Any member of KASB is eligible to become a member of the Legal Assistance Fund (LAF). In order to keep within the court rules concerning the "attorney/client privilege," a separate service fee is charged for membership in the Legal Assistance Fund. This permits board members and administrators from member districts to ask specific questions of the KASB staff attorneys concerning local application of school laws. A subscription to the monthly School Law Newsletter is included with the annual service fee. Members of the LAF have the right to request written opinions on specific legal questions. Members may also, for additional charges, retain KASB attorneys to represent the district.

Labor Relations is influenced by federal and state laws, regulations, court decision, board policy, negotiated agreements and district custom and practice. KASB provides services and information to assist boards in developing sound labor-managment practices, including:

· Conducting Negotiations: Impasse Procedures, Representation at
   Hearings,Contract Analysis, Telephone Inquiry, and Research Data;
· Hiring and Employment Interviews;
· Job Descriptions, Evaluations, Terminations; and
· Prevention of Sexual Harassment Claims.

KASB now offers an attorney on call service to board members and superintendents on the second Monday of each month. One of the five KASB attorneys is available on this board meeting night from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to answer legal questions which may arise before or during the board meeting. KASB attorneys are also available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. five days a week to answer board members' and administrators' legal questions.

The evening service provides board members and administrators with advice on legal issues requiring an answer that evening. This service is being offered on the second Monday of the month because KASB research data indicates that 192 boards meet at this time. If your board has a question, call 1-800-432-2471.

Increasingly, state and federal laws require school districts to adopt policies, keep extensive records of actions, and give notices to employees, students, parents and patrons. Failure to comply with statutory requirements can result in significant fines, loss of funding, or liability for damages if a lawsuit is brought against the district.

The KASB Legal Review Service is a forward-looking process focusing on the prevention of legal challenges. In the selected legal review process, a KASB attorney will take a comprehensive look at the school district's policies and procedures and work with school district administrators to eliminate potential legal challenges.

The Legal Review Service allows districts to select for a fee, selected areas of school district practice and procedures for review from the three broad areas of (1) legal review of employment practices; (2) legal review of student practices; or (3) legal review of district and board operations. The contractual fee for completing a legal review is based on a sliding fee schedule tied to district enrollment.