Counting to Ten: The Dos and Don’ts of Special Education Discipline

Presenter: Ratwik, Rosak & Maloney P.A. Shareholder Christian R. Shafer

Thursday, 10:30 to 11:20 a.m. in Rooms 8-9-10

In this presentation, an experienced school attorney will walk through every step of the discipline process, from counting suspension days to conducting a manifestation determination.  The speaker will offer practical, real-world advice to help school leaders respond to student conduct, and parent responses to school discipline, while hopefully avoiding potential pitfalls.

The Open Meetings Laws – Current and New

Presenters: Kaufman Law Office Attorney Gerry Kaufman, Churchill, Manolis, Freeman & Burns Law Office Attorney Rodney Freeman, Jr. and ASBSD Director of Policy & Legal Services Naomi Cromwell

Thursday, 3:00 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. in Rooms 13-14

This session should be a “must attend” for all school board members, veteran members and newly elected members (and also school administrators) as the open meeting requirements are the law and not merely suggestions.   A violation of the open meetings laws can be a criminal offense, result in a board action being voided by a court, and the school board being publicly reprimanded by the SD Open Meetings Commission.

Section 504: A Deep Dive

Presenter: Ratwik, Rosak & Maloney P.A. Shareholder Christian R. Shafer

Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. in Rooms 8-9-10

Section 504 is often thought of as “just accommodations.”  The law, however, requires much more, and the failure to follow Section 504 could result in costly liability.  In this presentation, an experienced school law attorney will take a closer look at the ins and outs of Section 504, from child find to the provision of a free appropriate public education, including special education and related services (yes, the Section 504 regulations actually say “special education”).

Pain in the App, v. 4.0

Presenters: KSB School Law Attorneys Sara Rogers, Bobby Truhe and Tyler Coverdale

Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. in Rooms 11-12

Now in its fourth year, Pain in the App is officially preschool-aged, still growing, still learning, and occasionally causing a little chaos. What began as a focus on social media and student technology has expanded into a broader look at the legal and practical issues schools face today. Join the KSB attorneys as they cover the latest developments in social media, AI, cell phones, and emerging technology impacting administrators and board members. Each year brings new challenges, and this one is no exception.

Dirt, Dollars, and Deadlines: School Construction Explained

Presenters: KSB School Law Attorneys Sara Rogers, Bobby Truhe and Tyler Coverdale

Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. in Rooms 11-12

School construction projects are exciting, until you meet capital outlay requirements, bid laws, and acronyms like CM@R. This session will walk South Dakota administrators and board members through the legal and practical side of getting projects off the ground (and actually finished). We’ll cover capital outlay, procurement options, opt-out issues, and other common pitfalls that can turn a project into a cautionary tale.

Navigating Due Process & State Complaints: What to Do When Your District Is Challenged

Presenters: Ratwik, Rosak & Maloney P.A. Shareholder Christian R. Shafer and Douglas Director of Special Services Monica Waltman

Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. in Room 3

When a district faces a due process complaint or state complaint, understanding the legal process and responding effectively is critical. In this joint session, an experienced attorney and a seasoned special education director provide a comprehensive look at navigating these challenges with confidence. Attendees gain insight into legal requirements, common pitfalls, and proactive strategies to prevent disputes before they escalate. Presenters share practical guidance on drafting strong responses, maintaining compliance, and fostering collaboration to resolve conflicts efficiently. This session equips school leaders with the knowledge and tools to protect their district’s interests while ensuring appropriate services for students. Whether you’re new to special education administration or a seasoned professional, this presentation offers valuable takeaways for handling legal challenges with clarity and confidence.

Handling Parent Disputes & Attorney Involvement: Strategies for New Special Education Administrators

Presenters: Ratwik, Rosak & Maloney P.A. Shareholder Christian R. Shafer and Douglas Director of Special Services Monica Waltman

Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. in Room 3

Effectively managing parent disputes and attorney involvement is a critical skill for new special education administrators. This interactive session, led by an experienced attorney and a seasoned special education director, provides actionable strategies to navigate challenging conversations, maintain positive relationships, and respond appropriately to legal challenges. Presenters will share real-world scenarios, offer communication techniques to de-escalate conflict, and outline key legal considerations when attorneys become involved. Attendees will engage in problem-solving activities designed to build confidence in handling contentious situations. The session concludes with a structured Q&A, allowing participants to apply learned strategies to their own experiences.