In academics, athletics, and the arts, it takes a number of people working together to empower students to be their best. Schools understand the importance of teamwork better than anyone. At Scholten Fant, we understand the laws affecting school districts in West Michigan and beyond. In fact, we’ve been representing public school districts since our inception in 1957.

As part of your team, we will assist school administrators and board members with the many legal issues your school faces. That way, your team can focus on what really matters — student success.

Experience and Expertise

General School Law

• Student discipline – suspensions and expulsions
• Speech and religion
• Search and seizure
• Student records – FERPA
• Pupil accounting
• Pupil transportation
• Schools of choice
• Civil rights
• Board policies
• Elections
• Contracts

Labor & Employment

• Collective bargaining
• Contract administration
• Grievance processing
• Arbitrations
• Employee discipline
• Wrongful discharge
• Unfair labor practices
• Wage and hour claims
• Unemployment compensation
• Family Medical Leave Act

Teacher Tenure

• Evaluation requirements
• Probationary non-renewals
• Tenure matters

Title Ix

• Investigations
• Litigation

Sunshine Laws

• Open Meetings Act
• Freedom of Information Act