2026 Municipal Law Symposium

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Wednesday, Apr. 29, 2026 • 1:00 pm to 5:15 pm

Legal updates and information for the public sector.

DATE: Wednesday, April 29, 2026

TIME: 1:00pm Registration

LOCATION: Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier, Erie, PA 16507

CERTIFICATION: This program is approved for 3.5 HRCI and SHRM hours, and has been submitted for 3.5 Act 48 hours. If approved, those seeking Act 48 hours will be asked to fill out an online form after our event, as required by IU5.

RSVP: Please RSVP here by April 21, 2026.

There is no cost for this event. 

AGENDA

1:00pm    Registration

1:25pm    Welcome

1:30pm    Keynote: The Ethics Act: A Short Guide on How to Stay Out of the News – Mary Fox, Executive Director, Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission

2:10pm    Back to Basics: A Primer on Governance and Due Process – Timothy Wachter and Matthew Lasher
Best practices for governance, Sunshine Act, and more, as well as Loudermill Due Process issues.

2:50pm    20 Legal Tips in 40 Minutes – Alexander Cox, Julia Herzing, Patricia Kennedy, Michael Musone, and Timothy Wachter
Featuring tips on public finance, intellectual property, labor & employment, use of force, tax assessments, and more.

3:30pm    BREAK

3:45pm-5:15pm = BREAKOUT SESSIONS:

3:45pm (A) Negotiating a Collective Bargaining Agreement: A School Leader's Guide – Robert Zaruta
Guidance on the collective bargaining process from start to finish, including the bargaining committee, early bird, Act 88 requirements, strategy, recent trends, and more.

3:45pm (B) Keeping Up to Date with Municipal Law Updates – Andrew Schmidt and Jacob Fleming  
Updates on new ADA accessibility requirements for websites and social media; Right-to-Know Law; and exemption from instruction following the U.S. Supreme Court's Mahmoud v Taylor decision.

4:15pm (A) Special Education Evaluations and Reevaluations: Legal Compliance – Jennifer Gornall 
Review school district obligations under IDEA relative to evaluations and reevaluations, including Child Find obligation, required parent consent and prior written notice requirements, reevaluation waivers, review of existing data reevaluations, and more.

4:15pm (B) Crisis Communications for Municipal Leaders: The First 60 Minutes – Where Municipal Crises are Won or Lost – Jessica R. Towhey, Crisis Communications Strategist 
Provides a practical framework for responding quickly, clearly, and credibly in the first hour of a crisis. Learn how to assess and classify an incident, issue an effective holding statement, align internal messaging, and maintain control of information as events unfold.

4:45pm (A) Going “Back to School” on Annual Notices: School Districts’ Obligations and Opportunities – Rachael Downey Glasoe
Discover the who, what, where, and how of annual notice requirements, from FERPA to fluid milk substitutions, exposing potential pitfalls and highlighting where options are available.

4:45pm (B) Maintaining an Effective Employee Handbook – Matthew Lasher
Best practices for drafting and maintaining an effective employee handbook, including tips on what to include (and what not to include).

5:15pm    Cocktails, Food Stations, Entertainment

What People Are Saying

"It was extremely well run and everyone who presented was prepared and provided valuable information." - 2025 attendee

"I have attended every year, and will continue to do so because I always leave with helpful information." - 2025 attendee

"This is one of my favorite events. The event is relevant, informational, and practical. It also incorporates time for socialization and collaboration. Well done!" - 2025 attendee

"Excellent event, with valuable information." - 2024 attendee

"The speakers were excellent." - 2024 attendee

"I really enjoy the presentations. Everyone is always very informative." - 2023 attendee

"Outstanding – My favorite symposium” - 2021 attendee

"Wealth of information” - 2021 attendee