Policy & Law

During the 2025-2026 school year, SMEC is beginning the task of analyzing and updating our Strategic Plan and state audit for Children's Therapeutic Supports and Services (CTSS) certification.  This Fall, as Department Lead of behavior programs, veteran Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) trainer, and SMEC and member district restrictive procedure debrief coordinator, I went about updating our SMEC Restrictive Procedures Plan.  Based on state and federal policy, as well as MDE and MDH guidelines, this document outlines the policies and practices for managing student behavior in situations that may require interventions to ensure safety and maintain a conducive learning environment.  This is published on our SMEC district website and linked to each of our seven member districts.

During Legal Issues in School Administration course, I became familiar with the key issues involved in litigations involving school entities/staff.  Key to this new knowledge was the understanding that laws, whether federal, state or local, are open to interpretation based on situational factors.  School leaders are best served in being proactive and encouraging all stakeholders to be familiar with policies and procedures that affect educational practices AND the changes in those.  In addition, due process and its explicit documentation is essential.  Primarily, leaders should possess a mindset that considers the individual and their unique circumstances with transparency and intent to understand.

A familiarity with the framework governing general education, special education, and community education is crucial for school leaders, as ignorance of the law is not an excuse for violation.  Federal laws ensure all students are entitled to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), the protection of Constitutional rights and freedoms, and education for students with special needs in their least restrictive environment. State and local laws and policies expound on these, while state agencies such as MDE provide clarifying guidance.  In my experience with SMEC administration, and my prior work experience at the MN House of Representatives, I would add it is also the duty of school leaders to collaborate and advocate on behalf of their district to those at the federal, state, and local level involved in policy making.