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  • Posts by Mark J. Sommaruga
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    Full Bio | | 860.424.4388

    Mark J. Sommaruga has spent over 33 years proudly representing the interests of public agencies, schools (whether traditional/public, magnet, charter or private), and employers in Connecticut. Among other things, Mark has ...

Does Connecticut’s Expanded Paid Sick Leave Law Apply to Public Sector Employers?
Paid Sick Leave
Attorney Sommaruga to Address FOIA at CABE Convention
FOIA
Executive Session: Who Can Be There (Besides Board Members)?
FOIA
Developments from the 2024 Session of the Connecticut General Assembly Affecting Schools (and Public Employers)
School Law Updates
Just Around the Corner: Reminder and Update on the New School Climate Improvement Plan (and Some Help Is on the Way Via Public Act 24-45)
School Improvement
Your Attorney Cannot Always Shield You From the FOIA
FOIA
Good News for Connecticut School Boards: Expanded Rights Regarding Unspent Budget Monies and Reserve Funds
Board of Education Building
Don’t Press Send: Dangers of E-Mail, the “Inadvertent Meeting” and Updated FOIC Guidance
Don’t Press Send: Dangers of E-Mail, the “Inadvertent Meeting” and Updated FOIC Guidance
Welcome To The Board: What New Board Members Need To Know About The FOIA
FOIA
As The Leaves Are Changing - What Has (and Has Not) Changed with the FOIA?
FOIA
2023 Charter School Legal Issues Breakfast
charter schools
Special Education Law Updates from the 2023 Session of the Connecticut General Assembly 
SPECIAL EDUCATION LAW UPDATES FROM THE 2023 SESSION OF THE CONNECTICUT GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Developments from the 2023 Session of the Connecticut General Assembly Affecting Public Schools
2023 general assembly updates - schools
Impact on School District Policies from the 2023 Session of the Connecticut General Assembly
Impact on School District Policies from the 2023 Session of the Connecticut General Assembly
Developments From The 2023 Session of The Connecticut General Assembly Affecting Employers (UPDATED)
Developments From The 2023 Session of The Connecticut General Assembly Affecting Employers (UPDATED)
Latest Developments from the Connecticut General Assembly: The Education Committee Begins to Speak
School Lockers
So How Much Time Do Public Agencies Have to Respond to Voluminous FOIA Requests?
FOIA
A Look In Through the Out Door: The FOIA and Employee Exit Interviews   
Exit Interview
Updating Your Policies:  Requirements From the 2022 Session of the Connecticut General Assembly for Connecticut Schools
Stacked Books Policy Rules Compliance
Developments from the 2022 Session of the Connecticut General Assembly Affecting Public Schools
school updates
Permanent Changes to the FOIA Regarding Remote and Hybrid Meetings
Remote Meeting
Latest Developments from the Connecticut General Assembly: The Education Committee Has Spoken (Part Three - Even More Bills)
General Assembly
Latest Developments from the Connecticut General Assembly: The Education Committee Has Spoken (Part Two: Funding-Related Bills)
Photo of Classroom and Desks
Latest Developments from the Connecticut General Assembly: The Education Committee Has Spoken (Part One)
Classroom students
The Latest on the End of Statewide Mask and Vaccination Mandates in Connecticut Schools
Classroom students
The Latest on Masks in Connecticut Schools: The Legislature Begins to Act
Istock - General Assembly
Decision Time: What Does the End of Statewide Mask and Vaccination Mandates Really Mean for Connecticut Schools?
