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Who We Serve

Approved Private Schools for Students with Disabilities

Approved Private Schools for Students with Disabilities
Porzio is a comprehensive dedicated support to Approved Private Schools for Students with Disabilities (APSSDs). Our Education team specializes in aiding schools that serve students with disabilities to create safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments. Backed by Porzio Compliance Services (PorzioCS) and Porzio Governmental Affairs (PGA), we help ensure regulatory compliance and drive advocacy efforts on behalf of APSSDs. Porzio has had great and consistent success in defending APSSDs against financial penalties and spurious claims of regulatory violation by the New Jersey Department of Education. With our collaborative experience, we empower APSSDs to navigate the complex educational landscape seamlessly, allowing them to focus on the essential mission of providing specialized education and support to students with disabilities. Our experience in supporting and advocating for the approved private school community is unparalleled. We regularly advocate for our clients before the State Board and Department of Education and the Legislature. We vigorously defend our clients in litigation with the Department of Education in significant areas, including interpreting the fiscal code, financial audit findings, determinations of non-allowable costs, and efforts to close schools.

Services Offered

Our Education team specializes in delivering tailored General Counsel support to Approved Private Schools for Students with Disabilities (APSSDs) across New Jersey. We offer a comprehensive array of services, including customized legal guidance, proactive compliance oversight, strategic policy development, collaborative partnerships, advocacy, and access to diverse experience. Our steadfast commitment revolves around ensuring legal compliance, nurturing secure and inclusive learning environments, and providing unwavering support for the educational mission. This dedication empowers APSSDs to focus on delivering exceptional education and comprehensive support to students with disabilities.
Porzio’s Education team is deeply committed to championing the rights and educational opportunities of students with disabilities. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that each student, regardless of their unique challenges, receives the free and appropriate public education schools must impart. We recognize that the journey may be challenging, but we are dedicated to serving as trusted advocates and allies every step of the way. We invite parents, guardians, educators, and administrators to partner with us in our mission to create a brighter and more inclusive future for students with disabilities.
Porzio’s Education team specializes in navigating the intricate landscape of labor negotiations and employment matters within the education sector. With extensive knowledge in supporting educational institutions across New Jersey, we offer unparalleled experience in these crucial areas. Our dedication lies in fostering conducive and harmonious work environments within educational institutions throughout the state. We understand the pivotal role that effective labor negotiations and employment practices play in the success of schools and their employees. Together, we can contribute to building a more robust, well-informed, and compliant educational community.
At Porzio, our Education team is unwavering in our dedication to helping you uphold the highest standards of conduct and accountability. We understand that investigatory information can provide you with the tools necessary to make the best, critical decisions. Our investigations are equitable, thorough, and objective. Our goal is to support your efforts towards uncovering truth and ensuring accountability. By fostering such an environment, we aim to inspire trust and confidence in the unimpeachable integrity of our cherished educational institutions.
Our Education team specializes in providing dedicated and comprehensive legal counsel and support tailored to the unique needs of APSSDs. We understand the distinctive challenges and responsibilities that APSSDs face in providing specialized education and support for students with disabilities. Our practice is committed to helping APSSDs navigate the complex landscape of educational compliance and support, ensuring they can deliver quality education while adhering to applicable regulations, laws, and best practices. We understand that educational compliance is integral to fulfilling the mission of these schools and fostering positive outcomes for students. Porzio Education Services is dedicated to providing the necessary guidance and support to help APSSDs thrive in an environment where every student’s unique needs are recognized and addressed.
As experienced education attorneys, we provide dominant legal representation for schools facing litigation. Whether defending against claims related to special education disputes, student discipline issues, or employment matters, our robust representation and comprehensive strategic counsel is designed to protect our clients’ interests. Our team is well-versed in handling a wide range of cases, including whistleblower, wage and hour, student bullying, Title IX violations, grievances, and harassment and discrimination claims. We work closely with school leaders to ensure they are fully prepared at every stage of litigation, from pre-trial motions to settlement negotiations and court appearances. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges schools face, we strive to resolve disputes swiftly and efficiently while minimizing legal risks and ensuring compliance with state and federal laws.
Porzio Education Services is dedicated to providing comprehensive support in safety and security assessments and planning for educational institutions. We address a wide spectrum of safety challenges, from physical security to cybersecurity, emergency preparedness, and the creation of safe learning environments. Through meticulous assessments and strategic planning, we help institutions identify vulnerabilities, develop robust emergency response plans, and foster a culture of preparedness. Our commitment extends beyond safeguarding institutions; it aims to create an environment where all members of the educational community can learn and work with confidence and peace of mind.
At Porzio Education Services, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive administrative and training services that empower educational leaders and staff, and educators to excel. We understand that effective administration and continuous professional development are cornerstones of a thriving educational institution. We are deeply committed to supporting the educational community by offering a wide range of services that enhance administrative processes and elevate the knowledge and skills of educational professionals.
Through Porzio’s subsidiary, Porzio Governmental Affairs (PGA), we offer comprehensive government relations support to educational institutions and organizations. PGA is dedicated to helping clients navigate the intricate web of state and local policies, regulations, and legislative processes that impact education. Our practice in state and local government relations support encompasses a wide range of services tailored to the unique needs of educational institutions. We recognize that state and local policies and legislation significantly influence the educational sector. Our practice is focused on ensuring that educational organizations can effectively engage with state and local government entities, advocating for policies that promote educational excellence and support their mission.
Meet our Team
The Backbone of Education, Excellence and Empowerment

Janelle Edwards-Stewart

Principal

Vito A. Gagliardi, Jr.

