Yesterday, Wednesday, May 28, Pullman & Comley School Law Attorneys Mark J. Sommaruga, Stephen M. Sedor, Melinda B. Kaufmann, Zachary D. Schurin, and Kimberly Catala presented the seminar “Learning Together: Recent Developments in the Law and Practical Solutions for School Districts” at the Connecticut Association of Schools. The program welcomed school leaders from across the state for a half day of legal updates and practical guidance on the complex issues facing public education today.

The day began with Mark Sommaruga and Steve Sedor exploring the challenges surrounding school climate, with a focus on how districts can effectively address student behavior, including incidents of bullying and harassment, while meeting their legal and educational responsibilities.

Next, Melinda Kaufmann and Kim Catala provided an update on employee leave laws, outlining recent changes to Connecticut’s Paid Sick Leave (PSL) program and federal requirements, along with strategies to help districts manage leave requests smoothly while in compliance with the new legislation.

Zach Schurin and Melinda Kaufmann then examined emerging federal legal and policy developments, including recent executive orders, offering a forward-looking view on how potential shifts in national leadership and agency priorities may impact school operations.

The conversation turned to referendum advocacy with Mark Sommaruga and Kim Catala, who reviewed the legal dos and don’ts around budget-related communications during referendum season — a timely and often misunderstood area for school officials.

Wrapping up the formal sessions, Steve Sedor and Zach Schurin presented a collective bargaining update, highlighting current trends and preparing districts for the 2025–26 negotiation cycle.

During lunch, Mark Sommaruga delivered a “Hot Topics” segment, touching on a variety of timely legal matters relevant to school districts and offering quick insights on issues to keep an eye on as the year progresses.