Secondary Principals Legal Seminar 

12:00pm-4:30pm

12:00pm-1:15pm General Session
Legal Update and Q&A: Hot Topics for School Principals
Malina Piontek, Piontek Law and Bob Butler, WASB 

This program provides an essential legal update for middle and high school principals focusing on the latest "hot topics" impacting public schools. Attorneys Bob Butler and Malina Piontek will delve into critical legal issues stemming from recent Executive Orders, federal regulations, agency actions, and landmark court cases. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of their related legal obligations and strategies for navigating complex challenges in school administration. This program will also provide you with time to ask any legal questions you have related to your daily work in public schools. Bring your questions! Bob and Malina will be prepared to tackle whatever legal question you throw their way!

1:30pm-2:45pm Concurrent Sessions

1.Avoiding Legal Issues That Deny FAPE

Tess O’Brien-Heinzen, Renning Lewis & Lacy

School administrators need to be aware of issues that can affect a student’s ability to receive FAPE under IDEA and Section 504.  Join Tess O’Brien-Heinzen as she discusses issues that have tripped up districts in the past and identifies steps needed to ensure a smooth path to legal compliance moving forward.  Attendees should come with questions and should be prepared to leave with a better understanding of district obligations related to extended day services, seclusion and restraint, outside therapies and placements, discipline, student confidentiality and more . 

2.Navigating the First Amendment with Students, Especially in a Time of Rapidly Developing Technology

Brian Goodman, Boardman & Clark

Principals are frequently faced with situations that require them to apply the First Amendment to a student matter. Relevant case law is constantly changing and chasing the latest technological developments. In this presentation Attorney Brian Goodman will discuss recent cases involving student dress code issues involving the depiction of firearms and LGBTQ+ messaging. Then, the presentation will expand into discussing the challenging First Amendment issues raised by social media and AI use such as bullying and harassment. The goal will be to help equip principals with the tools to navigate these situations practically and in compliance with the law.

3. TIX, LGBTQ+—What’s New; What’s Not?  What’s Next; What’s Hot? 

Chrissy Hamiel, Attolles Law, S.C.  

In this session, attendees will learn the current landscape of Title IX and LGBTQ+ matters, including updates as to recent legislation, impactful court cases, and the current best practices for navigating matters involving restrooms, pronouns, sports, and parent’s rights!

3:00pm-4:15pm Concurrent Sessions Repeated

Principal Moves that Matter: Using Technology to Amplify Voice, Data, and Culture

1:00pm-4:30pm

Rita Mortenson and Brian Cox, Verona School District

In this interactive 3-hour session, principals will explore powerful, yet accessible technology tools designed to amplify leadership impact, increase leadership capacity, and drive continuous improvement. Learn how to leverage platforms like Notebook LM, Suno, Canva, Google Suite, and AI tools to expand your bandwidth in key areas such as climate and culture, data analysis, communication, school improvement, and advocacy. Participants will leave with ready-to-use resources, customizable templates, and a curated list of thought leaders and professionals to follow—empowering them to streamline communication, recognize staff and students, and make data-informed decisions that elevate their school’s culture and overall success.

*During the session you will have time to practice using your own school data so please plan to have access during our work time