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Employment Agreements: Considerations for Independent Schools During the Hiring Season
Date: January 21 Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Cost: This event is being offered as a free education session.
As the new calendar year begins, independent schools naturally turn their attention to key hiring and contract‑renewal decisions. This includes determining when and how to invite current faculty to commit to another year, evaluating which educators may not be returning, and outlining the process for extending offers to prospective members of the school community.
During this interactive session, we’ll explore how these annual practices intersect with the principles of at‑will employment. Does your school treat faculty and staff as at‑will employees, or do you rely on fixed‑term contracts? And beyond the basic terms of employment, do your agreements reflect the unique expectations of independent schools—such as professional conduct standards for working with students, requirements tied to background checks, or provisions related to enrollment levels?
Brian Garrett and Amanda Brahm from McLane Middleton’s Education Law Group will lead a conversation with business officers and school leaders on the distinctive employment structures used in independent schools, offering guidance on how to clearly articulate and formalize the essential elements of these arrangements.
Presenters
Brian focuses his practice on understanding and serving the needs of independent day and boarding schools. Brian partners with many of the country’s leading independent schools to provide comprehensive advice on all aspects of school operations, including student and parent issues, employment matters, school governance and leadership, and general risk management. He works closely with board chairs, heads of schools, financial officers, and other senior leadership members in tackling complex matters affecting school communities.
Amanda represents employers and educational institutions in legal matters related to students, employees, and school and workplace policies. Amanda’s work encompasses federal and state court litigation of employment discrimination claims, breach of contract issues, and claims arising under Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and federal and state family and medical leave acts. In addition, Amanda advises clients on a wide range of student and personnel-related issues.