Child Holding Mask
Court Upholds Law Ending the Religious Exemption to Immunizations for Students in Connecticut Schools 
Istock - General Assembly
More Pandemic-Era Meeting Issues: Practical Concerns and Pointers
remote meeting 2
The FOIA and the Pandemic: New (temporary?) Provisions on "Remote" and "Hybrid" Meetings for Public Agencies
iStock-remote meeting2.jpg
The COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for Connecticut School Employees - The Latest “Implementation” Guidance
iStock-backback with mask.jpg
The COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for Connecticut School Employees - The Latest Guidance
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So, What About Masks in Connecticut’s Schools? The Latest (and My Best Surmises)
iStock-covid school.jpg
Now They Are Finally Finished: Developments from the 2021 Regular and Special Sessions of The Connecticut General Assembly Affecting Employers (Updated July 22, 2021)
CGA-3
Latest Developments from the Connecticut General Assembly: The Education Committee Has Spoken (Part One)
iStock-CT-GA-1.jpg (iStock-CT-GA-1.jpg)
THE END OF THE RELIGIOUS EXEMPTION TO IMMUNIZATIONS FOR STUDENTS IN CONNECTICUT SCHOOLS?
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Executive Order 10E and the Municipal Budget Process in 2021: Similar (But Not Quite Back) to "Normal"
iStock-executive order.jpg
Not Quite Out of the Woods Yet: The Latest on COVID-19 Issues and Connecticut Schools
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COVID-19 Testing and (Eventually/Hopefully) Vaccines: What Can the Schools Require?
iStock-1227315521.jpg (iStock-1227315521.jpg)
“Over the River and Through the Woods” in 2020? Travel During Thanksgiving, Quarantining, and COVID-19 Testing (and What Connecticut Schools Can Do)
Quarantine
What to Do and When to Do It: The Latest Guidance for Connecticut’s Schools on COVID-19 and Switching Away From (or to) In-Person Learning
iStock-covid school.jpg
COVID-19 and Remote (and "Hybrid”) Meetings: The Latest in Light of Executive Order 9H
iStock-remote meeting2.jpg
Even More on The Wearing Of Masks In Connecticut’s Schools: Updated Pre-School Guidance (and Lawsuits)
iStock-backback with mask.jpg
When Will It Ever End? (Yes, Even More Newer Guidance on the Wearing of Masks In Connecticut’s Schools.)
COVID Mask in School
(Even More) New Guidance on the Wearing of Masks in Connecticut Schools
COVID Mask in School
No Longer Taken at Face Value: Executive Order 7NNN and the New Requirement for Medical Documentation from Non-Mask Wearers (and What It Means To Connecticut’s Schools)
iStock-mask required.jpg
Reopening Connecticut’s Schools (Objectively But With Flexibility): The Latest State Guidance
iStock-covid school.jpg
Reopening Connecticut Schools: The Latest CDC Guidance (and What’s Next)
COVID School
Join us for our July 10 Webinar: Returning to Class in the Fall: How Can Connecticut's Public Schools Adapt?
COVID School
Summer School in Connecticut in 2020: An Answer from the State?
Classroom students
DECD’s Safe Workplace Rules Regarding “Face-Coverings” and Executive Order 7BB: An Update
iStock-masked people in boardroom.jpg
The Latest Guidance on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and Paid Leave (and Some Common Questions)
DOL.jpg (DOL.jpg)
Governor Lamont's Executive Order and the FOIA's "Open Meetings" Requirements
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They’re Back! What Should the Schools Expect From the 2020 Connecticut General Assembly Session?
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Student E-Mails, FERPA and FOIA: What School Districts Must Disclose (and When)?
Understanding Connecticut's FOIA
Pullman & Comley Attorneys To Speak at CABE/CAPSS Annual Convention
Pullman & Comley Special Education Legal Issues Forum on November 1, 2019
Can There be a “Meeting” Under the FOIA in the Absence of a Quorum? The Appellate Court Just Spoke (but stay tuned).
One more thing from the Connecticut General Assembly: School Construction Bill Passes During a “Special Session”
The Aftermath: Developments From The 2019 Session of The Connecticut General Assembly Affecting the Schools
"The Aftermath: Developments From The 2019 Session of The Connecticut General Assembly Affecting Employers (Part Two)
The Aftermath: Developments From The 2019 Session of The Connecticut General Assembly Affecting Employers (Part One)
So You Want To Hire A New Superintendent: What Does The FOIA Permit (And Require)?
