Federal Updates/Compliance Resources

AASPA acknowledges that many of our members find it challenging to navigate the new administration's surge of significant and sometimes confusing policy changes and statements. During this unprecedented time, we know many students, families, and school district staff may feel concerned or even overwhelmed by these sudden policy changes.

AASPA’s mission is to be the leader in the education, support, and advocacy for our membership and the students they serve. Our members embrace people of all beliefs, backgrounds and needs, creating respectful and inclusive learning communities. We want you to know that AASPA shares your unwavering commitment to meet the educational needs of every student and stands ready to help you lead your districts during this time.

We encourage you to talk with your school leaders about these changes, to adopt a shared strategy that reflects your community's priorities, and to seek guidance from your legal counsel to ensure school practices align with local, state, and federal law.

Resources & Next Steps

AASPA is currently collecting resources for our members to keep them informed. Our Legislative Committee is at work setting congressional meetings to address our legislative priorities and any future concerns or developments. Other resources I want to share include:

Upcoming Webinars

EEOC in the News: Understanding the Legal Background, Investigations and Recent Updates

Thursday, June 5 | 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

Presented by Aaron Kacel, Attorney and Jordan Liphardt, Associate with Robbins Schwartz in Chicago, IL

This presentation will offer attendees valuable insight into the agency tasked with enforcing federal employment discrimination laws. It will explain the laws at issue, how the EEOC investigates alleged violations, and the most recent actions and communications coming from the agency, including discussion of practical implications for educational employers.

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ADA/The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

Tuesday, June 17 | 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

Presented by Melanie Charleston, Senior Counsel with Walsh Gallegos Kyle Robinson & Roalson P.C. in Houston, TX.

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act was passed by Congress in December of 2022 and may be the most significant law you've never heard of. This law is a significant departure from the previous status quo under the ADA which limited pregnant employee accommodations to medical conditions resulting from pregnancy and did not treat pregnancy alone as a basis for accommodation. The presenting attorney will review the requirements of both the ADA and the PWFA, including reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees experiencing limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions and also review the key differences between the ADA and the PWFA.

Register Now

Recorded Webinars

Navigating the Legislative Landscape in Education (April 10, 2025)
This panel discussion with Foresight Law and Policy will provide information on the recent activities of the AASPA Legislative Committee, national priorities, issues affecting education policy, funding, and reform. Learn about the future of the US Department of Education and gain insight into what is really happening in Washington, DC.

Navigating Compliance - AASPA Experts Answer (April 7, 2025)
The recent executive orders and DOE notices from the US Department of Education have raised a plethora of pressing questions about their implication for school HR and school districts. Navigating compliance, district policies, and shifts in your district culture are challenging. Join an expert attorney panel, as they provide insights, actionable guidance and key considerations to help you communicate. Topics will include: Executive Orders/DOE Notices, Title VII, Title IX, Federal Funding.

Title IX in Tumult: What Personnel Administrators Should Know Now (February 13, 2025)
On January 9, 2025, a federal judge in Kentucky vacated the 2024 Title IX rule. Shortly after, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights acknowledged that the 2020 Rule is now the law of the land in all states. With President Elect Donald Trump’s inauguration at the end of January and new leadership at the helm at the U.S Department of Education, there are certainly more changes to come. Join Jackie Gharapour Wernz of ECR Solutions to talk about what personnel administrators need to know now to make sure their school districts continue to comply with Title IX as it changes.
FLSA Compliance in K-12 School Districts: Navigating Pay for Substitutes, Coaches, Extra Duty... (November 12, 2024)
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets federal rules for wages and overtime and shapes how K-12 school districts across the U.S. manage their workforce. It distinguishes between exempt and non-exempt employees, establishing standards for minimum wage, overtime pay, and record keeping. In regard to K-12, this impacts a range of staff – from substitutes and coaches to extra-duty personnel. Many school districts face compliance challenges including determining whether roles like coaches and substitute teachers qualify for overtime or are exempt, and ensuring proper compensation for additional hours worked beyond regular duties...

Current Blogs

AASPA Atlas

We encourage members to post and request resources on our members-only online forum: https://atlas.aaspa.org/home/. These resources can help all of us as we strive to be our district's strategic human capital leaders. These could include, but are not limited to:

· Communication documents to your staff and/or communities

· Communications from your state departments of education

· Communications from your district legal council or leadership

District Policies

Legislative Briefs

The AASPA Legislative Committee works to monitor all federal legislation pertinent to its AASPA members. Changes and updates to Federal Legislation, Rules and Regulations are shared through "Legislative Briefs". Members recieve these via email and can access past copies on our website.

View Legislative Briefs