Charter & Independent Schools

Full range of legal services, plus specialized systemic advocacy and individualized support — from a former educator turned lawyer and a former U.S. Department of Education attorney

Charter and independent schools operate within a complex legal and regulatory framework that intersects federal education law, state charter statutes, nonprofit corporation requirements, and myriad compliance and regulatory obligations.

Our work supports founders and governing boards with thoughtful, mission-aligned counsel and, when necessary, targeted advocacy.

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

From advising on federal grant applications and Founders’ Packages tailored to school startup, to representing schools in administrative appeals and counseling on special education reimbursement and operational requirements, Commonlight Legal provides specialized legal services that help charter and independent schools navigate both strategic and everyday legal challenges.

  • 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

“Best Defense” finalist for the
2025 PIE Network’s Eddies Award

Make an appointment with us
Learn More