CAS Annual Conference 2025: Full Schedule

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12:20pm PDT

Special Education Issues for School Administrators FILLING

Thursday March 27, 2025 12:20pm - 1:35pm PDT

Among many other responsibilities, building leaders often are tasked with addressing a variety of special education issues for their students and related questions from parents and staff. This presentation will discuss important special education legal issues that many school leaders routinely face. The discussion will be led through scenarios and a frequently-asked-questions format, and participants will discuss and learn about child find obligations, preparation versus predetermination; addressing thorny issues that arise during a PPT meeting; ensuring implementation of IEPs and services; and having difficult conversations with parents and staff. An emphasis will be placed on preventative issue-spotting and practical considerations.

Speakers

Julia Wilde

Partner, Shipman and Goodwin

Julia Wilde, from Shipman's School Law Practice Group, advises educational institutions on diverse education, special education, and labor issues. Julia focuses on collaborative dispute resolution, building strong relationships with school stakeholders to proactively address challenges... Read More →

Abby Booth

Associate, Shipman & Goodwin LLP

Abby Booth is a member of the firm’s School Law Practice Group, where she counsels independent and public schools on an array of general education, special education, and labor and employment matters. She also has experience litigating employment disputes on behalf of public schools... Read More →

Thursday March 27, 2025 12:20pm - 1:35pm PDT
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1:55pm PDT

A refresher/update on DCF-mandated reporting requirements (how to protect students, stay out of trouble, and comply with the law) LIMITED

Thursday March 27, 2025 1:55pm - 3:10pm PDT

School administrators struggle each day with their obligations to make mandated reports of suspected child abuse and neglect to DCF, as there are natural interests/instincts in protecting students while avoiding legal jeopardy. Recent legislative changes may complicate this issue. This workshop will 1) go over the legal mandates, including changes from 2024 legislation, 2) provide practical advice, 3) reinforce best practices, and 4) help administrators feel more at ease when called upon to make these difficult decisions.

Speakers

Mark J. Sommaruga

Attorney, Pullman & Comley

Mark J. Sommaruga, a member of the law firm of Pullman & Comley, has spent over 33 years proudly representing schools in Connecticut. Among other things, Mark has extensive experience in counseling and representing his clients in education, labor, employment, and municipal law issues... Read More →

Kimberly Catala

Attorney, Pullman and Comley

Kimberly Catala is an associate in Pullman & Comley’s Labor and Employment, Education Law, and Litigation practices. Prior to joining Pullman & Comley, Kimberly served as a Law Clerk to Connecticut Supreme Court Justice Andrew J. McDonald in Hartford. Kimberly graduated first in... Read More →

Thursday March 27, 2025 1:55pm - 3:10pm PDT
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