The Twenty Third Annual Education Law Symposium Resources

The Twenty Third Annual Education Law Symposium is July 10-13, 2025, at the Brown Hotel, Louisville, KY. The Symposium begins on Thursday, July 10 at 7 PM and concludes at noon on Sunday, July 13. Sponsored by: Loyola Marymount University and the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA).

Stay up to date on the latest information on the law as it applies to Catholic school education and ministry. Join with experts and colleagues to learn about current issues in school law, possible future issues and practical strategies. 

For further information please contact Sr. Mary Angela Shaughnessy at Loyola Marymount University or Sr. Dale McDonald at NCEA.

Session Descriptions Presenter Biographies Symposium Program Attendance Certificate

Breakout Session Descriptions

(in the order of the presentation time schedule listed on the program)

Thursday, July 10

Keynote Address
Laura MacDonald
Catholic school leadership is about presence, connection, and trust.

Friday, July 11

Legal Updates
Sister Angie Shaughnessy, EdD, PhD
This presentation will discuss recent court decisions and other issues of importance for Catholic educators. Examples will be given. Topics will include constitutional and statutory issues, document discovery, custody, medical issues, disabilities, field trips, confidentiality harassment, negligence, publication of information, state funding of charter schools, and more.

Legally Sound Parent/Student Handbooks
Dr. Sarah Wannemuehler
This session will provide information regarding the components needed in a legally sound Parent/Student Handbook. Access to the presenter’s 2025-2026 Handbooks will be provided.

Governance, Conflicts, and Legal Liability: What Every Catholic School Board Must Know
Cassidy M. Stalley, J.D.
Catholic school boards face increasing legal complexity in a mission-driven environment. This session offers a practical and accessible legal overview tailored for board members, school leaders, and administrators. We will explore the board’s fiduciary responsibilities, the dangers of conflicts of interest, how to stay within proper governance roles, and what happens when boards overstep. Through real-world scenarios and practical guidance, you’ll walk away with a clear understanding of how to protect your school—and yourself—while upholding Catholic identity.

Fundamentals of the Law: What You Need to Know
Dr. Justin Bathon, Esq.

Personnel Issues in Catholic Schools: A Superintendent’s Perspective
Dr. Kyle Lee and Jeremy Hughes 
As school leaders, navigating personnel matters, both rewarding and challenging, is an essential part of our role. While celebrating staff achievements is a joyful responsibility, we must also be prepared for the difficult conversations that arise when expectations aren’t met. In this engaging session, we will share real-life stories of both success and struggle in handling personnel issues within Catholic school environments. We’ll explore how well-crafted employee contracts and clear personnel policies can serve as powerful tools to support accountability, foster a healthy work culture, and ultimately strengthen our mission. Through practical case studies, discussion, and actionable takeaways, you'll leave better equipped to shape or refine HR practices within your (arch)diocese or school system. Join us for a lively and informative dive into the world of Human Resources in Catholic education—you won’t be bored!

Grants and Fundraising: Create a Culture of Giving at Your School
Rosemarie Nassif, SSND, PhD Dr. Kara Lemma Kara Lemma, PhD
Do you find yourself struggling to raise funds? Are you engaging in “friend-raising before fund-raising,” but having trouble cultivating donors? Or better yet, do you focus on hosting fund-raising events that are expensive, difficult to organize, require a considerable amount of staff resources, and produce a low yield? If you answered “yes” to these questions, this session is right up your ally. You will have the opportunity to learn how to shift the culture of your school from one that struggles to raise funds to one that places giving at the center. You will learn the necessary steps to create long-lasting change that will create long-lasting results for your entire school community.  

Over 25 Years of Legal Matters: Lessons Learned
Dr. Rob Mullen
Dr. Mullen will present examples from the field on some of the moments that can cause restless nights and reaching for the antacid: being sued, getting a letter from a lawyer, being on the witness stand. Drawing upon his nearly 25 years as president of a large Catholic high school (1,220 boys), he will present times he was able to apply lessons from School Law classes and the school of hard knocks to legal situations that invariably pop up on a school campus.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Mike Annab

Child Custody and Privacy Issues
Mary McManus-McElroy, Esq.
We are never so poignantly reminded that our students are in fact, children, as when child custody issues occur. This can be a stressful situation not only for families, but for school administration and teachers. This session will review the basics of child custody law and accompanying privacy issues as they present in school settings. Emphasis will be given to maintaining the neutrality of the school in these matters.

