Jerry W. Simmons

Partner
Sacramento Office
916. 646.1400 Ext. 215
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Overview

Jerry Simmons has represented charter schools in every aspect of their operations for more than fifteen years. Between his work at the firm and at the Charter Schools Development Center, Jerry has personally assisted in the development of hundreds of California’s charter schools through drafting charter petitions, memorandums of understanding for business and special education services, facilities use agreements, private leases, property purchases, and development of school policies covering every facet of charter school operations. Jerry has also assisted charter schools with employment and labor law matters, board governance and training, zoning and building code compliance, defense of audit findings in both annual and extraordinary audits, compliance with the Brown Act, Political Reform Act Public Records Act, and Family Educational Records Protection Act.

Jerry has presented workshops for the Charter Schools Development Center and frequently presents at California Charter Schools Association conferences. He also presents at Governance Academies jointly sponsored by the firm and the California Charter Schools Association. His understanding of governance and public agency laws has been enriched by his own prior service as both a both member and President of the Sierra Community College District Board of Trustees. He also previously served as a member of the City of San Jose Parks and Recreation Commission, Chair of the City of San Jose’s Youth Commission, Chair of the Santa Clara County Youth Commission and Student Body President at San Jose State University.

Education

  • Pepperdine School of Law (J.D.)
  • Harvard University (M.A)
  • San Jose State University (B.A.)

Webinars

Are You Ready? New Laws & Cases: 2025 Edition
Brown Act and Conflict of Interest Training
Complying with California Conflict of Interest Laws
Legally Required Training for Title IX Coordinators, Investigators, and Decision-Makers
Are You Ready? New Laws & Cases: 2024 Edition
Complying with California Conflict of Interest Laws
Comprehensive Brown Act Training for Boards and Staff
Board Secretaries Bootcamp
Managing Records in Modern Times
Threats, Opportunities & Legislative Tornados
Complying with California Conflict of Interest Laws (Board Member Series)
Comprehensive Brown Act Training for Boards and Staff (Board Member Series)
2023 Charter Leadership Forum
Are You Ready? New Laws & Cases: 2023 Edition
Complying with California Conflict of Interest Laws
Effectively Manage Your Complaint Process for Students & Parents
Legal & Financial Strategies for Charter School New Funding
Are You Ready? New Laws & Cases: 2022 Edition
What You Need to Know & What You Can Do About It
Reopening, Vaccinations, Relief Dollars, Oh My!

Legal Alerts

You Won’t Think the Fine Fits the Crime!
Virtual Meetings Are Done; Long Live Teleconference / Videoconference Meetings
Governor Signs Bill to Revise Brown Act’s Remote Meeting Requirements New Provisions Take Effect October 1.
Effective October 1, 2021 – Governor’s New Executive Order Repeals N-29-20 Regarding Board Meeting Flexibility under the Brown Act
Governor’s Office Announces a Transitional Period Prior to the Repeal of COVID-Related Executive Orders: N-29-20 Regarding Board Meeting Flexibility under the Brown Act Will Not Be Rescinded on June 15th
Urgent Legislative Action Needed Today! Oppose AB 1316
Atkins v. California Prompts Legislature to Adopt Charter School Funding Fix
YM&C Files Lawsuit to Challenge Constitutionality of Student Defunding Law (SB 98 Litigation)
Governor’s New Executive Order Regarding Charter School Closures: What To Do Now
COVID-19 UPDATE #1 Ensuring California’s Charter Schools Respond Effectively to the Threat & Impacts of Coronavirus (COVID-19): Understanding Legal Considerations and Taking Proactive Measures
Charter School Successes to Ring in the New Year!
California Attorney General Declares Charter Schools Subject to Multiple Transparency Laws