Episode 80 Oklahoma Supreme Court Blocks Establishment Of Nation’s First Religious Charter School Let’s Talk

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In Part 2 of this three-part podcast series, host Sloan Simmons is back with Lozano Smith Facilities and Business Partners Megan Macy and Anne Collins , and special guest Sue Bell, Chief Facilities Officer for the Elk Grove Unified School District. The group covers team building, planning with and for consultants, tips and tricks, and how to best utilize your legal team to get your project off the ground. Stay tuned for Part 3: Implementation, and visit www.lozanosmith.com/podcast to access upcoming episodes upon immediate release. Show Notes & References 1:55 – Building your team of construction professionals 3:07 – FAQ – Construction Professional Selection 5:42 – Planning for consultants on the team 6:41 – When to involve a CEQA consultant 8:11 – Starting your project (mapping, calendars, etc.) 10:29 – Interplay with Facilities Master Plan work 11:49 – Tips and tricks for procuring consultants 14:21 – The value of site visits 16:20 – Interacting with your legal team…

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Episode 89 Review and Update—Personnel Actions and the March 15th Deadline – Are You Ready? 35:54

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In this episode, we re-air Podcast 52 from March 2022, in which host Sloan Simmons joins partners and Lozano Smith Labor and Employment Co-Practice Group Leaders Michelle Cannon and Gabriela Flowers to discuss several important school district labor and employment deadlines that all fall on March 15. This brief but information packed episode includes discussion on various types of release from employment as well as layoffs. The presenters also address changes to the classified layoff process that became effective in 2022. Sloan also discusses with Gabby some important updates and developments on these issues as of March 2025. Show Notes & References 2:29 – Non-reelection of second year probationary certificated employees 3:32 – March 15th deadlines 4:51 – First year probationary employees 4:56 – Education Code section 44929.21 5:41 – Release and reassignment notices for administrators ( Ed. Code section 44951 ) 8:43 – Certificated layoff process 10:12 – Ed. code sections 44955 and 44949 10:37 – Bumping rights 11:23 – Chronology of layoffs 15:55 – Classified layoff process 18:16 – Bumping language and collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) 19:16 – Definition of permanency for classified employee layoffs 20:02 – AB 438 impacts 23:14 – CBAs and classified layoffs 26:20 – *UPDATES* as of March 2025 For more information on the topics discussed in this podcast, please visit our website at: www.lozanosmith.com/podcast.…

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Episode 88 School Facilities, Funding and Construction Series – Part 1: The New State Bond 20:56

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In this three-part podcast series, host Sloan Simmons engages with Lozano Smith Facilities and Business Partners Megan Macy and Anne Collins , as well as special guest Sue Bell, Chief Facilities Officer for the Elk Grove Unified School District, on a thoughtful discussion regarding state funding and post-Proposition 2 spending. This discussion will assist listeners in issue spotting, problem solving, and building a proactive approach to planning and managing your district’s future. Part 1 of the series covers what is different in the new State Bond, and what it means from a practical perspective for school districts. Stay tuned for Part 2: Planning and Procurement and Part 3: Implementation, and visit www.lozanosmith.com/podcast to access the upcoming episodes upon immediate release. Show Notes & References 3:05 – Impact of Proposition 2 State Bond and resulting changes 5:26 – Facilities Master Plans and how to use them 8:27 – New supplemental grants and modernization funding 12:17 – Aspects where greater clarity is still needed 15:58 – Interim housing for declared state of emergencies 17:50 – Project labor agreements 18:20 – Practical perspectives…

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Episode 87 Immigration Enforcement and California’s Schools 49:11

