"I believe our connection with you has totally made our school stronger overall, and you have helped guide us through some turbulent times."
~ CFO, Independent School

"I appreciate your work on this and the support of [the] firm. You make my life so much easier."
~ Head of School, Independent School

"On first glance, [the handbook is] a beautiful piece of work! Love the new organization."
~ Associate Head and Dean of Students, Independent School

"Thanks for your excellent work in guiding us through this process."
~ Head of School, Independent School

Independent Schools

Our Independent Schools practice is focused on the critical issues facing school administrators and leadership, including:


Counseling

  • Allegations of sexual abuse, hazing or bullying
  • Student disciplinary matters
  • Educational malpractice claims
  • Employee disciplinary matters
  • Internal grievances
  • Internal investigations of employee, student or vendor misconduct
  • Promotions and tenure
  • Regulatory compliance, including data security
  • Risk management
  • Terminations and layoffs


Documentation

  • Acceptable use of technology agreements
  • Admissions documents
  • Athletic documents
  • Board bylaws
  • Bullying prevention and intervention plans
  • Codes of conduct
  • Conflict of interest policies
  • Data security compliance programs
  • Document retention policies
  • Employment agreements
  • Enrollment agreements
  • Faculty and staff offer letters
  • Housing agreements
  • Job descriptions and applications
  • Medical policies
  • Off-campus trip forms and safety compliance
  • Residential guidelines
  • Student, faculty, and employee handbooks
  • Trustee confidentiality agreements
  • Vendor contracts
  • Whistleblower policies


Training

  • Acceptable uses of technology
  • Avoiding discrimination, harassment, and hazing on campus
  • Appropriate use of social media
  • Bullying prevention and intervention
  • Data security compliance
  • Preventing and addressing sex abuse allegations


Litigation Defense

  • Employment Claims
  • Student and Parent Claims


Title IX Compliance

  • Policies and procedures for responding to complaints of harassment and/or sexual assault
  • Guidelines for conducting an effective investigation
  • Training those responsible for implementing the complaint response procedures
  • Investigating complaints of harassment, including allegations of sexual assault


Schwartz Hannum PC is a member of, and a frequent speaker at, the Association of Independent Schools in New England, the National Association of Independent Schools, the National Business Officers Association and many other associations for independent schools.