Current Disciplinary Issues Affecting School Leaders

MSAA Professional Development Workshop for School Administrators, Assistant Principals, Dean of Students, and Special Education Coordinators

Current Disciplinary Issues Affecting School Leaders  

Nationally Recognized Attorney Lyons will be presenting on current disciplinary issues affecting school leaders. Attorney Lyons will use her wit and tremendous experience to answer questions and present recent case law. This year’s presentation, the focus will be placed on the intersection of bullying, sexual harassment, and Title IX as it affects school discipline decision making.  There will also be a deep dive into discipline decisions and the importance of the proper use of “emergency removals.”  What various options do we have as school leaders and what laws are used for student discipline.  

Highlighted Topics:

·         Current case law and the most recent rulings that affect the daily operations of schools and their students 

·         The intersection of bullying, sexual harassment and Title IX

·         A deep dive into the various types of “emergency removals” and what laws can/should be cited and used to ensure a safe environment

·         Civil rights laws and a school’s responsibility

·         Q and A 

When: Friday, October 3, 2025, from 8:30 am to 11:30 am

Delivery Method: In-Person Workshop

Location: The MSAA Office, 33 Forge Parkway, Franklin, MA

Presenter: Catherine L. Lyons Esq., Lyons Educational Law

PD Hours: 3 in Content Area Leadership and Administration

Fees: Member $150 / Non-Member $205

MSAA Contact: Ethel Kawesa, ekawesa@msaa.net 

Catherine L. Lyons, Esq. | Educational Law LLC

Catherine L. Lyons, Esq., is a graduate of New England School of Law, magna cum laude, and she currently represents school districts exclusively in all aspects of education law before state and federal agencies, as well as in state and federal court, with a particular emphasis on special education matters. Catherine has a master’s degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Texas Tech University. Catherine also has a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Texas Tech University. Catherine has completed the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court's mediation training requirements pursuant to Rule 8 of the Uniform Rules on Dispute Resolution. Catherine is the Co-Chair of the annual Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education School Law Conference and is a member of the Massachusetts Council of School Attorneys, as well as the National School Boards Association Council of School Attorneys. In addition to representing school districts in special education and related general education matters, Catherine is a frequent speaker at professional conferences, workshops, and seminars.