District Reconfiguration, Funding & Tax Disputes for Public Schools

District Reconfiguration

Porzio assists public school districts and their local municipalities in the complex process of district reconfiguration, which may involve consolidating school districts; expanding current regional school districts, creating new regional school districts, or dissolving school districts. We have handled the only three regional school district dissolutions in state history, have transformed K-6 and K-8 districts into K-12 districts, and have transitioned school districts into non-operating school districts in compliance with state law. Porzio also assists clients in intra-district grade-level reconfigurations, which includes a complex analysis and, often, community engagement, to realign the grade levels of buildings within a district. We identify the educational research-based best practices, help navigate the legal complexities, ensure compliance with state regulations, and facilitate smooth transitions for students, families, and staff.

Regionalization and Consolidation

Porzio plays a pivotal role in regionalization efforts, helping school districts come together for mutual benefit, fostering efficiency and resource optimization. We have created, expanded, and severed sending-receiving relationships; we have transitioned school districts into non-operating school districts in compliance with state law and created dual sending-receiving relationships. Ultimately, we have helped taxpayers in many communities save millions while developing more efficient and comprehensive school systems and negotiating financially beneficial agreements.

Funding Allocation

Our team specializes in advocating for equitable funding allocation for public schools. We work diligently to ensure that districts receive their fair share of resources, enabling them to provide quality education to all students, regardless of their geographic location.

Tax Disputes

Porzio provides legal representation in tax disputes, advocating for fair and accurate property assessments that align with the needs and resources of public schools. We help schools challenge improper assessments and seek remedies to protect their financial stability.

Community Engagement

We assist educational institutions in fostering positive community engagement throughout the district reconfiguration, funding, and tax dispute processes. Open lines of communication and collaboration with stakeholders are essential to building support and trust.

Legal Advocacy

Porzio’s legal team is prepared to represent educational institutions in negotiations, mediation, and litigation when disputes cannot be resolved through other means.

Policy Development

We work with schools to develop policies and strategies that align with their goals and legal requirements in the areas of reconfiguration, funding, and taxation.

In-Depth District Feasibility Studies

We conduct comprehensive studies to ensure that educational resources are used most effectively, in compliance with the law and while adhering to research-based educational best practices, benefiting all stakeholders and promoting educational excellence.

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.

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.

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.