For California’s private schools, the 2026-2027 school year is around the corner. Implementing updated policies to address recent changes in the law, being prepared for evolving expectations from families and employees, and the upcoming election are all influencing how schools govern, manage risk, and care for their communities. Schools that plan ahead and respond strategically will be best positioned to lead with confidence.
1. Senate Bill 848: Expanded Child Safety and Compliance Obligations
Several key provisions under SB 848 took effect on July 1, 2026, meaning schools should now ensure they have implemented the required policies and procedures.
Effective July 1, 2026, schools must adopt an updated Professional Boundaries Policy for both employee and student handbooks. Schools must adopt a written facilities and supervision plan, and this plan needs to be tailored to the school’s specific physical campus and facilities. SB 848 also imposes new mandated reporter training requirements for employees, certain volunteers, board members, and covered contractors. The training must be completed within six weeks of beginning service or within six weeks of the start of the school year, and annually thereafter. The training must be done by using state-provided or insurer-approved training and schools must report completion to the California Department of Education.
As schools begin the new school year, now is an excellent time to confirm that these policies have been adopted, required training has been completed or scheduled, and employee and student handbooks have been updated to reflect SB 848’s new requirements.
LCW is offering an SB 848 model policy package. More information can be found here.
2. Politics, Speech, and Controversial Topics
In an election year and amid ongoing global conflicts, schools are navigating complex conversations on campus and on social media. Clear expectations for employee and student speech, including providing faculty with guidelines for classroom discussions, and policies that align institutional values with legal obligations can help maintain trust and consistency.
3. Governance and Bylaws
Strong governance begins with current and compliant bylaws. Many schools operate under outdated documents that no longer match their board’s structure or California nonprofit law. With July 1 marking the start of many schools’ fiscal year, it is an opportune time for a governance review. Doing so ensures clarity in authority, decision-making, and fiduciary responsibilities before problems arise.
4. Managing and Documenting Employee Performance
Effective performance management remains one of the best ways to support employees and reduce legal risk. Consistent feedback and timely documentation reinforce accountability and growth, and if performance concerns arise, schools are often in a better position if they document these concerns early. The start of a new school year is an ideal time to strengthen systems and expectations around performance communication.
5. Employee and Student Handbooks
Updating handbooks over the summer is the best way to incorporate new laws and best practices before faculty and families return for the new school year. To note: SB 848 requires updates to both the student and employee handbooks this year.
Start the School Year Prepared
The beginning of a new school year is more than a fresh start for students, it is also an opportunity for schools to strengthen their policies, practices, and governance structures that support their communities throughout the year. Taking time now to review new legal obligations, update handbooks, and train employees can help schools avoid unnecessary issues once campus is busy again.