2025 COSA Spring School Law Seminar

Workalike Meetings—Separate Registration Required

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
In House Counsel Workalike Meeting and Lunch

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
State Association Counsel Workalike Meeting and Lunch

General Sessions

1:15 – 2:30 p.m.
Title IX Compliance and Enforcement Under the New Administration
With new leadership comes potential changes in Title IX regulations and enforcement, particularly concerning gender equity, sexual harassment, and student rights in public schools. This presentation will provide an overview of anticipated changes in Title IX policy and enforcement, helping school attorneys stay ahead of compliance requirements and legal challenges.

Speakers: Nina Gupta, Partner, Parker Poe and Suzann Wilcox, Partner, Parker Poe

2:30 – 3:45 p.m.
When Student and Staff Speech Collide with the Anti-Discrimination Laws
This session will offer practical advice on what to do when student and staff speech conflict with the anti-discrimination laws and when that speech loses its protection by creating a hostile environment for others. Recent OCR enforcement and case law will be explored.

Speaker: Howard Miller, Member, Bond, Schoeneck & King

Networking Break

3:45 – 4:15 p.m.
Networking Break with Refreshments

General Session

4:15 – 5:30 p.m.
Insider Perspective of the U.S. Department of Education
This session will discuss President Trump’s vision for the U.S. Department of Education from General Counsel, Tom Wheeler. Tom will share his insider knowledge from the Trump administration and expertise on pressing issues facing school districts today.

*This discussion is not eligible for CLE credit*

Speaker: Tom Wheeler, General Counsel, Department of Education

Full Breakfast

8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

General Sessions

9:30 – 10:45 a.m.
Navigating the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) Under the New Administration
This session will examine shifts in the enforcement priorities, investigation protocols, and guidance issued by the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) under the new administration. Public school districts are often at the forefront of OCR complaints related to discrimination, disability rights, and other civil rights issues. Understanding OCR's evolving stance is critical to anticipating enforcement trends and adapting compliance strategies accordingly.

Speakers: Nina Gupta, Partner, Parker Poe and Suzann Wilcox, Partner, Parker Poe

11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Safeguarding Student Data: Navigating Cybersecurity and Privacy Challenges in K-12 Education
In an era where educational institutions are increasingly targeted by cyberattacks, protecting student data has become paramount. This session will delve into the unique cybersecurity threats facing K-12 schools, including ransomware attacks and data breaches, and examine the legal frameworks governing student data privacy. Attendees will gain insights into developing robust data protection strategies and ensuring compliance with evolving federal and state regulations.

Speakers: Sarah Hutchins, Partner, Parker Poe, Kelley Pearson, Counsel, Parker Poe and Laura Lashley, Counsel, Parker Poe

Lunch On Your Own

12:15 – 1:30 p.m.
Head down to the hotel’s lobby level for food options or outside for some Atlanta deliciousness.

Concurrent Sessions

1:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Navigating Employment Complexities for Educators with Visas
Hiring foreign workers is a viable option for unfilled teaching positions that requires some unique but straightforward process for completing those hires. Speakers will provide practical steps and useful tips to get your district started (or keep up with documentation) when working with foreign teachers.

Speakers: Leandra C. Ortiz, Shareholder, Walsh Gallegos and Roxie De Santiago, Associate, Walsh Gallegos

1:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Public Comment Rules: First Amendment Considerations for School Boards
Public school board meetings have increasingly become arenas for contentious public comment, raising First Amendment challenges and the need for well-crafted public comment policies. This session will explore how school districts can balance the public’s right to free speech with maintaining order and decorum during meetings.

Speakers: Nina Gupta, Partner, Parker Poe and Suzann Wilcox, Partner, Parker Poe

General Session

3 – 4:15 p.m.
Defending School Districts in Federal Court: Leveraging Recent Supreme Court Decisions
Federal litigation against school districts is evolving, influenced by recent Supreme Court rulings that reshape liability, remedies, and defense strategies. This presentation will cover key cases, including Cummings v. Premier Rehab Keller PLLC, which limits the scope of damages under Title IX and the ADA, and Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, which impacts judicial deference to federal agencies. Additionally, we will address strategies for leveraging qualified immunity to protect school officials. This session offers practical guidance for school attorneys defending districts in an increasingly complex legal environment.

Speakers: Brandon Moulard, Partner, Parker Poe and Bennett Bryan, Counsel, Parker Poe

Seminar Reception

4:30 – 6 p.m.
Join your colleagues for refreshments and snacks.

Continental Breakfast

7:30 – 8:30 a.m.

General Session

8:30 – 9:40 a.m.
Crafting Strong Agreements: Key Considerations from Concept to Completion
In this session, participants will delve into the intricate process of contract/agreement development, exploring and defining critical considerations for each phase from initial drafting to final execution, taking an in-house counsel lens. Whether you're an experienced attorney or new to the field, this session will equip you with key insights needed to create clear, effective, and enforceable contracts/agreements with favorable terms for your client. Participants will also have the opportunity to share and hear from their colleagues and peers as we uncover best practices, common pitfalls, and innovative strategies to ensure your contracts/agreements are both legally sound and practically viable.

Speaker: Gabby Lamarre, Attorney, Office of the General Counsel at District of Columbia Public Schools

9:40 – 10:50 am
Legal Ethics for School Attorneys: An Update
A review of the past year’s developments in legal ethics, focusing on issues of particular interest to attorneys for local school districts including artificial intelligence, posting queries on listservs, duties to organizational clients, the hazards of joint representation, and contacts with represented parties.
Speaker: David Rubin, Sole Practitioner, Of Counsel, Busch Law Group

COSA Business Meeting and Awards Ceremony

10:50 – 11:05 a.m.
COSA Election, Business Meeting and Award Presentation
Please join us for the annual business meeting to elect new officers. COSA will also honor David Rubin for his longstanding commitment to COSA over the years and valued expertise in the area of school law.

Adjourn

Add-Ons (Separate Registration Required)

Interested in attending the NSBA 2025 Annual Conference, April 4-6? Register for the COSA School Law Seminar first and select NSBA 2025 Annual Conference to receive a discounted NSBA 2025 registration.

NSBA 2025 Annual Conference Add-On