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ecopeland@SchuylerRoche.com

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Education Law

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Ed Copeland devotes his years of expertise in education to preserving the rights of individuals in school law matters. He has served as a member and Chairman of the Illinois State Board of Education, where his work had a direct impact on prominent issues affecting education. Now, for Schuyler Roche, P.C., Edward represents superintendents, principals and other high-level administrators on a range of key issues, including matters related to the terms of employment, discharge and retirement.

Education has changed significantly in recent years— schools are more technologically advanced, employees are more diverse, command higher salaries, and are more likely to change jobs, and the public's attention is more drawn to education issues. In general, leading officials in schools are likely to have a higher profile in the community than they did in previous years. Test scores are now often used to gauge the improvement of students, and a superintendent or principal may be held responsible for poor school performance. Having represented many individual clients in education matters, Ed recognizes what is at stake for individuals who seek counsel in this area. "We are dealing with people whose careers and livelihood are on the line" he says, "and we are trying to preserve their rights."

In the arena of education, it is not uncommon for a situation to occur in which a new school board is elected and then seeks a new superintendent. The current superintendent is entitled to his due process rights, says Ed. Ed plays a key role for superintendents by advocating for a separation agreement that thoroughly addresses relevant issues. A superintendent's future, for example, might hinge on matters related to compensation and pension benefits. A significant part of Ed's work is to inform clients about various compensation options available to them. Another important aspect is to provide counsel on how a settlement will affect payment related to the Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois.

Ed is also keenly aware of how cases involving high-level school officials can be affected by external and internal communications. He compares superintendents to elected officials in the sense that they are "constantly in the spotlight, subject to scrutiny by the media, parents, teachers, school boards and unions". Legal strategies to preserve the rights of these clients may emphasize ways to communicate with regard to the situation, including the need for confidentiality agreements.

Ed's extensive career, which includes two terms in the Illinois House of Representatives, highlights the breadth of his knowledge of school law matters. Currently, he is a member of the Illinois Council of School Attorneys and is a School Service Member of the Illinois Association of School Administrators. While ably representing high-level professionals in Illinois school districts, he understands the impact of this work. "These schools are dealing with public funds and, most important, the education of children," Ed says. "This work hits close to home."

In addition to representing clients in school law matters, Edward has authored articles on the subject, including Superintendents and Termination: Protecting Your Future.

If you seek counsel with considerable experience and success in navigating the many facets of school law, we encourage you to contact Ed.

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