School

Open Meeting Law Dispute Closely Watched: School Board Trustees Indemnified Amid Controversy over Private Legal Consultations

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CARSON VALLEY, Nev. — A recent decision by the Nevada Attorney General’s Office concluded that three school board members did not violate Open Meeting Laws during a private consultation with legal counsel on April 9. Trustee Yvonne Wagstaff and former trustees Carey Kangas and Linda Gilkerson faced scrutiny when residents Virginia Starrett and David Seat filed an Open Meeting Law complaint against them. The complaint arose while the trustees were discussing a potential settlement to a lawsuit alleging records violations against four other board members. The Attorney General ruled on May 23 that the trio … Read more

Trial Date Set as Zwerner’s Lawsuit Moves Forward in High-Profile School Incident

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NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — A Newport News jury is set to hear a lawsuit filed by Abigail Zwerner, a first-grade teacher who sustained serious injuries when she was shot by a six-year-old student. The case has drawn significant attention given its implications for school safety and liability. Zwerner is seeking $40 million in damages, claiming negligence on the part of the school district and its officials. The incident occurred during January 2023 at Richneck Elementary School, where Zwerner was shot in the abdomen while teaching a class. The lawsuit alleges that school administrators were aware … Read more

Washington Welcomes July with New Laws: Tax Hikes, Property Exemptions for Veterans, and Enhanced School Safety Measures

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Olympia, Washington – As the state enters July, new legislative measures enacted during the latest session are set to reshape various aspects of life for residents. A significant change is the introduction of property tax exemptions for disabled veterans with a disability rating of at least 40%, effective July 1. Several other laws will take effect on July 27, including a new tax of $2 per pack on cigarettes, increased tax obligations for high-earning businesses, as well as higher fees related to licenses, court services, and outdoor recreation activities. A focus on school safety is … Read more

Bridging the Legal Divide: Innovative Programs Aim to Make Law School Accessible for Rural and Low-Income Students

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Rural communities and low-income individuals often face significant obstacles in pursuing a legal education, as rising tuition costs and changes to admission testing compound existing disparities. The question remains: What does it take today to become a lawyer in the United States, and who can access that opportunity? With tuition at law schools surging, the American Bar Association (ABA) reports that graduates often exit with an average debt exceeding $145,000. For many aspiring lawyers from rural or economically challenged backgrounds, such financial burdens can be disqualifying. Bill Adams, managing director of ABA accreditation and legal … Read more