Legal Reference Book for Maine Educators Expanded, Updated
Contact: Kay Hyatt (207) 581-2761
ORONO, Maine — Keeping up with changing state and federal regulations is a constant struggle and huge responsibility for Maine public school administrators. Now busy K-12 school leaders can find the latest updates on school law and liability in the recently released second edition of “Legal Issues for Maine Educators,” co-authored by Dianne Hoff, University of Maine assistant professor of Educational Leadership, and Marcia Diamond, principal of All Saints Catholic School in Bangor.
The expanded new edition of the book, first published in 2002, covers more than 90 topics with new sections on discrimination, use of school facilities, the federal No Child Left Behind Act, the 2004 Reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Act, and even regulations and policy in transition or development such as certification and assessment systems.
The authors plan to update the book every two to three years, to provide the latest synthesis of legal issues drawn from Maine and national legislation and court cases.
Crafted as an essential guide, the book will help Maine practitioners make decisions that are both wise and legally defensible, according to Hoff who teaches graduate courses in school law and does research in the social, political and legal context of public education.
“Our goal is to keep Maine schools out of the court room and focused on the important business of schooling,” Hoff says.
The book is designed to be a quick reference but also provides in-depth information to enhance understanding of complex legal issues. The seven major chapters span the broad complexity of constitutional, statutory and case laws as they apply to Maine schools, including basic school law, personnel, students, curriculum, family and community, special populations and tort liability. The Annual School Law Checklist section is a handy reminder of the annual tasks Maine schools are required by law to fulfill.
“As a practicing administrator, I like the fact that the book is organized by hot topics in today’s educational environment,” says Diamond, who also is an adjunct instructor of school law at UMaine. “While the Maine statutes book is important, it is sometimes difficult to find an explanation or information needed quickly,” she adds.
The authors point out that the book does not provide legal advice, nor is it a substitute for legal counsel. Rather its intent is to help educators recognize and react to real or potential litigation situations, and more importantly, to prevent them. The book is also a good source for administrators needing a refresher in school law, the authors say.