School attorneys from across the country will gather in San Antonio, April 9-11 for the annual COSA Spring School Law Seminar. Earn continuing legal education credit while updating yourself on current law and litigation affecting public schools, discussing best practices, and networking with your colleagues. Hear from nationally-renown authorities on hot topics including quickly-evolving standards affecting student and staff rights.

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Registration Fees

Registration Registration Deadline  State Association
Counsel Members		 Law Students  In House Counsel COSA Members  Non-Members Guest Fee
Early Bird  By Dec. 5, 2025   Complimentary  $95 $750 $850 $1,050 $100 
Standard  After Dec. 5, 2025  Complimentary  $95 $850 $950  $1,150 $100 

Add-Ons (Separate Registration Required)

In House Counsel Work-Alike Meeting (COSA Member In-House Counsel & Government Attorneys Only): $125

State Association Counsel Work-Alike Meeting (NSBA State Association Staff & State Association Outside Counsel Only): $125

Seminar Schedule

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

1:15 – 2:30 p.m.

General Sessions

1:15 – 2:30 p.m.

ADA and Section 504: Deliberate Indifference in a Post A.J.T. World 

The U.S. Supreme Court’s June 12, 2025, decision in A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Schools Independent School District No. 279 leveled the playing field for students and their parents who bring damage claims under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act for school districts’ failure to provide education services. This presentation will analyze the impact of this decision and give examples of its application by lower courts. 

Speaker: Craig Feiser, Attorney, Florida Virtual School, Orlando, Florida

2:30 – 3:45 p.m.

Balancing Safety and Rights: A Legal Approach to High-Risk Student Behavior

There are significant risks when schools attempt to address the behavior of high-risk students. This presentation will explore legal and practical strategies to support school districts in preventing and responding to dangerous or seriously disruptive student behavior while complying with the IDEA and Section 504, balancing the rights of all members of the school community, and minimizing legal risk.

Speaker: Miriam Van Heukelem, Shareholder, Ahlers & Cooney, Des Moines, Iowa

Networking Break

3:45 – 4:15 p.m.

Networking Break with Refreshments

Opening General Session

4:15 – 5:30 p.m.

Parliamentary Procedure Survival Skills for School Board Attorneys

Running or advising a school board meeting can be challenging. Using parliamentary procedure and Robert’s Rules of Order can make meetings shorter, more efficient, and legally sound. Attendees will learn about agendas, minutes, motions, voting, and board versus large-group procedure. Join Jim Slaughter, a North Carolina attorney, Certified Professional Parliamentarian, and author of four books, for a practical look at advising school board clients on better meeting procedures.

Speaker: Jim Slaughter, Partner, Law Firm Carolinas, Greensboro, North Carolina

Full Breakfast

8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

General Sessions

9:30 – 10:45 a.m.

2026: (The Legal Ethics of) An Artificial Intelligence Odyssey

It is clear that artificial intelligence (AI) is here to stay. It is already being used by lawyers, and such use can come with ethical implications. The speakers for this session will explore various ABA legal ethics guidance and opinions, along with current judicial decisions, court rule proposals. and best practices for the use of AI by lawyers and school districts.

Speakers: James Gessford, Partner, and Derek Aldridge, Partner, Perry Law Firm, Lincoln, NE

11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Navigating Public Use of Social Media (During a Continuous Election Cycle)

Everyone uses social media. Social media use by teachers and other public employees can be challenging for school districts and other public employers. This session provides an overview of case law and its applicability to real-world scenarios, reviews proposed policy language, and offers suggested practices for addressing social media-related issues involving public employees. 

Speakers: Dr. David J. Agata, General Counsel, and Karen M. Chastain, Deputy General Counsel, Florida Virtual School, Orlando, Florida 

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 of San Antonio’s deliciousness.

Concurrent Sessions

1:30 – 2:45 p.m.

Civil Rights: Update and Best Investigation Practices

School attorneys are a crucial resource to schools in navigating the complex, high-stakes, and ever-developing legal landscape of civil rights compliance. The speakers for this session will provide essential updates on federal civil rights guidance and cases and review best practices for conducting in-house investigations of civil rights complaints. 

