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Department of Labor Revises Regulations on Families First Coronavirus Response Act

Following a decision from a federal court in New York vacating portions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”) regulations, the Department of Labor (“DOL”) recently published revised regulations addressing the court’s decision. Notably, the revisions establish a new definition for a “health care provider” after the New York court found the previous definition […]

Reminder – New Title IX Regulations Going Into Effect on August 14, 2020

Today, August 14, 2020, the new Title IX regulations, enforced by the U.S. Department of Education (“DOE”), will go into effect. As discussed in our May 13, 2020 advisory on this topic, available here, the regulations have many new requirements for sexual harassment policies and procedures that need to be in effect by August 14, […]

Federal Court Vacates Portions of FFCRA Regulations

Yesterday, a federal court vacated portions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”) regulations.  In April, the U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) issued regulations interpreting the FFCRA, which provides paid leave time to employees impacted by COVID-19.  The New York Attorney General challenged portions of the regulations, and the matter proceeded to a U.S. […]

DESE Permits 2020-2021 School Year Delay and Student Learning Time Reduction

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (“DESE”) is permitting school districts to delay the start of the 2020-2021 school year by 10 days but not later than September 16, 2020, reducing the student school days to 170 days from the current 180 day requirement for the 2020-2021 school year.  Waivers may be available […]

Reminder – New Title IX Regulations Going Into Effect in August 2020

On August 14, 2020, the new Title IX regulations, enforced by the U.S. Department of Education (“DOE”), will go into effect. As discussed in our May 13, 2020 advisory on this topic, available here, the regulations have many new requirements for sexual harassment policies and procedures that need to be in effect by August 14, […]

Fall School Reopening Guidance

On June 25, 2020, the Commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released Initial Fall School Reopening Guidance. Please find the guidance here. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Liz Valerio Presented at MASC Panel regarding Bargaining during COVID-19

On Monday, June 15, 2020 Liz Valerio was a presenter with the Massachusetts Association of School Committees panel “Preparing for Collective Bargaining in an Era of COVID-19″.  Topics included bargaining during COVID-19 and other back-to-school issues facing Massachusetts Districts.

Appeals Court Affirms Nondelegable Authority of Police Chiefs

Last week, the Appeals Court issued a decision in City of New Bedford v. New Bedford Police Union (97 Mass. App. Ct. 502) affirming a Superior Court’s decision vacating an arbitration award that found the City of New Bedford (“City”) violated the parties’ collective bargaining agreement with the New Bedford Police Union (“Union”) “when it […]

U.S. Department of Education Releases Guidance on Providing Services to English Learners During COVID-19 Pandemic

Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Education (“DOE”) issued new guidance regarding the provision of services to English language learners during remote learning. The comprehensive guidance provides, in part, that while districts are operating via remote or distance learning: Districts continue to screen new students to determine their English language status. Students must be […]

U.S. Department of Education Publishes New Title IX Regulations Requiring Policy Updates and Training

Last week, the U.S. Department of Education (“DOE”) released new Title IX regulations that will go into effect on August 14, 2020.  These regulations require training and changes to school district policies and procedures regarding sexual harassment.  Among the changes are: Notice of Sexual Harassment The regulations require a school district to respond when the […]