Sarah Hutchins, Kelley Pearson, and Laura Lashley presented on safeguarding student data and how school districts can navigate cybersecurity and privacy challenges during the Council of School Attorneys (COSA) Spring Law Seminar in Atlanta. 

Sarah, Kelley, and Laura focused on the importance of protecting student data in an era where educational institutions have become increasingly targeted by cyberattacks. They highlighted the unique cybersecurity threats facing K-12 schools, including ransomware attacks and data breaches. They also examined the legal frameworks governing student data privacy and provided districts with data protection strategies and best practices for ensuring compliance with evolving federal and state regulations.

This year’s seminar also included Parker Poe attorneys presenting on Title IX compliance, navigating the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), First Amendment considerations for school boards, and the impact of recent federal litigation on school districts.

COSA’s seminar brought together school attorneys from across the country for presentations and legal education on current law and litigation affecting public schools. COSA is part of the National School Boards Association.