Athletics and Legal Issues
Dr. Amy Skretny-Fowler; Rick Arnold; Rob Sexton

Crisis Management: Dealing with Armed Intruders:
Steve Keary
What is arguably one of the most horrific and evil occurrences in our world is a reality all around our country. An Active School Shooter is a nightmare, and it is real. Are you doing everything you can to prepare for an Active Shooter or armed aggressor situation? Protecting the lives of those that can’t protect themselves is one of the highest callings, and as school administrators, that is part of your job. This course will discuss aspects of the FBI’s “Run, Hide, Fight” philosophy, and the reason why we teach it. We will also discuss the psychology of the Active Shooter, how to start a Threat Assessment Team, and present and study statistics of Active Shooter events (some of these are not widely distributed), and provide you with tools and actionable things you can do to prepare for and help prevent this tragedy in your school. Saturday, July 12

Application of the Code of Canon Law to PK-12 Catholic Schools
Tom Simonds, SJ
Leaders of Catholic schools are often unfamiliar with the laws of the Catholic Church regarding P-12 schools. Participants in this session will leave with an understanding of how the Code of Canon Law applies to Catholic schools, an understanding of the goals the Church desires for Catholic schools, and a better understanding of the role of the local bishop in P-12 Catholic schools. Fr. Simonds will conclude the presentation with some comments on the emerging situation of religious orders who are ending their sponsorship of Catholic schools. Participant questions will be welcome throughout the presentation.

Cybersecurity: New and Upcoming Requirements
Mike Annab

Working with Students with Learning Differences: Practical Strategies
Mary McManus-McElroy, Esq.
Navigating special education concerns in the Catholic school classroom can be challenging. This session will explore practical considerations involved in evaluation/classification, modifications, accommodations, and advocating for students. Emphasis will also be given to maximizing funding sources and working with providers.

Religious Liberty Legal Protection
Dale McDonald, PBVM
This session will provide information about the applicability of new Title IX interpretations to Catholic schools and participation in sports programs and what administrators need to know about religious liberty protections for schools.

The Law and School Discipline
John DeJak, Esq.
The purpose of the presentation is to highlight the importance of sound policy development and implementation in the Catholic or private school setting in order to address common school discipline issues. Policy areas to be discussed are handbook development, school codes of conduct, investigations, and the administration of discipline. Common disciplinary issues discussed are: At-school bullying, social media, threats of harm to self or others, parental misconduct and gender identity issues. 

Dealing with Staff and Parent Issues – a Superintendent’s Office Perspective
Mary McManus-McElroy, Esq.
Employee issues can be complex, as they often have many moving parts. Add dissatisfied parents to the mix, and it can become a daunting endeavor. This session will review personnel considerations from interviews to separation of employment. Emphasis will be given to communicating with parents during various personnel situations.

Legally Sound Faculty Handbooks
Dr. Sarah Wannemuehler
This session will provide information regarding the components needed in a legally sound Faculty Handbook. Access to the presenter’s 2025-2026 Handbooks will be provided.

Immigration Laws
Catholic Charities and the New Americans Initiative

Special Education in Catholic Schools: IDEA and 504
Dale McDonald, PBVM, PhD
This presentation will provide an overview of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and 504 and the accompanying regulations. The focus will be on the implementation of the law and regulations as they apply to the inclusion of Catholic school students and ways to maximize their participation. Time for questions and answers will be provided.

Sunday, July 13

Ask the Lawyers
Mary Angela Shaughnessy, SCN; Mary McManus-McElroy; John DeJak; Cassidy Stalley; Dr. Justin Bathon
Law symposium participants will have the opportunity to raise questions for the panel about legal issues or concerns they may have.

Public Policy and Federal Legislative Update
Dale McDonald, PBVM, PhD
This presentation will provide an overview of current and potential federal legislation and regulations that may impact Catholic schools.

Presenter Biographies

Michael Annab

Mike is director of technology at Valley Christian Schools, San Jose, California. He received his BA with a double major in Anthropology and Behavioral Science from San Jose State University and went on to receive an MA in Education with an emphasis in Instructional Technology. He completed the Information Technology Leadership program at the Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business. He received numerous certifications and have completed courses in Linux, networking, project management, supervision and management, HR, computer law, and business services. He enjoys playing and watching Rugby, BBQing, and Peet’s Major Dickason’s coffee.

