2024 - 2025 Annual Hot Topic Legal Seminars
Join MSBA for the annual Legal Hot Topic Seminar Series, led by our expert General Counsel, Jim Keith. The Series offers sessions on vital legal insights and updates on key issues affecting education in Mississippi. This Series, designed for school board members, superintendents, school board attorneys, and district administrators, addresses student discipline, personnel matters, employment, and federal labor laws.
Managing Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA):
Legal Guidelines and Practical Application
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Basic FMLA: 9:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.
Advanced FMLA: 12:45 p.m. — 3:45 p.m.
Navigating the complexities of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) can be daunting. This session offers a comprehensive look at FMLA and is divided into two segments for your convenience. The morning session covers the basics of FMLA. The afternoon session delves into advanced applications of this federal law. Gain practical knowledge to ensure your district's compliance and to make informed decisions.
Mastering Personnel Law:
Key Issues for School District Leaders
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
10:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m.
Clarify your understanding of the Education Employment Procedures Law (EEPL) and the implications for your school district. This session will provide best practices for handling termination notices, employee contracts, and the revocation or suspension of licenses for misconduct (MS Educator Code of Ethics). Learn how to minimize legal risks and ensure compliance with EEPL.
Navigating the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA):
Legal Insights and Compliance Strategies
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Employee wage compliance is crucial in avoiding costly legal issues. This session will update you on the latest Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) decisions and their implications for your district. Understand the complex overtime regulations and employee classifications. Learn from real-world cases to safeguard your district against potential pitfalls.
About the Speaker
James A. Keith, Esq., a partner with Adams and Reese, LLP, specializes in education and administrative and employment law. He also serves as MSBA's General Counsel. He is a widely regarded expert, both nationally and locally, on special education matters in public school systems. He often represents school districts in state and federal courts on student matters related to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and §504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Keith serves as a board attorney for several Mississippi school districts and as a resource for superintendents and school boards across the state. He earned a degree in electrical engineering from Mississippi State University and a juris doctorate degree from the University of Mississippi, where he served as Managing Editor of the Mississippi Law Journal.