New book on school law designed for educational leaders

ORONO – Keeping up with changing state and federal regulations is a constant struggle and huge responsibility for Maine public school administrators. Now busy K-12 school leaders can find the latest updates on school law and liability in the recently released second edition of “Legal Issues for Maine Educators,” co-authored by Dianne Hoff, University of Maine assistant professor of educational leadership, and Marcia Diamond, principal of All Saints Catholic School in Bangor.

The expanded new edition of the book, first published in 2002, covers more than 90 topics with new sections on discrimination, use of school facilities, the federal No Child Left Behind Act, the 2004 Reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Act, and regulations and policy in transition or development, such as certification and assessment systems.

The authors plan to update the book every two to three years to provide the latest synthesis of legal issues drawn from Maine and national legislation and court cases.

Crafted as an essential guide, the book is designed to help Maine practitioners make decisions that are wise and legally defensible, according to Hoff, who teaches graduate courses in school law and does research in the social, political and legal context of public education.

“Our goal is to keep Maine schools out of the courtroom and focused on the important business of schooling,” Hoff said.

The book is designed to be a quick reference, but also provides in-depth information to enhance understanding of complex legal issues. The seven major chapters span the complexity of constitutional, statutory and case laws as they apply to Maine schools, including basic school law, personnel, students, curriculum, family and community, special populations and tort liability. The Annual School Law Checklist section is a reminder of the annual tasks Maine schools are required by law to fulfill.

“As a practicing administrator, I like the fact that the book is organized by hot topics in today’s educational environment,” said Diamond, who also is an adjunct instructor of school law at UMaine. “While the Maine statutes book is important, it is sometimes difficult to find an explanation or information needed quickly,” she added.

The authors point out that the book does not provide legal advice, nor is it a substitute for legal counsel. Rather, its intent is to help educators recognize and react to real or potential litigation situations and to prevent them. The book also is a good source for administrators needing a refresher in school law, the authors say.

The new edition of “Legal Issues for Maine Educators” from OMNI Publishers Inc., is available for purchase at www.webbookstore.net.