Rick Arnold

Rick Arnold is the Executive of the Catholic School Athletic Association of Louisville, an organization that provides opportunities for grade school students to play in well-organized and well supervised leagues. The CSAA strives to teach sportsmanship at all times, in all situations, and to teach the participants to play the games well. Teaching student athletes involved in CSAA programs to develop their God-given talents to the best of their ability while striving to become better people is of primary importance.

Justin Bathon

John M. DeJak, Esq.

John M. DeJak is the Executive Director of the Secretariat of Catholic Education for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. He practiced law and served on active duty as an officer in the U.S. Army prior to being named the founding headmaster of two private high schools in the Twin Cities area. He has served as a teacher and administrator in Catholic high schools in Chicago, Cleveland, the Twin Cities, Ann Arbor, and Front Royal. A member of the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars, he is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of St. Thomas and The St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota where he teaches an annual course on the law and Catholic schools. He is licensed to practice law in Michigan and the District of Columbia. He and his wife, Annie, are the proud parents of eight children and live in Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley.

Amy Skretny Fowler

With more than 25 years of professional experience, Dr. Amy Skretny Fowler has been in education as an administrator, teacher and coach at the high school and collegiate level. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Nazareth College in Rochester, New York, an M.Ed. in College Counseling and Student Personnel Work from SUNY Buffalo, and she earned her Doctorate in Leadership Education from Spalding University in 2000. Originally from Buffalo, New York, Dr. Skretny Fowler moved to Louisville in 1995 to work in the advancement office at St. Xavier High school. After completing her doctorate, she began working at Virginia Chance School as Director of Communication and then as the Director of Athletics. In 2021, Dr. Fowler was named Athletic Director for the Presentation Academy and in 2023, Head of External Affairs. She currently leads finance, facilities, marketing, communication, development, and athletics for Presentation Academy.

Jeremy Lee Hughes

Jeremy Lee Hughes is a dedicated education leader with over a decade of experience serving the Catholic Diocese of Lexington as Director of School Personnel and Operations. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Kentucky State University and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Education Leadership at Loyola Marymount University.

Mr. Hughes’ professional journey is marked by a strong commitment to continuous growth, demonstrated through roles such as NWEA MAP Assessment Coordinator, Title II and Title IV Grant Coordinator, and KTIP District Coordinator. Mr. Hughes is also the architect of the Diocese of Lexington iGive Catholic Giving Day Program and oversees Human Resource Management for the entire diocesan schools system.
Beyond education, Mr. Hughes co-manages Triple J Farms, a family business, and has served on the YMCA Board in Scott County, Kentucky. His broad training in philanthropy, assessment, and Catholic school leadership reflects his passion for fostering impactful learning environments and building strong educational communities.

Steve Keary

Agent Steve Keary has been an agent with the FBI since 2009, and on FBI SWAT since 2012, serving in both the Detroit and the Louisville Field Office. His career has focused on working violent crime cases and serving on SWAT. He had the honor of serving as the Senior Team Leader for the Louisville FBI SWAT Team from 2019 to 2025 and holds FBI certifications of Firearms Instructor, Tactics Instructor, Vehicle Tactics Instructor and Combatives Instructor. His current job in the office is Primary Tactical Instructor and Active Shooter Coordinator. After receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Bible, with an emphasis on Christian education of youth from Cedarville University in 1999, he ran a martial arts school in Centerville Ohio for 10 years focusing on children that had attention or behavioral disorders before joining the FBI.

Kyle Lee, Ed.D.

Kyle A. Lee, Ed.D., currently serves as Superintendent of Schools for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lexington. Prior to taking his current role, Dr. Lee served as Principal at Seton Catholic School in Lexington; Academic Standards Coordinator at the Kentucky Department of Education – Office of Teaching and Learning in Frankfort; and Administrative Dean at STEAM Academy in Lexington, Kentucky. Further, Dr. Lee’s education background includes eighteen years of educational service as an elementary school principal and classroom teacher in both Kentucky and Tennessee.

Dr. Lee received his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Kentucky, Rank I Superintendent Certification from the University of Kentucky, Masters in Educational Administration from the University of the Cumberlands, and Bachelors in Music Education from Morehead State University.

Dr. Lee currently resides in Versailles, Kentucky with his wife Emily and four children, Michael, Christopher, Joseph, and Elizabeth.