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In this episode, host Sloan Simmons engages with Lozano Smith’s student law experts Ed Sklar and Josh Whiteside regarding applicable laws, guidance, and anticipated developments regarding immigration enforcement and schools under the new presidential administration. The group discusses the similar focus on this issue dating back to 2017-2018, what happened then, resulting California laws and guidance on point, and anticipated changes at the federal level that will impact California schools. Show Notes & References 2:01 – Immigration enforcement and impact on public school students 4:56 – Recent events unfolding and preparing for change 7:01 – Sanctuary school districts and schools 8:03 – State Senate Bill 54 (Identified California as a sanctuary state) ( Client News Brief 75 – November 2017 ) 12:15 – 2017 Nationwide Injunction 13:59 – Legal obligations for school districts ( Plyler v. Doe (1982) 457 U.S. 202) 15:17 – State law and policies (Assembly Bill 699) ( Client News Brief 64 – October 2017 ) 17:36 – California Attorney General guidance ( Client News Brief 1 – January 2025 ) 18:27 – Potential consequences for sanctuary school districts 20:10 – October 2021 Department of Homeland Security “Protected Areas” memorandum 22:15 – February 20, 2017 Department of Homeland Security memorandum 28:22 – Expectations going forward 31:41 – Comparisons to 2017 and what districts can do now 37:07 – UPDATE 1/22/25! – Important post-inauguration update January 20, 2025 Executive Order “Protecting the American People Against Invasion” January 21, 2025 Statement from Department of Homeland Security regarding Rescission of “Protected Areas” memorandum January 21, 2025 Department of Justice Memorandum on Changes regarding Immigration Enforcement For more information on the topics discussed in this podcast, please visit our website at: www.lozanosmith.com/podcast.…

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Episode 86 Update on Student Issues to Ring in the New Year – 2025! 33:20

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Join Lozano Smith Student attorneys Ruth Mendyk , Alexandra Carubis , and Josh Whiteside as they discuss developments from the most recent legislative session and evaluate the impacts on California students beginning January 1, 2025. Show Notes & References 2:03 – Prohibition of suspension for students seeking help with substance use (Assembly Bill (AB) 2711) 5:53 – Lawful possession of fentanyl antagonists and test strips (Senate Bill (SB) 997) 8:19 – Immunity for opioid antagonist administration (AB 2998) 9:34 – Health education and student instruction regarding fentanyl use (AB 2429) 13:14 – Financial literacy (AB 2927) 14:27 – Menstrual health education (AB 2229) ( Client News Brief 46 – October 2024 ) 16:12 – Social sciences curriculum changes (AB 1821) 17:17 – Homework policy development (AB 2999) ( Client News Brief 48 – November 2024 ) 21:54 – Truancy notification letter requirements (SB 691) ( Client News Brief 45 – October 2024 ) 24:38 – Excused absences (SB 1138) ( Client News Brief 45 – October 2024 ) 26:39 – Limits on student social media use at school (SB 1283) 28:32 – Cell phone bans on campus (AB 3216) ( Client News Brief 40 – September 2024 ) For more information on the topics discussed in this podcast, please visit our website at: www.lozanosmith.com/podcast.…

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Episode 85 From Campus to Closure: The Legal and Practical Approaches to School Closure 1:02:05

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This Lozano Smith Podcast episode is the fourth and final in a 4-part series Leadership in Action , brought to you by Lozano Smith and Lozano Smith’s Concierge Consulting Services, also known as CCS. Due to a long pattern of declining enrollment and resulting budget challenges, school districts around the state are increasingly faced with making the difficult decision of whether and how to close or consolidate schools. In this episode, host Sloan Simmons engages with Lozano Smith CCS expert Ron Carruth, Ed.D. and Partner Harold Freiman regarding their unique expertise and best practice recommendations for this challenging process, which is often fraught with emotion for the schools and for the community. Adding to the challenge are recent legal guidances on school consolidation and on equity considerations that should be considered. Practical takeaways on this topic from this episode—whether on demographics studies, communication plans, or legal strategies—can benefit superintendents, school district cabinet leaders of all departments, and school board members. Show Notes & References 4:10 – Observations on school consolidation 7:00 – Decreases in ADA (Average Daily Attendance) and demographic patterns 8:19 – Lessons on reconfiguration/consolidation 11:12 – Key legal issues surrounding reconfiguration/consolidation 11:50 – Community input (Education Code section 17487) 12:22 – CDE guidance ( Best Practices Guide for Potential School Closure ) 14:09 – Assembly Bill (AB) 1912 and specific school closure requirements for financially distressed school districts 16:37 – Equity issues and Attorney General guidance letter (April 2023) 20:35 – Criteria to consider 24:24 – Awareness of common legal challenges 26:18 – Comparing the established 7/11 committee process to the new guidance on district advisory committees 29:31 – Insights into the motivations behind and creation of AB 1912 33:49 – Careful analysis in assisting districts with reconfiguration/closure 37:22 – Demographics, parameters, and best practices regarding time frames 39:24 – Communication plans, community outreach, and the importance of good documentation 45:43 – The Superintendent’s role in the reconfiguration/closure process 48:14 – The importance of engaging with the entire district team 50:54 – The Board’s role in the reconfiguration/closure process 56:01 – Final thoughts To learn more about the Lozano Smith’s Concierge Consulting Services (CCS) team, join us here . For more information on the topics discussed in this podcast, please visit our website at: www.lozanosmith.com/podcast.…

