Posted by Frank Cavanaugh on Oct 20, 2015 in Articles, General, Recent News
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