Charter and Independent Schools

Offering our full range of legal services, plus specialized systemic advocacy and individualized services — from the perspective of a former educator and education law attorneys

Services Provided

  • Advising on federal Charter School Program grant applications

  • Pursuing legal clarification and administrative remedies through petitions for declaratory rulings before the Connecticut State Department of Education

  • Defending positions in administrative appeals in Connecticut Superior Court and Court of Appeals

  • Tailoring our Founders Package to the unique needs of new charter schools in the formation stage

  • Advising private foundations and national education nonprofits on legal issues impacting the charter sector

  • Evaluating opportunities for legal advocacy with sector-wide partners

  • Providing advice and counseling on special education reimbursement invoicing from Connecticut charter schools to resident public school districts, pursuant to General Statutes section 10-66ee(d)(7) and Declaratory Ruling 23-01

Spotlight: Special Education Reimbursement for Connecticut Charter Schools

Since 2022, we have been working tirelessly to secure the state statutorily-mandated reimbursement of the costs of special education and related services incurred by our Connecticut charter school clients from students’ resident school districts. We have made tremendous progress but, unfortunately for our schools and families, the fight continues.

  • Wins for Our Kids

    Prevailed in petition for declaratory ruling to clarify meaning of "reasonable costs" that qualify for reimbursement under Conn. Gen. Statutes, section 10-66ee(d)(7).

    Defeated motion to stay declaratory ruling and motion to amend to the administrative record, both filed by opposing counsel in administrative appeal.

    Prevailed in administrative appeal, with school districts’ entire case dismissed and Declaratory Ruling upheld by Connecticut Superior Court.

  • Work in Progresss

    Defending favorable judgment from state trial court in Connecticut Appeals Court against Waterbury Public Schools and New Haven Public Schools.

    Enforcing favorable judgment, Declaratory Ruling, and statutory mandate by seeking full reimbursement for our clients.

  • Learn: Webinars & Resources

    Navigate special education reimbursement after the Connecticut State Board of Education’s Declaratory Ruling, issued May 1, 2024

    Presentation (PDF) and Webinar (7/15/24)

    Webinar Practice Packet (PDF)

    Advocacy Update and Review of Legal Landscape and Presentation (9/17/25)

  • Do: Templates for Reimbursement Invoices

    Download our templates to assist with your reimbursement process

    Model 1A (editable)

    Model 1B (editable)

    Model 2 (editable)

  • Additional References

    Declaratory Ruling (5/1/2024)

    Our Guide to Reimbursement Models (8/6/24)

in partnership with

Learn More