IASB Convention 2024

Do you feel lost trying to navigate through Iowa’s “sunshine laws” related to open meetings and open records? Do you feel like whenever you are presented with an issue related to properly handling school board meetings or releasing school district records, you have more questions than answers? Join attorneys from Ahlers & Cooney, P.C. for this interactive session covering everything from explaining the general applicability of Iowa’s open meetings and open records laws to navigating frequently asked questions and scenarios that commonly arise. Come prepared to ask questions and evaluate hypothetical examples.

In recent years, public attendance and participation in school board meetings has increased significantly. In addition, Iowa law provides new ways for community members to participate in board meetings beyond the public comment process. During this session, attorneys from Ahlers & Cooney, P.C. will focus on new laws ranging from petitions to place an item on the board’s agenda to challenges to curriculum and library books to good old-fashioned public comment procedures. Board members will also gain a better understanding of legal requirements and best practices as they navigate a tricky topic during a public meeting.

Teacher termination hearings can be challenging, uncomfortable and contentious. During this session, join attorneys from Ahlers & Cooney, P.C., who will lead attendees through a mock teacher termination hearing, focusing on the who, what, when, and how of the termination process under Iowa Code Chapter 279. Names, places, and events are products of the presenters’ imaginations and a combined 30+ years of experience handling termination hearings throughout Iowa.

Danielle Haindfield, seasoned school board attorney from Ahlers & Cooney, P.C., will discuss tips and lessons learned on how to navigate the always difficult ending of the board/superintendent relationship. It will include a discussion of why the relationship may need to end, when is the best time to do it and the options at the board’s disposal on how to make it happen. This session will focus not only on legal timelines and requirements to know, but also practical considerations to think about when deciding what is best for the district when parting ways with your superintendent.

Curious about how AI fits into your district's policy? Join Peter Fagen from F3 Law for an overview of the growing role of AI in education, focusing on how schools can responsibly integrate AI technologies while protecting student privacy. Attendees will explore key considerations for developing effective AI policies that align with district goals, including best practices for data security, contract review, and compliance with legal standards such as FERPA. Real-life examples of both the successes and challenges of AI in school districts will provide context for these discussions.

What do you get when you bring together experienced school attorneys from major firms in one room? A rapid fire Q&A session with legal eagles! Join school attorneys from across the state for a chance to get answers to your most pressing legal questions. Come prepared with tough questions, and you'll leave with answers and insights about timely school law topics.