Here is a compendium of current issues that affect Ohio’s public entities, plus McGown & Markling news of note.
In a public news release, Governor Mike DeWine and the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (“BWC”) Administrator/CEO Stephanie McCloud announced a proposed 1.5 billion dollar dividend to Ohio employers after an incredibly successful year for the BWC’s investments. Of the 1.5 billion dollars, approximately 50 million dollars will be paid out to Ohio’s public schools. Administrator […]
On June 14, 2019, Matthew John Markling is giving a legal update to superintendents at the South Central Ohio Educational Service Center, which proudly serves school districts in Adams, Jackson, and Scioto Counties. The South Central Ohio Educational Service Center also provides regional services in Lawrence, Pike, Ross, and surrounding counties. The South Central Ohio […]
The Ohio Ethics Commission just published its newest newsletter, which can be viewed here. Past newsletters from the Ohio Ethics Commission can be viewed here. McGown & Markling is often asked to opine on various ethics issues, but the best ethics advice comes straight from the Ohio Ethics Commission itself. To request an advisory opinion from the […]
In Doe v. Boyertown Area School Dist., 893 F.3d 179 (3d Cir.2018), the United States Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal from an appellate court opinion holding that a public school may adopt a policy permitting transgender students to use the bathroom consistent with their gender identity as opposed to the sex they were […]
On April 22, 2019, the United States Supreme Court indicated that it may be ready to determine whether Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“Title VII”) prohibits employment discrimination based upon sexual orientation and transgender status by agreeing to hear the following three appeals: (1) Altitude Express Inc. v. Zarda, 2nd Cir. […]
On April 10, 2019, the United States Department of Education released a Parent and Educator Guide to School Climate Resources to provide guidance on creating a positive school climate, reduce disciplinary issues, and increase overall school safety. The guide also provides best practices and additional resources on these topics. To read the guide, click here. […]
On April 1, 2019, the United States Department of Labor issued a proposed rule to update the responsibilities of employers and joint employers. The proposed rule would establish a four-factor test to determine joint liability for minimum wage and overtime violations. The four-factor test looks to see if the potential joint employer exercises the power […]
School districts derive substantial revenue from property taxes. As a result, McGown & Markling recommends that all school districts actively take steps to protect their property valuation – especially when property owners are seeking to reduce property values. If you do not know whether you have property owners seeking to reduce their property values for tax year 2018, […]