8:30 – 9:00 a.m.
CHECK-IN, CONVERSATION & CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

9:00 – 9:05 a.m.
WELCOME & INTRODUCTION

9:05 – 9:50 a.m.
What Happened and Why It Matters – The 2025 Legislative and Case Law Update
The legal landscape for Minnesota schools has undergone significant changes in 2025. This session will provide a crucial review of the new laws, arbitration rulings, and landmark cases that matter most to educators and school law attorneys.
– Roger J. Aronson

9:50 – 9:55 a.m.
BREAK

9:55 – 10:55 a.m.
Navigating the Intersection of Federal Power and State Civil Rights in Minnesota Schools
This session discusses the complex network of executive orders, federal mandates, and agency actions promulgated by the current administration and their intersection with Minnesota’s state-level civil rights protections. We’ll examine how recent actions at the federal level are impacting policies, budgets, and litigation and how the Office of the Minnesota Attorney General is addressing the changes in federal policy.
– Roger J. Aronson, Maren R. Hulden, Dr. Terence S. Morrow & Joseph D. Weiner
– Margaret A. Luger-Nikolai (moderator)

10:55 – 11:05 a.m.
BREAK

11:05 – 11:50 a.m.
Is the Establishment Clause Dead? – How the Supreme Court Is Setting a New Direction for Religious Freedom in Schools
This session analyzes the decisions in Mahmoud v. Taylor and Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond and discusses the changing legal landscape surrounding the First Amendment’s Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses in K-12 public education. Get guidance for ensuring compliance while fostering an inclusive and respectful learning environment for all students. The discussion will include best practices for handling student religious expression, employee religious accommodations, and the use of school facilities by religious groups, considering these landmark decisions.
– David M. Aron & Timothy R. Palmatier
– Catherine Ahlin-Halverson (moderator)

11:50 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.
What Educators Need to Know Now About Earned Sick and Safe Time and Paid Family Leave Laws to Prepare for What Is Happening in 2026
Learn what Minnesota leave laws require as we begin 2026, how the new requirements will interact with existing state and federal requirements, and get tips for complying with new requirements.
– Anjie M. Flowers & Rep. Cedrick R. Frazier

12:20 – 12:40 p.m.
LUNCH (provided by Minnesota CLE)
Catered by Fogo de Chão

12:40 p.m. – 1:25 p.m.
FEATURED PRESENTATION
A Special School Edition on Workplace Violence – Warning Signs and Prevention
Acts of violence in our schools are occurring at an alarming rate, and recent tragic events have led many people to experience a diminished feeling of safety and security while working in schools. Join Dennis Davis, a nationally recognized expert on workplace violence prevention, as he details the warning signs of violence and what your school can do to minimize your risks.
– Dennis A. Davis, Ph.D.

1:25 – 1:30 p.m.
BREAK

1:30 – 2:15 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION A

101
A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Public Schools: The United States Supreme Court Shines a Spotlight on Disability Discrimination Claims Brought by Disabled Students
The recent A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Public Schools decision is the third time in eight years that the Supreme Court has examined disability discrimination claims brought by disabled students against public schools. In this session, one of the attorneys who represented the school district will provide a comprehensive analysis of what the case did – and did not – say, as well as reviewing the larger implications of the Court’s ruling and the overall trend in its decisions in this area of law.
– Christian R. Shafer

102
Where Do We Go from Here – A Roundtable Discussion of Legal and Effective Ways to Navigate the Changing DEI Landscape for Schools
Following recent legal decisions and shifts in public discourse, schools walk a fine line of fostering inclusive environments for students and staff while remaining legally compliant and avoiding litigation. From transgender students playing sports, to attacks on racial equity, to the funding of disability resources, marginalized communities are at the center of many shifts in the educational arena. This session will explore new approaches to DEI initiatives, discuss best practices for fostering inclusive school communities, and offer guidance on what is required in the current legal environment.
– Alemayehu Z. Ditamo, Dr. Macarre Traynham & Eva C. Wood
– Elizabeth J. Vieira (moderator)

103
The AI Revolution – Using AI to Transform Schools While Remaining Legally Compliant
Get practical guidance on using AI tools to revolutionize the way students learn, teachers teach, and schools operate, and insight on legal requirements while doing so.
– Debra M. Corhouse & Dr. Terence S. Morrow

2:15 – 2:25 p.m.
BREAK

2:25 – 3:10 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION B

201
Guidance for Navigating the Changing Special Education Landscape
The legal landscape of special education is shifting, and staying current is not just a best practice – it’s a legal necessity. This session will provide a timely and critical overview of the most recent changes to federal and Minnesota special education laws and regulations. Topics include Minnesota’s new requirements for schools to adopt language access and disability accommodation policies; new paraprofessional training requirements; rules for restraint and seclusion; the potential impacts of federal funding cuts; new state-level mandates for IEPs; and more.
– Jessica M. Heiser, Justin Killian & Christian R. Shafer 

202
How to Prepare for and Respond to a Visit from ICE
This session provides practical guidance for school districts on preparing for and responding to a visit from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). We’ll discuss legal requirements, best practices for communication, strategies to protect student and staff rights, and how to respond to legal exercises of authority while minimizing disruption and ensuring a safe learning environment.
– Trevor S. Helmers, Juventino Meza & Joseph D. Weiner

203
Demystifying the Dangers of Data: Strategies for Protecting Student and Staff Information in a Digital Age
In an era of rapidly evolving technology, school districts are responsible for more technology and collecting more student and staff data than ever before. This session will demystify the complex landscape of data privacy laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Minnesota statutes and regulations. Get a clear understanding of strategies for safeguarding data while leveraging technology to enhance education.
– Corrie A. Oberg & Dr. Lana Peterson

3:10 – 3:20 p.m.
BREAK

3:20 – 4:05 p.m.
Weathering Storms and Finding Sunshine: An Open Forum on What’s Keeping Us Awake at Night and What’s Giving Us Hope Each Morning
In today’s rapidly changing landscape, it’s easy to feel caught in the storm of new regulations, difficult legal challenges, and complex student issues. This session offers a collaborative space where we’ll unpack the legal issues keeping us up at night and share innovative solutions that are giving us hope for a brighter future.
– Jessica M. Heiser, Jonathan F. Reiner & Abbie J. Thurmes
– Anjie M. Flowers (moderator)

LIVE IN-PERSON
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Minnesota CLE Conference Center
600 Nicollet Mall, Suite 370
Seventh Street & Nicollet Mall, Third Floor City Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota

ONLINE REPLAY
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Attend online
Online replay includes all plenary and breakout sessions. A moderator will be available to answer questions by email.

$345 MSBA members / $345 paralegals / $395 standard rate

Other discounts that may apply:

• Education Minnesota staff members and affiliated leaders:
  You may attend for a special discounted rate. Please use the instructions provided by Education Minnesota when registering.
• Season Pass Discount
  
• New Lawyer Discount

Scholarships available!
Need-based scholarships are available for in-person and online seminars. For further information or to obtain a scholarship application, contact us at 800-759-8840 or customerservice@minncle.org.

Minnesota CLE is applying to the Minnesota State Board of CLE for 6.0 standard CLE credits. The maximum number of total credits attendees may claim for this program is 6.0 credits.

Minnesota CLE also has applied to the Minnesota State Bar Association for 6.0 labor and employment law specialist credits.

Minnesota CLE also has applied to the Minnesota Board of School Administrators for 6.0 continuing education units (CEUs) for educators.