Speakers: Kate V. Davis, Partner, and Katy Osborn, Of Counsel, Bricker Graydon, Liberty Township, Ohio

1:30 – 2:45 p.m.

Code Red: Crisis Communication and SOS for School Attorneys (2026 Update)

When a crisis hits, your first message can either limit exposure or create it. This interactive session shows school attorneys how to build legally compliant, fast, clear, and credible crisis communications while preserving privilege, protecting privacy, and managing social media risks. Participants leave with templates, checklists, and event trees.

Speakers: Craig Wood, Partner, Walsh Gallegos, San Antonio, Texas, and Kathleen Kennedy, Center for Communications and Engagement, Norman, Oklahoma

General Session

3 – 4:15 p.m.

The Changing Landscape of Religion in Public Schools

The United States Supreme Court has become increasingly receptive to claims by parents and staff that school districts have violated their rights to exercise their religion freely. From a coach praying at the 50-yard-line, to curriculum opt-outs, and teachers who refuse to use the preferred pronouns of transgender students, cases are making their way through the court system, and those cases could lead to significant liability for school districts. This session will address the law being developed in these areas and provide practice tips in addressing such issues. 

Speaker: Howard Miller, Member, Bond, Schoeneck, & King, Melville, New York

Seminar Reception

4:30 – 6 p.m.

7:30 – 8:30 a.m.

Continental Breakfast

8:30 – 9 a.m.

COSA Business Meeting

The membership will vote on the slate of candidates for the 2026-2027 COSA Steering Committee and will honor outgoing Chair Kenneth Walker II.

General Sessions

9:10 –10:25 a.m.

Brave New World: A School Attorney’s Guide to AI Compliance, Civil Rights, and Conduct

This session explores the legal complexities of the utilization of artificial intelligence in K-12 schools, focusing on student privacy, civil rights, intellectual property, and academic integrity. School attorneys are no longer just advising on "cheating" with ChatGPT; they are now facing a complex web of civil and criminal liabilities that require immediate policy transformation. Participants will learn to navigate the emerging rights and responsibilities of students and educators.

Speaker: Sara Richmond, Member, Bond, Schoeneck & King, White Plains, New York

10:30 – 11:45 a.m.

Legal Ethics: Advising Your School Client Through Conflict

This session will explore legal ethics through real-life experiences of conflict within and outside your school board clients’ organizations. Attendees will learn to spot the conflict, consider options, and lean into practical considerations to ensure not just legal compliance but also mutual respect and trust.

Speaker: Jessica Smith, Staff Attorney, Oklahoma State School Boards Association, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 

Adjourn

Seminar Information

Cancellations & Refunds for Registration will be accepted through Thursday, February 26, 2026 with a full refund less a $175 processing fee.

Registration Cancellations received on or after Friday, February 27, 2026 will not be refunded.

No-shows will not receive a refund. All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to NSBA: memberservices@nsba.org. Refunds will be processed within one week of request. NSBA is not responsible for airfare, hotel, or other costs incurred by participants in the event of program or registration cancellation.

If you need to make any changes to your hotel reservation, please contact the NSBA Registration & Hotel Support Center or by phone at (800) 616-8210 (U.S. & Canada) or (415) 979-2264 (International). The hotel reservation cancellation deadline is Friday, March 20, 2026. Cancellations on or after Friday, March 20, 2026 will forfeit the deposit or will be charged an amount equal to one night’s room and tax.

In registering you acknowledge and agree to the NSBA Conference Terms and Conditions.

You must be registered for the conference before you can reserve housing. All reservations should be made prior to March 21, 2026. Room availability and conference rates cannot be guaranteed after this date.

Looking to relax and have some fun after a long day of learning? San Antonio’s rich culture, historic landmarks, and vibrant River Walk will make your conference experience truly unforgettable. Click here to access special offers and discounts on popular San Antonio attractions.