This article, written by Of Counsel Frank Cavanaugh and Associate Jenna Zerylnick, examines tort liability, workers’ compensation, and employment law issues that pose unique challenges and create exposure to K-12 school districts. The article also provides examples and practice tips for attorneys practicing in these areas.
Public schools play an important role in our society as education providers and serve a parens patriae1 function. They also offer a valuable social opportunity for children and are a significant part of most communities as employers. According to the Colorado Department of Education, there are 178 independent K-12 school districts in Colorado. These districts vary in size and, as a whole, are among the largest employers in Colorado, employing a variety of employees in many jobs. K-12 schools are public entities and therefore are subject to various federal, state, and local regulations. K-12 school districts face tort, workers’ compensation, and employment liability unique to their role in our state.
This article discusses a great breadth of topics, providing a highlight of key issues that create liability exposure unique to K-12 school districts.
Click to read the entire article that was published in the October 2015 issue of The Colorado Lawyer: Education Law_Colorado Lawyer 10-15
