Connecticut State Department of Education Appoints Kathleen Reiser as Dedicated Special Education Attorney

Appointment strengthens legal oversight and accountability as the state continues advancing improvements to its special education systems

(HARTFORD, CT) – The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) today announced the appointment of Kathleen Reiser as its dedicated special education attorney, strengthening the Department’s legal expertise, oversight, and capacity to support compliance with state and federal special education requirements.

The appointment is part of CSDE’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Connecticut’s special education systems following an independent review conducted by WestEd. The review identified opportunities to incorporate additional legal expertise into the state’s special education complaint process. In order to implement that recommendation, Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker established a dedicated attorney position in the CSDE’s Office of Legal and Governmental Affairs to support complaint investigations in line with the WestEd report.

“Every student with a disability deserves access to the high-quality education, individualized supports, and opportunities they need to succeed,” said Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker. “We have taken a deliberate and comprehensive approach to strengthening our special education systems, from improving accountability and oversight to building the internal capacity necessary to better serve students, families, and districts. Kathleen brings extensive experience in special education law, administrative leadership, and dispute resolution that will be invaluable as we continue this important work.”

Reiser joins the CSDE from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), where she most recently served as Director of the Office of Adjudications. In that role, she oversaw office operations, developed policies and procedures, managed staff, presided over administrative hearings, and led mediations involving complex legal and regulatory matters.

Previously, Reiser practiced special education law at the Law Office of Courtney P. Spencer, LLC, where she represented clients in special education matters, managed due process litigation, participated in mediations and negotiations, and conducted research on special education law and policy.

Advancing Connecticut’s Special Education Improvement Efforts

In 2026, Connecticut received the highest federal special education determination of “Meets Requirements” from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs for the sixth consecutive year, one of 21 states to earn the designation. While this recognition reflects the strengths of Connecticut’s special education system, Commissioner Russell-Tucker has emphasized that meeting federal requirements is a starting point, not the ultimate goal. Demonstrating that commitment to continuous improvement, she initiated an independent review by WestEd in July 2025 to examine CSDE’s special education structures, processes, and accountability systems. Since the review was completed in January 2026, the CSDE has built on improvements already underway while implementing additional strategies informed by the review to further strengthen its operations, enhance responsiveness to students and families, and provide more effective support to districts.

Key accomplishments include:

Improved complaint resolution: During the 2025-26 reporting period, 97% of complaints were resolved within the federally required 60-day timeline, including 100% resolved on time since April 10, 2026.
Improved responsiveness: Complaints are now assigned within one to two business days, supported by a new tracking system implemented in August 2025.
Stronger oversight: A two-tier legal and supervisory review process and formal sufficiency letter procedures have been established to promote consistency, transparency, and communication with families.
Expanded training: Enhanced training, and improved data analysis are strengthening timely complaint resolution, dispute resolution, and technical assistance to districts.
Strengthening CT-SEDS: The CSDE initiated a usability study of the Connecticut Special Education Data System (CT-SEDS), as required by legislation, and has since expanded the review to assess all aspects of the system. The findings will inform improvements to make the system easier for educators to use and strengthen the Department’s ability to use data for monitoring and oversight.

These improvements are part of a broader strategy that includes high quality individualized education program (IEP) training, expanding professional learning for educators, addressing special education workforce shortages, and improving collaboration with districts, families, and statewide partners.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Oct. 21, 2026

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Matthew Cerrone
matthew.cerrone@ct.gov

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