News

Statement of the New York State Association of School Attorneys Board of Directors on the Investigation of School Attorneys

FOR RELEASE: March 11, 2008

CONTACT: Wayne A. Vander Byl, Esq.
315.589.4500

STATEMENT OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS, NYSASA

The New York State Association of School Attorneys is the state organization that provides information and professional development opportunities for school lawyers throughout the state. Our members believe in the mission of public education and have the training and experience necessary to help school districts navigate a complex array of state and federal laws and regulations.

We have read the recent reports in Newsday about some school attorneys being employed by one or more school districts while serving, at the same time, as outside counsel through their law firms to the same districts. These articles also report that some attorneys have received pension benefits from the New York State and Local Employees’ Retirement System or the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System through these services.

The actual facts involved and the propriety of these arrangements are currently under review by state and federal authorities. We await the results of these reviews and will continue to encourage our colleagues and clients to fully cooperate with the investigating officials.

In response to the media reports, and in advance of any official factual findings concerning the conduct of any particular individual, it appears there has been widespread public criticism of school attorneys as a group. We ask that the public reserve judgment until the investigations are complete and the nature and scope of any problems are revealed and, as necessary, corrected.

The New York State Association of School Attorneys looks forward to working closely with the executive, legislative and judicial branches of our government in addressing identified issues and helping to enhanceand expand the public’s confidence in and understanding of our school systems and their attorneys.