* By Bob L. Harris, Esq. What To Do and Not Do When Appearing - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

By Bob L. Harris, Esq.

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What To Do and Not Do When Appearing Before the Commission for Independent Education

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*Representing schools since 1984 *Attended 140+ meetings *Appeared hundreds of times *Turning a “no” into a “yes”

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*How you appear before Commission is important *They have the keys *It is their sandbox *This is a tough business

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*Review these notes *Remember 2-week window *Develop a strategy *Being a little funny is OK *Don’t ignore anyone

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Here we go! Remember, these are secrets…shhhhhhh….. Can you keep a secret?

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*Out of sight, out of mind *Be there *Create a comfort zone by your presence *It is their sandbox

#1

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*Read, “The Art of War” *Be prepared *Get summary from staff *Weaknesses/strengths *Bring the experts

#2

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*When in doubt, bring a monkey *Know what they are looking for *Do the work ahead of time

#3

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*Let them help you *The Commission is not like

• ther boards

*They are in the business *Rely on professional staff

#4

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*Recognize friendly questions *Don’t fight the obvious *Tell the truth/get caught *Listen, listen, listen

#5

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*If you go up looking for a fight, you will get one *Adopt helpful attitude *Agree with them *Be willing to get better

#6

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*If you bring a lawyer, bring

• ne with a whoa button

*Out of state lawyers *Avoid NY lawyers

#7

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*Least said, best said *If you find yourself suffering the pain of an un- delivered speech, take a pain reliever and be quiet

#8

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*Be willing to punt *Have basic understanding

• f your legal rights under
• Ch. 120

*Be willing to come back

#9

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*Professional submissions *Understand why private schools are monitored *Look at it from their point

• f view- their responsibility

#10

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Any Questions?

Remember, free legal advice is worth what you pay for it

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Bob L. Harris Messer Caparello Law Firm Tallahassee, Florida 850-222-0720 www.lawfla.com bharris@lawfla.com