Kara Lemma, Ph.D.

Dr. Kara Lemma currently serves as the Senior Researcher for the Center for Catholic Education in the School of Education at Loyola Marymount University. Her work focuses on developing metrics to evaluate academic programming, the transition from eighth grade to high school, and equity on Catholic school campuses on a national level. Prior to joining the Center for Catholic Education, Kara was the Director of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles’s Dual Language Immersion Network. Her other roles have included program officer for the Catholic schools and Catholic sister’s department at the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and adjunct professor of sociology and writing instructor at USC, University of La Verne, and Mount St. Mary’s University. Kara received her BA, MA, and PhD in Sociology of Religion from USC. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, practicing martial arts, reading, hiking, and volunteering as a substitute teacher at son’s Catholic school.

Laura MacDonald

Laura MacDonald is the Vice President of Content and Program Development at the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), where she leads national efforts to support and inspire Catholic educators through professional learning. With 27 years in education, Laura has served at every level—classroom, school, system, county, and state—bringing both practical insight and mission-driven leadership to her work.
Early in her career, Laura drew on her background in the performing arts to deepen student engagement and foster a love of learning. That creative foundation shaped a leadership style grounded in joy, purpose, and passion. Over the years, she supported the implementation of state and federal initiatives and led instructional improvement efforts across schools and districts. She played a key role in managing state-funded grant programs, coaching teachers and principals, and expanding access to high-quality literacy instruction.

As a Catholic school leader, Laura focused on strengthening Catholic identity, developing sustainable programs, increasing enrollment, and forming mission-driven partnerships with universities and community organizations. She also created schoolwide initiatives that helped build student leaders and fostered collaborative, faith-filled school cultures.

At NCEA, she oversees content development across multiple platforms, providing Catholic school leaders with resources that are timely, mission-focused, and transformative. Laura’s work is rooted in a deep belief in the mission of Catholic education and a conviction that, together, we can inspire transformation in God’s children.

Originally from California, Laura now resides in Tennessee with her husband; they will celebrate 32 years of marriage this August. She is the proud mother of two adult daughters who also share her love for teaching

Dale McDonald, PBVM, Ph.D.

Dale McDonald, PBVM, Ph.D., is the Vice President of Public Policy for the National Catholic Educational Association in Washington, DC. In that capacity, she serves NCEA and its members in policy analysis and advocacy roles regarding the national education policy issues impacting Catholic schools.

She has served on various boards of trustees for educational and social service organizations, has been published in education journals and books, served on committees convened by the White House, U.S. Department of Education, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and other national education associations. She has been an elementary and secondary school teacher and administrator, and prior to joining NCEA, was director of the Catholic School Leadership Program in the Boston College Graduate School of Education.

She earned a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Boston College, a M.S. in Educational Administration from Pace University, an M.A. in American History from Fordham University and a B.S. in Elementary Education from Fordham.

Mary McManus McElroy, JD, MA-Special Education, SHRM-CP

Mary McManus McElroy, JD, MA-Special Education, SHRM-CP, serves as Associate Superintendent of Schools in the Newark Archdiocese. Her work also includes the areas of government programs, advocacy, and personnel matters. Mrs. McElroy often testifies before the State Legislature on issues of importance to the Catholic school community and assists schools in interpreting government regulations. She has served as Chair of the Nonpublic School Advisory Committee to the New Jersey Department of Education, and President of the New Jersey chapter of the Council of American Private Education. Mrs. McElroy has presented before local, diocesan, and national audiences on issues particular to education law applicable to Catholic Schools. She has served on Catholic elementary and secondary school advisory boards and works closely with principals and school presidents to assist Elementary School Advisory Boards and Secondary School Consultative Boards. She is active in her parish and has four adult children who have all attended Catholic schools.

Robert J. (Rob) Mullen Ed.D.

Dr. Mullen just stepped aside after nearly 25 years as President of Trinity High School in Louisville, KY., where he has worked for 43 years. He is taking on a new role as Vice president for Mission where he will assist his successor, work on a current capital campaign and oversee building projects that flow from the campaign. He has excelled in the areas of strategic planning and communication and is applauded for his work on behalf of all Catholic schools in the Louisville Archdiocese. He received the Distinguished Graduate Award from St. Raphael Catholic Elementary School and the National Catholic Educational Association. He holds an MA in Religious Studies, a Specialist Degree with principal certification, and a Doctorate in Education from Spalding University.

