Photo of Jessica Richman Smith

Jessica represents schools in a variety of education, labor relations and employment law matters.  She negotiates certified and non-certified collective bargaining agreements on behalf of numerous public boards of education.  Jessica also represents school districts in labor and employment disputes, freedom of information hearings, teacher tenure proceedings, student disciplinary matters, election law matters, and other legal proceedings arising in the education context.  In addition, Jessica advises schools on education policies and practices, compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act, and other legal matters arising in the education context.

On May 26, 2023, the U.S. Department of Education (the “Department”) announced that it would delay release of the final revisions to the regulations implementing

Continue Reading Release of Final Changes to Title IX Regulations Postponed from May to October 2023

On February 16, 2023, Connecticut’s Commissioner of Public Health (“Commissioner”) issued a memorandum to school nurse supervisors and school medical advisors regarding medical exemption reporting

Continue Reading Update on Connecticut’s School Immunization Requirements 

On February 17, 2023, the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (“OCR”) released three new resources regarding equal opportunity in athletic programs under

Continue Reading OCR Releases New Resources Regarding Athletic Programs and Title IX Compliance

Last year, Connecticut passed legislation directing the Board of Regents for Higher Education (“BOR”) to establish the Connecticut Automatic Admissions Program (“CAAP”). The CAAP permits

Continue Reading Connecticut Automatic Admissions Program – What High Schools Need to Know

Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) released new operational guidance for schools, which intends to help schools remain open for in-person
Continue Reading CDC and DPH Issue New Guidance To Help Keep Kids Healthy and Learning This Fall