Jared Smith’s Legal Brief column, “Takeaways from My Legal Entanglements” (March 2022) really caught my attention. As someone who teaches graduate-level school law classes for aspiring school administrators, I found his piece to be practitioner-focused, specific to key concerns around potential litigation and, most importantly, real. 

All school administrators have met their licensing requirements by completing coursework. However, this theory to practice learning is the most impactful, and articles like this one speak to these realities of the profession. 

Smith's discussion in the section on discomforting settlements truly resonated. If you’ve been in school administration for any period, you’ve either experienced this issue or you know someone who has. Settling a lawsuit can be a tough for an administrator and a school district, and his final advice helps to clarify the realities of this challenge.

TIM GILSON
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP,
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA,
CEDAR FALLS, IOWA

Crowdfunding Caution

Re Kevin Sutton’s Legal Brief column “Crowdfunding’s Big Implications for Schools” (January 2022):

School employees often will start an online campaign to raise funds for needed classroom supplies. The promotion may look legitimate — with the inclusion of a school logo and other school information. But did the educator behind the fund raising obtain permission? Did she or he need to? Do those involved realize this well-intentioned effort could cause a problem for the school?

Lastly, how should school districts handle crowdfunding when communities want to help their schools with targeted funding support?

Sutton’s column identifies the potential troubles and raises preventative cautions so that crowdfunding might be a win-win for everyone.

MARCI ORR
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS,
MISSOURI ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS,
JEFFERSON CITY, MO.

Mentoring Leaders

William Harner's "Mentoring Future Leaders" (December 2021) was right on the mark. Harner’s emphasis on developing administrators will extend the superintendent's influence as these individuals will grow and some may become superintendents themselves. 

Years ago, I recognized Harner's own expertise as he was someone on my own recruitment list. Had he joined my team, he would added to my 55 proteges who have become superintendents. More importantly, he would have contributed to our theme of developing leaders who focus upon students.

ART STELLAR
AASA LIFE MEMBER,
HINGHAM, MASS.

Letters should be addressed to: Editor, School Administrator, 1615 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314. Email: magazine@aasa.org