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Episode 84 Understanding, Building, and Sustaining a Professional Organizational Culture 46:31

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This Lozano Smith Podcast episode is the third in a 4-part series Leadership in Action , brought to you by Lozano Smith and Lozano Smith’s Concierge Consulting Services, also known as CCS. In this episode, host Sloan Simmons connects with Lozano Smith CCS expert Brandon Krueger, Ed.D. and Partner Sarah Levitan Kaatz regarding building and sustaining a professional organizational culture. This discussion highlights overarching concepts, practical approaches, and a framework for the extremely important, hard, and sustained work necessary to develop, improve, and maintain a successful, professional organizational culture. Applicable takeaways from this episode can benefit school district leaders, but uniquely governing board members, superintendents, and other members of a district’s leadership cabinet. Show Notes & References 2:48 – Differentiating between culture and climate 6:00 – Shifting culture 10:15 – Accountability (external and internal) 12:45 – Organizational culture work 17:11 – Timelines and tailoring trainings to each individual participant 22:27 – Bias incident response work example 27:09 – Flexibility to encourage participant investment 29:49 – Supporting administrators to maintain positive shifts 35:05 – Training “bites” and the importance of repetition in learning 37:11 – Strategies to combat administrator attrition and retirement 41:34 – Reference checks 42:10 – New requirements for job applicants and hiring entities (Assembly Bill (AB) 2534) ( Client News Brief 47 – November 2024 ) To learn more about the Lozano Smith’s Concierge Consulting Services (CCS) team, join us here . For more information on the topics discussed in this podcast, please visit our website at: www.lozanosmith.com/podcast.…

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Episode 83 School Facilities and Construction Planning, Management, and Oversight: Communication, Communication, Communication 28:35

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This Lozano Smith Podcast episode is the second in a 4-part series Leadership in Action , brought to you by Lozano Smith and Lozano Smith’s Concierge Consulting Services, also known as CCS. Whether your school district successfully passed a bond or parcel tax in years past or just this month, once those financial resources are accounted for, the process of moving forward with construction begins. In this episode, host Sloan Simmons connects with Lozano Smith CCS expert George S. Sziraki, Ed.D. and Partner Kelly Rem regarding best practices for superintendents and their teams for advanced planning, issue spotting, engaging with their school boards, constituents, and other important stakeholders in the school construction project process. Practical takeaways from this episode can benefit school district leaders at any stage of the school construction process, but in particular those at the starting point of the process. Show Notes & References 3:06 – Budget process and the importance of management oversight 4:25 – The impact of timeline development on budget markers 7:19 – Accounting for unanticipated delays 8:40 – Stakeholder communications and legal aspects that come into play 12:36 – School bonds and Oversight Committees 13:37 – Lozano Smith Podcast Episode 68 Citizen Bond Oversight Committees: A Primer for School Districts ( Listen here ) 13:55 – Strategies for fostering good relationships with Oversight Committees 15:06 – Communications through the preconstruction phase and understanding delivery methods 17:11 – Potential legal engagement and knowing when to pass the baton 18:09 – The Levine Act 18:53 – Factoring in Title IX inequity issues and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance 21:40 – Front-end policy development 22:34 – CUPCCAA (California Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act) 23:53 – When disputes arise 26:03 – Big picture takeaways To learn more about the Lozano Smith’s Concierge Consulting Services (CCS) team, join us here . For more information on the topics discussed in this podcast, please visit our website at: www.lozanosmith.com/podcast.…

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Episode 82 The Power of Positivity in Governing Board Meetings 41:31

