2026 MTSBA’s Virtual Back-to-School Legal Primer
Sponsored by MTSUIP - No fee to attend!
Series of three Tuesdays: September 1, 8, and 15, 2026 - 1:00-3:00 pm
Join us live via Zoom each week or watch the video recordings on your own time!
Video links will be posted a few days after each session.
Session 1 – Effective School Governance & Operations
Effective governance establishes the framework that allows students and staff to succeed. This session explores the legal responsibilities of boards and administrators in creating transparent, accountable, and legally compliant school operations.
Topics include:
- Trustee roles and fiduciary responsibilities
- Board-superintendent governance relationships
- Open meeting and public records requirements
- Policy implementation and legal compliance
- Risk management and operational decision-making
- Recent legal developments affecting Montana school districts
Session 2 – Student Rights & Responsibilities
Schools must balance student rights with their responsibility to maintain safe and orderly learning environments where every student can thrive.
Topics include:
- Student discipline and due process
- Searches, seizures, and student privacy
- Student expression and constitutional rights
- Attendance, enrollment, and residency issues
- Honoring the rights of parents
Session 3 – Staff Duties & Responsibilities
School employees play a vital role in achieving student success. This session addresses the legal responsibilities of district employees and administrators while providing practical guidance for managing today's workforce.
Topics include:
- Employment law updates
- Teacher and administrator responsibilities
- Professional boundaries and ethical obligations
- Leave laws and employee accommodations
- Personnel investigations and documentation
- Collective bargaining considerations and workplace compliance
Disclaimer: Montana School Boards Association (MTSBA) has designed these materials to provide helpful information regarding topics and best practices on issues concerning the administration and governance of Montana K-12 public schools. These materials are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. MTSBA does not intend nor should these materials be construed to constitute the rendering of any legal advice. Should the recipient of these materials desire legal advice on any of the topics or information contained herein, MTSBA recommends that the recipient make a specific request for legal advice.