Education Lawyers | Leasor Crass, P.C.

Welcome to Leasor Crass, P.C. Leasor Crass, P.C. is a boutique law firm located in Mansfield, Texas, with a main focus on the representation of public schools. The firm is managed by Mike Leasor and Rhonda Crass, seasoned attorneys with …

  • Home
  • Firm Overview
  • Staff
  • Practice Areas
  • Blog
  • Superintendent Search
  • In The Community
  • Contact Us

April 27, 2020 By LeasorCrass

COVID-19 UPDATE

Below are today’s updates regarding COVID-19 and its impact on Texas public schools.  For additional resources, please visit our COVID-19 page.

TEA Special Education and Special Populations Updates for the Week of April 20, 2020
Dean Micknal, Partner

The Texas Education Agency reorganized its COVID-19 Support: Special Education webpage last week.  The revised site, which can be accessed here, now includes a direct link to the COVID19 Special Education Q&A, as well as links to four areas dedicated to:

  • General Guidance
  • Instructional Supports
  • Parent Resources
  • Instructional Continuity Framework

Please click here to continue reading.

Now They Tell Us: Authority to Regulate Public Comments
Mike Leasor, Shareholder

On April 22, 2020, the Attorney General provided additional guidance on the implementation of Texas Government Code §551.007.  This section went into effect on September 1, 2019 and the sections addressed in the Opinion state:

  • A governmental body shall allow each member of the public who desires to address the body regarding an item on an agenda for an open meeting of the body to address the body regarding the item at the meeting before or during the body’s consideration of the item.
  • A governmental body may adopt reasonable rules regarding the public’s right to address the body under this section, including rules that limit the total amount of time that a member of the public may address the body on a given item.

The first question presented was whether §551.007(b) permits a district to hold one public comment period at the beginning of an open meeting to address all agenda items, or instead, whether §551.007(b) requires a district to hold separate public comment periods immediately before each agenda item.

Please click here to continue reading.

Class of 2020: Waiving Graduation Requirements
Victoria Elliott, Associate

In the wake of COVID-19, many questions have arisen regarding graduation for the 2020 senior class.  During these times, it is important to remember that certain specific assessment graduation requirements may be satisfied via an individual graduation committee (“IGC”) review, including:

  • Seniors who were enrolled in the district or charter school during the 2019–2020 school year may graduate via an IGC determination, regardless of the number of EOC exams they still need to pass.
  • In accordance with Texas Education Code (TEC) §28.0258, students must successfully complete the curriculum requirements for high school graduation as identified in Title 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 74, Subchapter B. Districts and charter schools must determine if a student has met all other graduation requirements under TEC, §28.025(c), including successful completion of all curriculum requirements or an individualized education program.

Please click here to continue reading.

Planning for the Future
Rhonda Crass, Shareholder

As we look at virtual learning for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year, it brings many new issues to the forefront regarding what it will take to open for the 2020-2021 school year.  In our practice each day, issues being discussed include the need for guidelines aimed at summer trips for staff and students; guidelines and legal parameters for social distancing when school resumes; employment issues under the new leave statutes; and, what to do with those students or teachers who are placed in quarantine for exposure to COVID-19 and can no longer attend school.

As other topics arise, we are here to assist you in preparing for the 2020-2021 school year with answers, training for staff, and guidance for specific programs.

 

Filed Under: Blog, Board Governance, Board Policy, COVID-19, Graduation, Open Meetings Act, Section 504, Students

  • STAFF:
  • Kim Mullins
  • Desiree Griffin
  • Tina Sweeden
  • Debbie Cano
https://www.facebook.com/LeasorCrass

LEASOR CRASS, P.C. Blog

Late last week, it was announced that USC has agreed to pay $852 million to settle claims made by 710 women alleging sexual assault and sexual harassment by a former USC physician.  This is in addition to a $200 million settlement USC previously agreed to pay in a federal class action arising from … Read More

Believe it or not, contract season is right around the corner. And, as you are no doubt aware, Texas Governor Abbott recently issued Executive Order GA-34.  The Order, which goes into effect on March 10, 2021, removes the state-wide operating limits and mask mandate that have been (depending on your … Read More

Connect With Us

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • RSS
Leasor Crass

LEASOR CRASS, P.C.

  • Home
  • Firm Overview
  • Staff
  • Practice Areas
  • Blog
  • Superintendent Search
  • In The Community
  • Contact Us

OFFICE LOCATION

302 W. Broad Street
Mansfield, Texas 76063
tel. 682.422.0009
fax. 682.422.0008

Copyright 2019 LEASOR CRASS, P.C. | All Rights Reserved
Website Design For Lawyers by: Law Firm Sites