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This Lozano Smith Podcast episode is the first in a 4-part series Leadership in Action , brought to you by Lozano Smith and Lozano Smith’s Concierge Consulting Services, also known as CCS. Increasingly in recent years, the perception of governing board meetings have trended negative, with school leaders concerned over disruptions, lack of productivity, and more. In this episode, host Sloan Simmons engages with Lozano Smith CCS expert Kevin Skelly, Ph.D. and Partner Megan Macy regarding best practices in fostering a welcoming and positive experience during governing board meetings, to the benefit of district constituents, students, staff, administrators, and the governing board. Practical takeaways from this episode can benefit both new and veteran governing board members in improving the experience and productivity of board meetings. Show Notes & References 3:13 – Making board meetings positive 7:04 – Planning for meetings and bringing issues forward 8:38 – Creating welcoming board meetings for constituents 13:10 – Connecting with constituents at meeting 13:57 – Celebrating success at board meetings 16:54 – Media coverage and relationships with local news networks 19:08 – Importance of board trainings and in-the-moment issue spotting 23:36 – Taking students and teachers into account 26:35 – Getting a “win” out of a “loss” at a board meeting 31:25 – Qualities of good governance teams and successful strategies to employ 36:27 – Modeling respect at board meetings To learn more about the Lozano Smith’s Concierge Consulting Services (CCS) team, join us here . For more information on the topics discussed in this podcast, please visit our website at: www.lozanosmith.com/podcast.…

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Episode 81 Goal Writing in Special Education: Latest Trends and Guidance 23:53

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In this episode of our podcast, host Sloan Simmons engages with Lozano Smith special education experts Aly Bivins and Josh Walden . They discuss the recent trends and guidance in the arena of goal writing for special education students. Aly and Josh provide insights on recent OAH decisions on point, and lessons learned from those due process outcomes. Show Notes & References 1:17 – Lozano Smith Podcast Episode 66 – Addressing Inclusion Confusion Following COVID ( Listen here ) 2:06 – The importance of annual goals ( D.R. v. Redondo Beach Unified School District (9th Cir. 2022) 56 F.4th 636) (Client News Brief 15 – April 2023) 3:06 – Impact on Rachel H. decision ( Sacramento City Unified School District v. Rachel H. (9th Cir. 1994) F.3d 1405) 3:52 – Recent Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) decisions regarding goals 5:03 – OAH on clarity in goal writing 5:22 – South Sutter Charter School case ( Student v. South Sutter Charter School (OAH 2024) Case Nos. 2023100030/2023100175) 8:47 – Meeting the “stranger test” 9:52 – Goals and relationship to instruction and services 10:24 – LAUSD case ( Student v. Los Angeles Unified School District (OAH 2024) Case No. 2023100526) 11:38 – Separate goals in relation to specific areas of need 12:18 – S.W. v. Capistrano case standard ( Capistrano Unified School District v. S.W. (9th Cir. 2021) 21 F.4th 1125; Student v. Capistrano Unified School District (OAH 2023) Case No. 2023050289) 13:40 – Including underlying conditions in goals 15:44 – Baselines and Ukiah case ( Student v. Ukiah Unified School District (OAH 2024) Case Nos. 2024010195/2023100750) 19:11 – Big picture takeaways For more information on the topics discussed in this podcast, please visit our website at: www.lozanosmith.com/podcast.…

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Episode 80 Oklahoma Supreme Court Blocks Establishment of Nation’s First Religious Charter School 27:03

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In this episode, host Sloan Simmons engages with Lozano Smith charter school experts Courtney de Groof and Eric Barba . The group discusses the recent Oklahoma Supreme Court decision to block the nation’s first proposed religious charter school and implications of this development here in California and more broadly. Show Notes & References 1:55 – Drummond vs. Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School Board ( Client News Brief 31 – August 2023 ) 7:23 – Issues presented in Oklahoma Decision 8:42 – Oklahoma State Charter Schools Act 9:45 – Federal constitutional questions that were addressed 12:22 – Federal cases ( Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia, Inc. v. Comer (2017) 582 U.S. 449; Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue, et al (2020) 591 US 464) 19:11 – Big picture takeaways For more information on the topics discussed in this podcast, please visit our website at: www.lozanosmith.com/podcast.…

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Episode 79 Student Issues: What’s New for 2024-2025 32:41

