Legal Articles, Other
Contractual Rights for Teachers: An Overview
The law of contracts applies to contracts between teachers and school districts. This law includes the concepts of offer, acceptance, mutual assent, and consideration. For a teacher to determine whether a contract exists, he or she should consult authority on the general law of contracts. This section focuses on contract laws specific to teaching and education.
Tenured Teacher Dismissal Process and Timetable
The teacher tenure law sets out strict termination and due process requirements for teachers, whether or not they have tenure. Tenured teachers have their contracts automatically renewed from year-to-year; can be dismissed only for six statutorily specified reasons; and have the right to (1) bump untenured teachers in positions for which they are qualified if their positions are eliminated, (2) written notice of the reasons for termination, (3) a termination hearing before the board of education or an impartial hearing panel, and (4) appeal the results of the hearing to Superior Court.
Custodian’s Threat Too Severe to Justify Reinstatement, Says Court
In the case of Bridgeport Board of Education v. Nage, the Bridgeport Board of Education sought to vacate, or remove, a prior decision in favor of a former custodian’s reinstatement to a Bridgeport school. The board of education had terminated the custodian’s employment after he had mailed to various city officials a packet of materials that contained detailed descriptions of mass shooting incidents at public schools. A handwritten note concluded with the statement, “If I’m being punished for breaking the rules then we all should.”
Teachers’ Association Granted Union Status, Denied Right to Strike
In the case of Norwalk Teacher’s Ass’n v. Board of Education, a teacher’s association sued the Board of Education seeking a court determination of its right to organize as a labor union. The teacher’s association sought a declaratory judgment, or declaration, which is a determination of a court that resolves a legal uncertainty between the parties. In the case at hand, the teachers hope that the court will confirm their argument that they could organize a teacher’s strike under their authority as a legal union.
Understanding Truancy in Public Schools Under Connecticut Law
Understanding Truancy in Public Schools Under Connecticut Law
On The Authority of Schools to Expel Students
Each year, Boards of Education provide its students with booklets covering their code of conduct, and of notable interest is understanding how one’s conduct off school grounds can adversely impact in-school opportunities. That is, what authority does a school district have to expel students for out-of-school behavior?
Can a School Official Search My Child’s Facebook Message Inbox?
Can a School Official Search My Child’s Facebook Message Inbox?
Court Rejects Student’s Claims of Selective Prosecution
In the case of Roach v. North Haven Board of Education, a student sued a board of education alleging she was improperly expelled and selectively prosecuted. To prevail in a claim for selective prosecution, the student would have to provide evidence proving that other students in her similar situation are treated differently by the school. The board of education moved for summary judgment, which is a preemptive decision in favor of one party over the other.
The Application of Governmental Immunity to School Bullying Suits
The Application of Governmental Immunity to School Bullying Suits