Principal

Kerri A. Wright

Principal

Meet
Our Team

The Backbone of
Education, Excellence
and Empowerment

Janelle Edwards-Stewart

Principal

Kerri A. Wright

Principal

Vito A. Gagliardi, Jr.

Principal

Porzio is a comprehensive dedicated support to Approved Private Schools for Students with Disabilities (APSSDs). Our Education team specializes in aiding schools that serve students with disabilities to create safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments. Backed by Porzio Compliance Services (PorzioCS) and Porzio Governmental Affairs (PGA), we help ensure regulatory compliance and drive advocacy efforts on behalf of APSSDs. Porzio has had great and consistent success in defending APSSDs against financial penalties and spurious claims of regulatory violation by the New Jersey Department of Education. With our collaborative experience, we empower APSSDs to navigate the complex educational landscape seamlessly, allowing them to focus on the essential mission of providing specialized education and support to students with disabilities. Our experience in supporting and advocating for the approved private school community is unparalleled. We regularly advocate for our clients before the State Board and Department of Education and the Legislature. We vigorously defend our clients in litigation with the Department of Education in significant areas, including interpreting the fiscal code, financial audit findings, determinations of non-allowable costs, and efforts to close schools.
Approved Private Schools for Students with Disabilities

Please be advised that Porzio, Bromberg & Newman represent the South Brunswick School District and is an exceptional legal firm that has been instrumental in assisting our school district
with personnel matters, negotiations, and all contract work for the past 6 years.

Our experience with them has been nothing short of outstanding, and we are confident that they can provide the same level of expertise and service to your district. Porzio, Bromberg & Newman has consistently demonstrated their reliability and dedication to our school district. They are a firm that delivers on their promises and have shown a deep commitment to meeting our needs promptly and effectively. Whether it is a pressing matter that requires immediate attention or a long-term project, the team at Porzio, Bromberg & Newman has always been available to provide insightful guidance and support. Their insight and expertise in personnel matters have been invaluable to us.

Their legal team possess a deep understanding of the complexities of personnel issues in the education sector. They have successfully navigated us through challenging situations with their strategic advice and deep knowledge of employment law. Further, Porzio, Bromberg & Newman represented my former district, Millstone Township, in the successful defense of a significant send/receive matter.

I wholeheartedly recommend Porzio, Bromberg & Newman to assist your school district. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or require further information about our experiences with Porzio, Bromberg & Newman. I am more than happy to discuss in more detail.

Matthew A. Clarke

I write about Porzio, Bromberg & Newman and your consideration of their provision of legal services.

At the outset, in my 50+ years in public education, I have never met a more professional and competent team of attorneys. I became a client for educational legal services during my first year in the Springfield Public Schools in 2004. I began our collaboration with Mr. Vito Gagliardi, a principal of the firm. From the beginning, I was aware of the skill and professionalism of the PB&N Law Firm.

During my 16+ years working with PB&N, I was always confident about legal, regulatory, or contractual situations. Mr. Gagliardi and his team offered clear and direct guidance, differentiated solutions, and support as necessary. Additionally, Mr. Gagliardi’s addition of complementary non-legal services to PB&N’s portfolio was helpful in fulfilling state requirements in a variety of other areas. Our success in dealing with contractual, legal, and regulatory issues was unprecedented. Should you wish more clarification, I am willing to discuss specifics to the extent I can, and I am reachable at mad415@aol.com or my cell phone at 973-224-0708.

In closing, despite the professionalism and expertise, this law firm is one of the most cordial and hospitable. Phone calls are returned, messages are delivered, and urgency is appreciated and responded to accordingly. I offer my unconditional recommendation of PB&N Law firm for your consideration.

Matthew A. Clarke

I have partnered with many professionals during my career as School Business Administrator/Board Secretary in Springfield, Union County, and in particular the law firm of Porzio Bromberg and Newman (PBN). I am pleased to write this referral on their behalf.

During my tenure, PBN’s successes in the courtroom had directly impacted the district’s ability to offer cutting edge learning centers for our students. For example, the district
had the good fortune to prevail in suits pertaining to parental challenges of special education placement, which in turn frees-up local funds for our learning environments.

In addition to successes in special education, PBN was instrumental for construction issues including bid challenges, change order request, and contract language disputes.

Considering the amount of funds allocated for such projects, PBN had limited the Board’s exposure for such challenges. In one particular case, PBN negotiated with a contractor a fair settlement, which in reality was favorable for the Board and saved thousands of dollars.
PBN, was also instrumental in the district’s success at the bargaining table with the local education association union. As lead counsel for the Board, a settlement with the
education association union yielded below county compensation averages, contributions to healthcare premiums (which was a novelty at the time), additional teacher scheduled work time and givebacks on FMLA. 

It’s my opinion; PBN is the epitome of “Professionalism”. They work hard, with ethical and moral compass in place, to partner with its client allowing the district to keep the focus on student learning and engagement. 

It is also my opinion that the district benefited for many years having a partner of this magnitude by its side providing good quality guidance in the public-school legal arena.

In my tenure, I can’t think of another firm that could produce such gains for its client.

Matthew A. Clarke