The 2009 fiscal year (ending September 30, 2009) proved to be a tough one for employers battling discrimination claims. The US Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reported that 93,277 claims were filed last year—the second highest ever—totaling over $376 million in obtained cash for victims.

Seasonal affective disorder season is upon us. And, for those of you who suffer from the depression-like symptoms associated with this disorder, you might be struggling to maintain balance in your life. (For additional information about SADD, follow the link at the end of this article.) Renae Ekstrand, an elementary school teacher in WI, was one of the many Americans who struggle with SADD, and knowing this, informed her principal before the 2006 school year that she had difficulty functioning in a classroom with artificial light rather than natural light. Ekstrand also identified other issues that exacerbated her symptoms including noise distractions and inadequate ventilation. She repeatedly requested another classroom with natural light. The school district worked with Ekstrand to remedy her other concerns, but did not reassign her to a room with natural light.

Once a month, ISM's Human Resources Consultant Michael Brisciana will answer an HR-related question submitted by one of our readers. To ask Michael a question to be addressed in future e-letters, please click here. Q: At my prior place of employment, they had a policy to have a "witness" in the room whenever a warning was given. We're getting ready to give a written warning to a longtime faculty member. Should we have another person in the room as a witness?

For the last eight years, India has been the leading country of origin for international students. 103,260 students—a 9% increase from last year—came to the U.S. to study this year. Interestingly, China is quickly catching up to these numbers. 98,510 students—a 21% increase—traveled to the States to study at American universities.

In its new study "Sex and Tech: Results From a Survey of Teens and Young Adults", The National Campaign to Prevent Teenage Pregnancy found that 39% of teens have sent or posted sexually suggestive messages via text, e-mail, or instant message. And 20% of teens have sent or posted online nude or semi-nude pictures or videos of themselves. This collision of cyber technology and judgment, dubbed "sexting," could have a profound effect on your school.

Most private-independent schools keep their information private so their competition remains in the dark. If you're one of these schools, you might not like what we've come across here. But, we remind you there are positives and negatives to every situation.

With 30% of the U.S. population classified as of non-European backgrounds, are you taking into consideration cultural differences in your development and fund-raising efforts? Chances are you may not be. Now is an excellent time to start … because in the next 50 years, the U.S. Census Bureau reports, the population will shift to approximately 50% white and 50% of all other races and ethnicities.

When you are reaching out to the community and asking people for money to fund your school's long-term dreams, you want to know if you are going to be successful. Hence, the feasibility study—your window to whether or not you are able to raise the money you need. But your feasibility study should do much more than just tell you whether or not to stage the campaign. You know what you want to do … and you have the costs. Do you really need a feasibility study?

As the recession continues drags on, schools continue to look for ways to reduce expenses. For the past year, this examination has even included student transportation. One study found that in 1969, 41% of students walked or biked to school. In 2001, that numbered dropped dramatically to only 13%. These figures are not just hard facts supporting the child obesity campaigns, these are now foundation figures for School Heads, Superintendents, and Business Managers as they brainstorm creative budget solutions.

On November 30, 2009, The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), released an updated version of the Employment Law Guide, an online resource directed at employers and workers that describes the major employment laws affecting the workplace. This updated version addresses recent changes in laws including the increase in federal minimum wage and an expansion of the Family and Medical Leave Act.