School Handbooks
The How, What and Why of School Handbooks
Mary Angela Shaughnessy, SCN — Louisville, Kentucky
Whatever your legal needs are, the best law is preventive in nature. For schools, the large number of state and federal laws pertaining to public and private education makes carefully crafted school handbooks the best prevention there is.
With more than three decades of experience in education and an attorney's understanding of the law — I have helped public and private school officials, nationwide, to avoid legal problems through the development and creation of school handbooks.
To schedule an initial consultation — please call or contact me online.
What should be in a handbook for faculty, or one for parents and students, or for board members or volunteers for that matter? What are the legal implications of each item you include? How should they be worded? How should school rights, policies and handbooks written for private schools differ form those written for public ones?
As a lawyer and an educator, I have a unique understanding and knowledge of the issues and pitfalls associated with school handbooks. As a consultant or as a legal advisor, I can help you to construct these all-important documents in a way that anticipates and prevents problems before they arise.
Disputes and Lawsuits Involving School Handbooks
In the public education system many claims involve constitutional rights. In private and religious schools, constitutional rights don't apply. In these situations, disputes are typically governed by contract law instead.
My practice emphasizes the benefits of resolving these disputes outside of court whenever possible. I am skilled at finding common ground through reasonable discussion, negotiation and mediation — and have achieved satisfactory results for plaintiffs, defendants, teachers, parents, students, administrators, sponsoring organizations, religious nominations and board members alike.
Legal Information, Co-Counsel and Expert Witness
Services Provided Nationwide — 502-442-2396
If you're interested in the knowledge and unique perspective I have to offer — please feel free to call me in Louisville or to contact me online with a brief description of your situation, interest or concerns.
