Episode 28: Top Myths of School Avoidance (Part 1)

Episode 28: Top Myths of School Avoidance (Part 1)

In Part 1 of our discussion on school avoidance, Sloan Simmons talks with Jennifer Baldassari and Susan Bishop about the challenges districts face in school avoidance issues from both a legal and practical perspective, highlighting the top myths associated with school avoidance along the way. Show Notes & References 6:46  Lucia Mar Unified School District …

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Episode 27: What Is Least Restrictive Environment? What the Courts Say

Episode 27: What Is Least Restrictive Environment? What the Courts Say

Host Sloan Simmons talks to Lozano Smith’s Special Education Practice Group Leader Marcy Gutierrez and special education litigator Kristy Boyes about the challenges schools face in providing the least restrictive environment (LRE) to students with special needs, and what guidance we can glean from federal law as enunciated by the Ninth Circuit, including in the …

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Episode 26: No Easy Answers – Cities, School Districts, and the Statewide Affordable Housing Crisis

Episode 26: No Easy Answers – Cities, School Districts, and the Statewide Affordable Housing Crisis

As California seeks legislative solutions for the statewide housing crisis, new laws increasingly seek to ease the path toward construction of affordable housing.  Implementation of these laws has widespread financial and planning impacts on cities, counties and school districts.  Host Devon Lincoln talks with Harold Freiman and Bill Curley about the affordable housing crisis and …

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Episode 25: The Evolving Landscape of Title IX Compliance

Episode 25: The Evolving Landscape of Title IX Compliance

Title IX impacts more than just college athletics. Host Sloan Simmons talks with Michelle Cannon and Stephanie White of Lozano Smith’s Title IX Impact Team about the current status of the law, including the proposed regulations which contain sweeping revisions to existing practices. This conversation explores the depth and breadth of Title IX and provides …

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Episode 24: Watts in Your Wallet – Financing Clean Energy Projects (Part 2)

Episode 24: Watts in Your Wallet – Financing Clean Energy Projects (Part 2)

In Part 2 of our discussion on the complex topic of clean energy projects and how they are financed, Sloan Simmons talks with Devon Lincoln and Daniel Maruccia about the options for financing such projects and the overarching themes impacting this area of the law. Show Notes & References 1:30  Government Code § 4217.10, et …

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Episode 23: Looking at the Bottom Line – How California’s State Budget Process Directly Impacts Your School District’s Options

Episode 23: Looking at the Bottom Line – How California’s State Budget Process Directly Impacts Your School District’s Options

Host Devon Lincoln talks with veteran experts Karen Rezendes and Mattie Scott about the California budget process, Governor Newsom’s first State budget (just passed on June 13), and the high stakes local school districts face when planning around the annual budget process. Show Notes & References 5:40  Prop 13 (1978) 10:57  Prop 4, the “Gann …

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Episode 22: Course Correction? The Legislature Looks at Big Changes for Charter Schools in California

Episode 22: Course Correction? The Legislature Looks at Big Changes for Charter Schools in California

Host Devon Lincoln talks with Ed Sklar and Erin Hamor about new charter school legislation causing a stir in Sacramento.  If enacted, the pending bills will drastically alter California’s current charter school landscape. Show Notes & References 2:03  EDCAL Article 6:32  AB 1505 10:48  AB 1506 15:26  SB 756 19:20  AB 1507 19:42 Anderson Union …

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Episode 21: Watts in Your Wallet – Financing Clean Energy Projects (Part 1)

Episode 21: Watts in Your Wallet – Financing Clean Energy Projects (Part 1)

In Part I of a discussion on the complex topic of clean energy projects and how they are financed, Sloan Simmons talks with Devon Lincoln and Daniel Maruccia about the wide range of such projects and the challenges public agencies face in determining how to finance them. Show Notes & References 8:04  Solar Power Purchasing …

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Episode 20: From ABC to CBD – When Marijuana and Schools Collide

Episode 20: From ABC to CBD – When Marijuana and Schools Collide

The issue of students using marijuana in California’s public schools is ever-evolving, leaving many confused as to the state of the law. Sloan Simmons engages experts in this area of school law, Aimee Perry and Alyssa Bivins, on the most recent developments, including issues for school districts to consider when it comes to student discipline, …

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Episode 19: Religion in the Schools – A Vehicle for Inclusivity

Episode 19: Religion in the Schools – A Vehicle for Inclusivity

Attorney Michael Smith, joined by associate Josh Whiteside, talks with host Devon Lincoln about the role that religion plays in the lives of public school students and their teachers and other staff, and how schools can create a climate of inclusivity and support for students of every background and faith tradition. Show Notes & References …

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