The 29 Intermediate Units in Pennsylvania are responsible not only for augmenting the special education services of the Commonwealth’s 500 school districts, but also for helping support the special needs students of the entire state, whether they attend traditional public school, a charter school, or an independent school. Intermediate units also coordinate educational instruction to more than 50,000 students throughout the Commonwealth.  While intermediate units adhere to many of the same laws as school districts, they are also able to be innovative in the programs and services they provide, including: adult programs, services to enhance the needs of the public education system, and vocational and technical education.

As such, intermediate units are often exposed to a significant number of complex legal issues, and matters unique to a service provider, and they sometimes face this legal landscape without the visibility or political and public support enjoyed by a public school district.

The Delaware County education attorneys of Raffaele Puppio have over a decade of experience in confronting and addressing the legal needs of Pennsylvania’s intermediate units, including navigating legal issues in new and unsettled areas, through service as the solicitor for the Delaware County Intermediate Unit.

Our services include guidance to the intermediate unit’s board as solicitor, as well as legal consultation on a wide range of questions and concerns that arise in the course of normal of business for the intermediate unit, including: employment issues, construction projects, third party provider concerns, and contract and policy reviews. We help intermediate unit leaders work effectively with their direct customers and school district clients, and are seasoned in the special nature of intermediate units to handle sensitive matters appropriately, every time.

Intermediate units are also in a unique position with regard to special education litigation. The lawyers in our special education department are highly knowledgeable about the role and responsibilities of the intermediate unit from early intervention through school age, and have successfully defended our clients in countless special education matters. Our attorneys also regularly assist our intermediate unit clients in providing professional development in this area to constituent school districts.

From The Blog

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• Special Education Law: What is KOSHK and Why is it Important?

  June 15, 2016

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