Rosemarie Nassif, SSND, Ph.D.

Sr. Rosemarie Nassif, SSND, Ph.D., a School Sister of Notre Dame, is the Executive Director of the Center for Catholic Education. Prior to her recent appointment she worked at the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, serving as Program Director for the Catholic Sisters and Catholic Schools priority areas from 2012 to 2017, during which time she led the granting of $90 million to Catholic Sisters in 23 countries and $25 million to Catholic schools in the U.S.

From 2009-2012 she served as senior advisor to the Assistant Secretary at the Department of Education where she had lead responsibility for achieving President Obama’s 2020 College Completion goal. She was president of two universities, Notre Dame of Maryland in Baltimore and Holy Names University in Oakland. She has had professional experiences in Japan, Honduras, China, Rome, Korea, London, Italy and Israel as well as in six countries in Africa.

David J. Peters, Ed.D.

Dr. David Peters just completed his forty-first year as an educator in the Archdiocese of Omaha. Over the course of those years he has been a middle school teacher, building principal, principal, and head of school. David received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Creighton University and, in 2002, earned his doctorate in education from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. In 2003, he was named the outstanding Administrator of the Year for the Archdiocese of Omaha. He has presented at numerous Education Law Symposiums, several NCEA (National Catholic Educational Association) conventions, served on the superintendent’s cabinet, written Nebraska state curriculum guides in math and science, and served on various Archdiocese of Omaha boards and committees. From 2007-2015 David served as the Region 9 representative (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska) on the NCEA Department of Elementary Schools Executive Committee. He served two years (2016-18) on the NCEA Lead. Learn. Proclaim. Advisory Council. David was fortunate to have led two schools that were honored with the National Blue-Ribbon recognition by the U.S. Department of Education; St. Stephen the Martyr School, Omaha, Nebraska in 2007 and Mount Michael Benedictine School, Elkhorn, Nebraska in 2012 and in 2019. He is the co-author of the Beginner’s Guide to International Student Programs in Catholic Schools published by the NCEA in 2015.

Sister Mary Angela Shaughnessy, SCN, JD, Ph.D.

Sister Mary Angela Shaughnessy, SCN, J.D., Ph.D. is a Sister of Charity of Nazareth who has taught at all levels of Catholic education and served as a high school principal. She has served in Catholic higher education as professor, dean, legal counsel and vice-president. The author of over twenty texts, she specializes in Catholic schools and legal issues. A practicing attorney, she serves as an expert witness in cases involving Catholic schools. She is the recipient of numerous awards.

Fr. Tom Simonds, S.J., Ed.D.

Fr. Tom Simonds, S.J., Ed.D. is the director of school engagement for NCEA. Before coming to NCEA, he taught in teacher and leader preparation programs at Creighton University. He also has 14 years of experience as a high school board member, administrator, and teacher.

Fr. Simonds is an NCEA book author and also posts regularly in the NCEA Blog.

Fr. Simonds enjoys kayaking, the symphony, and being outdoors. He lives in the Jesuit Community in the Little Italy section of Chicago.

Cassidy M. Stalley, J.D.

Cassidy M. Stalley, J.D., is an attorney with 14 years of experience in civil litigation, administrative law, and education law. She currently serves as the president of Rapid City Catholic School Board, where she has led efforts to create a healthy, mission-aligned, and policy-driven board culture. Under her leadership, the board has clarified its governance role, strengthened adherence to diocesan and internal policies, and moved away from a public-school-style model toward a distinctly Catholic framework. A parent and advocate for Catholic education, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work with Catholic schools and boards.

Sarah Wannemuehler, Ed.D.

Dr. Sarah Wannemuehler has been involved in private and public education for over fifty years as both a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and associate professor.

Dr. Wannemuehler holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Southern Indiana, a master’s degree from Indiana University, and an educational specialist degree and doctorate degree from Spalding University.

For three years, Dr. Wannemuehler served as the Director of Graduate Studies at Aquinas College in Nashville, Tennessee. She is presently an Associate Professor Emerita and most recently the Director of Clinical Practice at the University of Southern Indiana where she continues to teach in the Graduate School of Education. Dr. Wannemuehler is a member of the Education Law Association. She is a national lecturer on the topic of School Law.