA, PhD
What is your school safety profile? In an interactive environment, we will discuss: The US Secret Service report on school shootings; updates regarding school violence in general; the three phases of crisis response; and practical considerations when designing response plans.
Saturday, July 8 - Morning Session
Intersection of Canon and Civil Law
Brian Pham, SJ, JD
All Catholic educational institutions in the United States must operate under two important but distinct legal systems: American civil law, and Canon Law of the Catholic Church. Where these two bodies of laws intersect can be challenging to navigate.
This presentation will address some of the intricate elements of potential conflicts of laws when Canon Law and (American) civil/secular law intersect. The presentation will also touch on some challenges faced by Catholic schools in the United States regarding their “Catholic identity” in light of recent developments.
Handout
Cyber Security 101 for Private School Administrators: Understanding the Risks and Safeguarding Your Data
Joy Lopez, EdD
This presentation on cyber security for private school administrators covers the cyber threat landscape, data protection regulations, best practices for cyber security, incident response planning, and the importance of cyber insurance. The aim is to provide practical advice and strategies to protect private school data and information
Special Education Law in Catholic schools: IDEA and 504
Dale McDonald, PBVM, PhD
This presentation will provide an overview of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and 504 and the accompanying regulations. The focus will be on the implementation of the law and regulations as they apply to the inclusion of Catholic school students and ways to maximize their participation. Time for questions and answers will be provided.
Handout
Saturday, July 8 - Afternoon Session 1
Title IX and Religious Liberty Issues
Dale McDonald, PBVM, PhD
This session will provide information about the applicability of new Title IX interpretations to Catholic schools and participation in sports programs and what administrators need to know about religious liberty protections for schools.
Handout
Saturday, July 8 - Afternoon Session 2
Immigration Laws: Students & Teachers
Amando Paz
An overview of US immigration laws with an emphasis on students and employees.
Handout
Legally Sound Faculty Handbooks
Sarah Wannemuehler, Ed.D.
This session will provide information regarding the components needed in a legally sound Faculty Handbook. Access to the presenter’s 2023-2024 Handbooks will be provided.
Dealing with Difficult Parents: Navigating Difficult Conversations and Dynamics
Katie Spenlau, MA
Katie Spenlau has been working in the Archdiocese of Louisville for the past 14 years as a teacher and guidance counselor. She has her BA in Elementary Education and Special Education from Bellarmine University and her Masters in School Counseling from Indiana University Southeast. She is currently the guidance counselor at Sacred Heart Model School in Louisville, KY.
Working with Students with Learning Differences: Practical Strategies
Anthony Riegling, MBA, EdD
We will discuss the essence of working with children exhibiting learning differences. In an interactive environment, participants will discuss: Building community support for all learners; the need to be present for all students; forming the team to help students meet learning goals; and the cycle of continuous improvement.
Sunday, July 9
Ask the Lawyers
Armando Paz, Mary Angela Shaughnessy, SCN
Law symposium participants will have the opportunity to raise questions for panel about legal issues or concerns they may have.
Public Policy Update
Dale McDonald, PBVM, PhD
Sister Dale will present an overview of current federal legislation and regulations that may impact Catholic schools.