| School administrators must be keenly aware of potential issues that may potentially lead to liability problems and costly litigation. The study consisted of an examination of court cases in which school principals were involved in litigation in state and federal courts from 1982 to 2007. The liability issues delineated from the study included school safety, sexual assault, discipline, teacher employment, disclosure of information, building or grounds maintenance, search, seizure, assault, medical, transportation, and other. The study also revealed the types of claims brought against principals. The claims included negligence, negligent supervision of students, negligent supervision of teachers, assault/battery, defamation, false imprisonment, privacy, breach of contract, Fourteenth Amendment, Fourth Amendment, and First Amendment.;The study was intended to show what impact the outcomes of selected court cases have had on the role of school administrators. The study also highlighted issues and trends in liability issues in which school principals have been involved over the last 25 years. Finally, the study provided principles for principals to follow in order to avoid possible litigation issues.;The final caveat was that the study showed that school administrators are entitled to some protection from liability issues. The courts have shown that principals are entitled to some form of immunity as long as the immunity conditions are met. |