Latest Developments from the Connecticut General Assembly: The Education Committee Continues to Speak
Latest Developments from the Connecticut General Assembly: The Education Committee Begins to Speak
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS FROM THE CONNECTICUT GENERAL ASSEMBLY: MARCH 1ST PUBLIC HEARING (REGIONALIZATION AND CONSOLIDATION)
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS FROM THE CONNECTICUT GENERAL ASSEMBLY: FEBRUARY 22ND PUBLIC HEARING
PERSONNEL MATTERS, THE CONNECTICUT FOIA AND COMMON MISTAKES
Developments From The 2018 Session of The Connecticut General Assembly: New Laws Affecting The Schools (and Public Employers)
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Janus v. AFSCME on “agency” or “service” fees for non-union members: What public sector employers must (immediately) know
Pullman & Comley’s “Education Law Notes” Named One of The Top 30 Education Law Blogs
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS FROM THE CONNECTICUT GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON EDUCATION RELATED LEGISLATION (AND A MARCH 8TH PUBLIC HEARING)
SILENCE MATTERS: SCHOOL SAFETY, SECURITY PLANS AND THE CT FOIA
THE LATEST ON ALTERNATIVE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPELLED STUDENTS: THE GOOD, THE NOT SO GOOD, THE UNKNOWN, AND “FINAL” THOUGHTS.
2017 LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY (PART TWO): THE BUDGET “IMPLEMENTER” AND ITS EFFECT ON CONNECTICUT’S SCHOOLS AND PUBLIC EMPLOYERS.
Pullman & Comley’s School Law Practice Hosts Fall Special Education Legal Issues Forum
Liability for field trips: Munn v. Hotchkiss and ticks, Costa v. Plainville and basketball, and are there really any new obligations for public schools?
Pullman & Comley 2017 “interim” legislative summary for schools
The Aftermath: Developments From The 2017 Regular Session of The Connecticut General Assembly Affecting Schools
CHRO - A New Horizon For Students With Disabilities?
Pullman & Comley’s School Law Practice Hosts Spring Special Education Legal Issues Forum
Latest Developments from the Connecticut General Assembly: The Education Committee Has Spoken
Latest Developments from the Connecticut General Assembly: The Labor and Public Employees Committee Has Spoken
Latest Developments from the Connecticut General Assembly: The Education Committee Begins to Speak
Undocumented Immigrants, The Schools And The Obligations To Cooperate With “ICE”
Pullman & Comley's Third Annual Statewide School Law Seminar - March 3, 2017
They're Back! What Can Schools Expect from the 2017 General Assembly Session?
Pullman & Comley's School Law Practice Hosts Fall Special Education Legal Issues Forum
I Meant What I Said: Transgender Student Rights In Connecticut In The Face Of The Latest Federal Court Developments
The Aftermath Of The CCJEF Ruling: What Is Next For Public Education In Connecticut?
Don't Picture This: The FOIA And The Use Of Smartphones As A Substitute For Paying For Copies
Foliage, Frost, Frozen Ponds and The FOIA (Part Three): Trying To Do The Right Thing Is A Good Thing Under The FOIA
Foliage, Frost, Frozen Ponds And The FOIA (Part Two): Can You See My Notes (And Calendar)?
The Pullman & Comley Education Law Practice Welcomes Attorney Melinda B. Kaufmann
Foliage, Frost, Frozen Ponds and The FOIA: More Interesting Cases From The FOIC (Part One)
Transgender Student Issues - The Feds Speak, But Is It Really News In Connecticut?
Latest Developments from the Connecticut General Assembly: The Education Committee Speaks
So You Need A New Board Member: Legal Concerns When Filling Vacancies
What Can Schools Expect from the 2016 Connecticut General Assembly Session?
