Tueth Keeney shareholders Celynda Brasher and Pete Yelkovac gave two presentations on March 26, 2009, at the Missouri Association of School Administrators ("MASA") Spring Conference at Lake Ozark, Missouri. The presentations were entitled “Residency, Domicile, and Absent Parents” and “The Law vs. the Cyberbully.”
Pete and Celynda were invited to present at this conference for public school administrators based on their experience in providing legal advice to districts regarding these matters, and successfully defending school districts that have experienced threatened or actual litigation arising out of residency and cyberspace issues. The presentations addressed the legal issues associated with (1) enrolling students, determining who has access to students and their records, identifying appropriate decisions makers, and the special considerations that affect students with disabilities under the IDEA; and (2) misuse of technology by students and school personnel both during and outside of school hours or school premises – especially when the misuse involves bullying, discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
The presentations focused on planning for and preventing legal issues that arise in connection with (1) residency, enrollment, and parental authority; and (2) the use of technology to intimidate others – especially the role of training and affirmative interventions to help reduce the threat of litigation. Minimizing legal risk is an essential element of the Tueth Keeney practice. Firm attorneys are often asked to participate in seminars focused on educating clients, as well as business and other community organizations, with the purpose of preventing avoidable litigation. This presentation was consistent with that purpose.
Celynda L. Brasher is a founding Shareholder of Tueth, Keeney, Cooper, Mohan & Jackstadt P.C. She practices in the areas of education, litigation and labor and employment law. Celynda represents numerous school districts throughout Missouri. She regularly advises boards of education and administrators on matters involving employee hiring, evaluation, remediation, and termination; student rights and discipline; special education; Section 504; school finance; civil rights; employment and business contracts; the Open Meetings Act; church/state issues; and other constitutional matters. Celynda also represents public, private, and non-profit employers in discrimination defense, collective bargaining, union organization, unemployment compensation, wage/hour compliance and terminations, as well as a variety of other employment law areas. Celynda has extensive litigation experience in federal and state courts and before federal and state administrative agencies.
Peter G. Yelkovac is a founding shareholder of the firm. Pete concentrates his practice on the representation of Missouri school districts of all sizes. Pete’s school law and school litigation practice extends to all corners of the State, and he presently serves as lead counsel for dozens of Missouri school districts. Over his career, Pete has successfully defended many school districts in federal and state lawsuits. He also regularly represents school districts in administrative proceedings and during investigations by federal and state agencies. Educational organizations and institutions regularly invite Pete to deliver speeches and presentations on a variety of school and employment law issues. Peter earned his B.S. summa cum laude from Indiana State University, where he graduated from the University Honors Program. Pete received his J.D. summa cum laude from Valparaiso University, where he was executive managing editor of the Law Review. Pete is also a prolific author on school law topics. Pete writes a regular column on school law for the MoASBO Journal. He served as editor and as a co-author of the First Edition of the Missouri Bar’s School Law Deskbook.
Education and Employment – The firm represents businesses, institutions of higher education, school districts, and community organizations with respect to business continuity, employment, student matters, policy development and implementation, training, and litigation, and with a variety of additional operational functions.