School Law

Your school district must comply with many layers of federal, state and local laws and regulations. Whether boards are considering school policies and procedures on the School Ethics Act, special education, elections, student rights, employee relations, financial management or any topic, it is important to have some knowledge of how applicable statutes and regulations impact your schools. Understanding the basics of school law enables board members to make informed, lawful and ethical decisions while ensuring compliance and minimizing legal risks.

NJSBA has information and resources to help boards better understand the legal complexities of public education.

The Legislature shall provide for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of free public schools for the instruction of all the children in the State between the ages of 5 and 18 years.”

– New Jersey State Constitution, 1947

Legal Information from NJSBA

This website’s Legal page provides an explanation of the services and information offered by NJSBA’s attorneys, including information on how to contact the Association’s Attorney of the Day. Access this webpage below.

Access Legal webpage

Topical School Law Resources

This webpage provides a wide range of resources on school law topics, including on subjects such as school elections, budgets, the Board Member Code of Ethics, the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights, the Open Public Meetings Act, the Open Public Records Act, employment and personnel matters and more.

Access Topical School Law Resources

Legally Speaking Columns

School Leader’s Legally Speaking column offers timely news and information about school law topics. Here is a sampling of recent columns.

Related Webinars, Videos and Podcasts

Explore NJSBA’s video and audio programs on a variety of school law topics.

What’s Brewing in Education Law? Coffee Talk with NJSBA attorneys Kathy Whalen and Caitlin Pletcher

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Check out additional popular programs below.