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Join host Sloan Simmons as he discusses new legislative enactments and trending student issues impacting the 2024-2025 school year with Lozano Smith experts Kyle Raney and Kendra Tovey . This episode covers a range of hot topic issues, from a new round of changes to Independent Study to AB 1955. Show Notes & References 1:17 – School recess (Senate Bill (SB) 291) (Client News Brief 45 – December 2023) 3:59 – Repeal of withholding recess as a disciplinary measure 6:01 – Defiance and disruption, and the Keep Kids in School Bill (SB 274) (Client News Brief 37 – November 2023) 9:39 – Changes to Independent Study (IS) (SB 153) (Client News Brief 38 – August 2024) 10:29 – “Short term” versus “Long term” IS 11:15 – Impacts on ADA (average daily attendance) apportionment 12:47 – Asynchronous instruction/participation 13:47 – The intersection of emergency closures and IS (Education Code sections 46393 and 51747 ) 18:45 – Gender identity rights for students and the SAFETY Act (Assembly Bill (AB) 1955) 20:06 – AB 1266 (2014) 20:45 – California Department of Education (CDE) Legal Guidance and FAQs on AB 1266 22:50 – AB 1955 and protections for LEA employees and contractors 24:55 – Updates to annual notices: 25:17 – Discrimination complaints related to textbooks, materials and curriculum 26:20 – Non-compliance with the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) requirements 27:13 – California College Guidance Initiative Data Sharing 27:44 – Cell phones on campus 30:24 – Mandated policies limiting smart phone use (AB 3216) For more information on the topics discussed in this podcast, please visit our website at: www.lozanosmith.com/podcast.…

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Episode 78 At Last! The New Title IX Regulations Are Here – What You Need to Know 29:51

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In this podcast, host Sloan Simmons engages with Lozano Smith Title IX Practice Group Leaders Monica Batanero and Sarah Fama in a step-by-step discussion regarding the new Title IX regulations, as well as helpful context regarding various legal challenges pending around the country to the new regulations. Show Notes & References 1:48 – Overview of Title IX 3:48 – New Title IX Regulations 6:14 – California regulations under the Education code 8:19 – Flexibility within new regulations 10:28 – Sex-based harassment structure for students at higher education institutions (34 CFR 106.46) 12:06 – August 1, 2024 implementation deadline and policy updates 18:22 – Lawsuits around the country and impacts on California schools 19:05 – State of Kansas v. U.S. Department of Education , No. 23-CV-3205-JWL, 2024 WL [specific page numbers to be determined], (D. Kan. July 2, 2024) 21:58 – Overruling of the Chevron Doctrine and its impact 22:53 – Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo , 603 U.S. ___ (2024); 144 S.Ct. 2244 23:05 – Bostock v. Clayton County , 590 U.S. 644 (2020) 26:09 – Resources and training opportunities 26:45 – Lozano Smith Illuminate 28:00 – Lozano Smith Title IX Toolkit – Email clientservices@lozanosmith.com for more information For more information on the topics discussed in this podcast, please visit our website at: www.lozanosmith.com/podcast.…

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Episode 77 What K-12 School Districts Need to Know about Internal Complaint Procedures 18:44

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In this episode, host Sloan Simmons engages with Lozano Smith attorneys Carolyn Gemma and Jaspreet Lochab-Dogra regarding the application and interactions between the various compliant procedures utilized by California’s K-12 school districts. Show Notes & References 1:45 – Common complaint procedures 1:51 – BP/AP 1312.1 (Complaints Concerning District Employees) 1:56 – BP/AP 1312.3 (Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP)) 2:01 – BP/AP 4030 (Non-Discrimination in Employment) 2:05 – Title IX and Williams complaint procedures 2:38 – UCP process 3:33 – What is covered under the UCP 4:39 – Removal of special education from the UCP 6:05 – Complaint procedures for employees with protected characteristics (BP/AR 4030) 6:32 – Complaint procedures for employees not related to protected characteristics (BP/AR 1312.1) 7:34 – Interaction of UCP and Title IX complaint processes 7:59 – New Title IX Regulations (OCR) – August 1, 2024 9:27 – Appeals under new Title IX Regulations 11:24 – Complaints regarding instructional materials or facilities (Williams complaint procedures) 11:37 – Complaints regarding library materials (AB 1078) 13:47 – UCP vs. Williams complaint process 15:29 – Commonalities between complaint processes For more information on the topics discussed in this podcast, please visit our website at: www.lozanosmith.com/podcast.…

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Episode 76 Artificial Intelligence for Public Agencies and School Districts: Part 4 – Understanding Risks and Benefits of AI in the Hands of Students 37:29

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