Pullman & Comley's Second Annual Statewide Education Law Conference - February 26, 2016
Attorneys Are Not So Special After All: The FOIA and the Need for Specific Agenda Items
Supreme Court Rules in Favor of School District in Building Project Referendum Challenge: Substance Trumps Form
Pullman & Comley Attorneys Speak at CABE/CAPSS Annual Convention
Pullman & Comley's School Law Group Welcomes Donald F. Houston and Stephen M. Sedor
FOIA is FUN: Somewhat Recent Reminders from the Freedom Of Information Commission
Upcoming Presentations on LGBT Issues
The FOIA, Charter Schools and "Charter Management Organizations:" The FOIC and the Legislature (Sort Of) Speak
The Aftermath: Developments From The 2015 Session of The Connecticut General Assembly Affecting Schools
Another Reason to Report Suspected Abuse or Neglect to DCF: Lawrence V. Weiner
Everything That You Ever Wanted to Know About The Attorney-Client Privilege and The FOIA But Were Afraid to Ask: The Latest
Presidential Politics, E-Mail, And The FOIA: Why It Should Matter To You
Latest Developments From The Connecticut General Assembly: The Education Committee Completes its Work
Latest Developments From The Connecticut General Assembly: The Education Committee Passes More Bills
Pullman & Comley's April 21, 2015 Special Education Legal Issues Forum
Latest Developments From The Connecticut General Assembly: March 19 Public Hearing
Latest Developments from the Connecticut General Assembly: March 11 Public Hearing
Common Core Redux: Is There a Solution To The “Opt Out” Debate?
Latest Developments from the Connecticut General Assembly: February 25 Public Hearing
Developments in Pregnancy Discrimination Law: UPS, EEOC, and I
What Can Schools Expect from this Connecticut General Assembly Session?
Connecticut's U.S. Attorney to Focus on Discrimination in Schools
Attorney Sommaruga Speaks For UConn Diversity Committee
When a Meeting is Not a Meeting, at Least According to the FOIC
The Obligation to Make Reports to DCF and Unemployment Compensation: Another Penalty For Failing to Notify DCF
Let's Go To The Videotape: Can School Security Videos Be Subject To Disclosure Under FOIA?
Pullman & Comley's November 21, 2014 Special Education Legal Issues Forum
How to Respond to FOIA Requests For Overall Teacher Summative Ratings?
Use Of Police Reports By School District In The Aftermath Of The Supreme Court's Recent Ruling
Loose Lips Sink Ships: The Limits of the Attorney-Client Privilege and the Dangers of “Public” Reliance Upon Your Attorney’s Opinions
Just The Facts: Charter Schools (and Cutting Through Some Myths and Hot Air)
Not My Brother's Keeper: Varley v. Regional School District No. 4 and A School District's Responsibility For "Free Speech" Claims Involving a Vendor
Tales From The Green Room: My FOIA Book, My Television Interview and Why Public Agencies Should Care
New Laws Affecting Schools: Highlights of the 2014 Session of the Connecticut General Assembly
Special Education Legal Issues Forum: Thursday June 5, 2014
Wager v. Moore: When May A College Have A Duty To Protect The Safety Of Its Students?
Warning-Your E-mail Just Became a Meeting: Mauer v. Member, Board of Education, Regional School District No. 1 and The Dangers of Using The “Send”, “Reply“ and (Especially) “Reply All” Buttons
The FOIA and Superintendent Evaluations: Toensing and The Various Components of The Evaluation
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS FROM THE CONNECTICUT GENERAL ASSEMBLY: The Education Committee Speaks
SEMINAR: "Special Education Law in Connecticut"
OOPS and the FOIA, Part 2: Dacey v. Easton Board of Education and the Need For a Subcommittee to Comply With The FOIA
Oops and the FOIA, Part One; Kadri v. Groton Board of Education and Protections From the Accidental Disclosure of Attorney-Client Privileged Documents
Latest Developments From The Connecticut General Assembly
School District's Refusal to Release Bullying Investigation Report Upheld
Mirabilio v. Regional School District 16: Reduction in Hours v. Termination of Employment
Bridgeport Board of Education v. NAEG, Local RI-200: What is the Appropriate Punishment for Actual and Perceived Threats in the Workplace?
General Assembly Resolves Pre-School Magnet School Tuition Issue

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Alerts, commentary, and insights from the attorneys of Pullman & Comley’s School Law practice on federal and Connecticut law as it pertains to educational institutions, whether those institutions be public school districts, private K-12 schools, or post-secondary colleges and universities.

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