Legal Office
The Legal Office provides legal consultation and guidance to all agency offices; enforces educational statutory and regulatory compliance; and investigates civil rights complaints for referral to the United States Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights.
The Legal Department also manages the administrative hearing process for seeking resolution of disputes relating to such issues as student discipline, residency, and transportation through the filing of appeals and complaints with the Office of Commissioner pursuant to the General Laws relating to schools and education.
VIEW LEGAL DECISION DATABASE
Legal Office Staff
- Anthony F. Cottone, Esq., Chief Legal Counsel
- Kaelyn R. Phelps, Esq., Legal Counsel & Hearing Officer
- Sergio A. Spaziano, Esq., Legal Counsel & Hearing Officer
- Andrew M. Lentz, Esq., Legal Counsel & Hearing Officer
- Vilma L. DiOrio, Executive Associate/Intake Coordinator
RELATED RESOURCES
- Appeals Process - Frequently Asked Questions [PDF]
- General Education Dispute Resolution Complaint Form [Word]
- General Education Dispute Resolution Complaint Form [PDF]
- Section 504 Hearings [PDF]
- Home Schooling - Frequently Asked Questions [PDF]
- School Residency Determinations [PDF]
- Guide to Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse in the Schools [PDF]
- Guidance on Reporting Sexual Abuse by Persons Working or Volunteering in Educational Programs [PDF]