Legally Speaking Spring 2011

Spring 2011 Contents

Governor's Reform Proposals Redefine Staff Evaluation and Accountability

David Nash, Esq. and Teresa Moore, Esq. discuss the Governor's proposed statewide evaluation system, explaining what changes will mean to principal and teacher evaluations. For example, 50% of a teacher's evaluation will be based on student assessment. This and other critical changes are covered.

Rights of Spring: Nontenured Staff Rights and Responsibilities

Robert M. Schwartz, Esq. explains the legal requirements of the renewal and the non-renewal process that administrators must follow.

Charter Schools in New Jersey: Just the Facts

Teresa Moore, Esq. provides some enlightening information on charter schools in New Jersey and dispels some myths along the way.

Trolling the Web for Employee Information is Fraught with Peril

David Rubin, Esq. warns readers of the pitfalls involved in searching the Internet for information
when making hiring decisions or disciplining staff.

Is a Constitutional Showdown on New Jersey School Funding Imminent?

Paul Tractenberg, Esq., whose involvement in New Jersey public school funding cases dates from the predecessor to Abbott, Robinson v. Cahill, weighs in on potential solutions to current funding problems.

Improper Reorganizations May Jeopardize Board of Ed Decisions

J. Peter Sokol, Esq. explains the law regarding board of education reorganization meetings, the timelines, the process, and what types of decisions can be made in the period between the election and the reorganization meeting.

Opinion

Rutgers professor and LEGAL ONE partner Paul Tractenberg talks with Steve Adubato on WNYC about Judge Peter Doyne's findings and whether the SFRA and Abbott funding formulas should be fully funded during the economic downturn. Listen above to the interview, conducted by Brian Lehrer.