Caitlin Pletcher Discusses the Effects of COVID-19 on School Districts – the Challenges & Silver Lining

Caitlin Pletcher, a Partner in the Florio Perrucci Steinhardt Cappelli Tipton & Taylor Education Law Group, was recently interviewed by Dianne DeOliveira on 107.1 – The Boss’ Jersey Shore Matters radio show.

Pletcher discussed how COVID-19 is impacting New Jersey School Districts. She addressed a variety of topics including how school districts are meeting their IEP obligations for students with disabilities, the challenges of remote learning, issues affecting divorced parents regarding hybrid or remote scheduling, and plans to deal with the recent surge of coronavirus cases such as school staffing shortages and closures. Pletcher also shares her thoughts about how school districts have been innovative, out of necessity, to deliver efficient and effective education during the pandemic. She comments that many of these innovations will be utilized well after the pandemic ends.

Caitlin Pletcher, an experienced school board attorney, started her legal career at this firm and rejoined the firm after recently serving in the Division of Field Services at the New Jersey Department of Education.  Here, Pletcher worked closely with the 21 County Offices of Education and regularly assisted the Executive County Superintendents with matters under their purview, such as the review of administrator contracts, homelessness determinations, and investigations under the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights.  Pletcher regularly analyzed and processed various requests that required the Commissioner’s approval pursuant to statute or regulation. She also provided technical assistance to the state-operated school districts and monitored the implementation of their transition plans to local control. She is a member of the New Jersey Bar Association, as well as the Camden County and Burlington County Bar Associations. Pletcher graduation from Boston College in 2005 and Rutgers University Law School—Camden in 2008.

Florio Perrucci Steinhardt Cappelli Tipton & Taylor LLC was founded in 1996 by New Jersey Governor James Florio after leaving public office and Michael J. Perrucci, well known as a litigation trial attorney in numerous million dollar federal and state cases.  With offices in Phillipsburg, Cherry Hill and New Providence in New Jersey; Bethlehem and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and New York City, the firm is recognized as one of the fastest growing law firms in the Tri-State area. For more than 20 years, the firm successfully represents public and private sector clients with legal strategy, government advocacy and business solutions.