Education & Schools

Attorneys at Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C. provide comprehensive legal services to a wide range of educational organizations. We have extensive knowledge and experience in responding to legal issues facing educators, as well as in identifying emerging opportunities and challenges. We stay abreast of education-related developments and emphasize preventative legal strategies to minimize risk.

Governmental Practice

General

Provide counsel on parliamentary procedure for public meetings
Advise on charter school issues
Advise on compliance with the Sunshine Act, Public Official and Employees Ethics Act, and Right-To-Know Law
Advise on constitutional issues affecting public school students
Oversee public bidding process
Draft school board policies
Advise on federal laws including No Child Left Behind Act, Children’s Internet Protection Act, and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
Review and prepare public contracts
Counsel on student disciplinary matters and student due process rights
Analyze and negotiate contract issues
Counsel on environmental compliance and land use matters
Advise on all matters of liability and immunity

Special Education

Advise school districts on compliance with state and federal special education law and regulations (IDEA and Section 504)
Consult with administrators on school district legal responsibilities regarding Child Find, evaluations, IEP development, placement issues, FAPE, and LRE
Represent districts in state administrative due process hearings
Assist in responding to OCR complaint investigations and state Bureau of Special Education compliance investigations and appeals
Represent districts and insurers in federal court actions under IDEA and Section 504 seeking compensatory and punitive damages and attorneys’ fees
Advise school districts on discipline of special education students

Public Finance & Bonds

Serve as bond and underwriters' counsel
Secure required approvals under the Local Government Unit Debt Act
Document finance transaction for General Obligation Bonds, Revenue Bonds, and Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes
Provide opinions regarding the validity, security, tax-exempt, and tax credit status of bonds, notes, and leases
Assist in reviewing official statements to ensure compliance with federal securities disclosure laws
Monitor arbitrage regulations
Advise public bodies on federal tax compliance issues

Labor & Employment

Negotiate collective bargaining agreements
Provide guidance on bargaining unit and union-related issues
Represent in grievance processing, labor arbitration, and all types of matters before the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board
Advise and counsel on all aspects of employment law, including the employee provisions of the School Code
Represent in EEOC and PHRC discrimination claims, unemployment compensation, and OSHA matters, as well as before other administrative agencies
Prepare employment-related documents and agreements
Train and update management and supervisors on critical workplace issues
Develop teacher and staff evaluation process
Negotiate and prepare administrative contracts

Litigation

Defend liability, civil rights, discrimination, employee benefit, and whistleblower claims
Defend and prosecute contract claims
Provide representation in alternative dispute resolution, including arbitration and mediation
Counsel on debarment of public contractors