Attorney
Matthew W. Bell
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(608) 286-7239
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Assistant
Nadia Riese
(608) 286-7212
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Matt’s practice is primarily focused in School Law. Matt has over 15 years of experience in representing school districts. Prior to joining Boardman Clark, Matt worked for the Madison Metropolitan School District for ten years, first as an Associate General Counsel and, most recently, as its General Counsel. Prior to working for the Madison School District, he was an attorney in Michigan working in the special education area. In his time at Madison Schools, he represented the District in administrative hearings, proceedings before all levels of Wisconsin courts, represented the District in mediations, IEP team meetings, manifestation determinations, and Section 504 team meetings, and consulted with district administrators regarding a wide variety of topics, including family law, pupil records, juvenile delinquency, employee discipline, Section 504, ADA, and Title IX. He also provides representation in the areas of discrimination and harassment claims. Prior to his time as an attorney, Matt worked as a school psychologist and director of special education.
Presentations, Publications, & Contributions
- Numerous professional development presentations to MMSD administrators, student service providers, teachers, etc. on the topics of restraint and seclusion, Section 504, special education law, FERPA, legal updates, ESY
- Presenter, Wisconsin Special Education Law, Madison, WI, November 2012
- Presenter, Special Education Laws Made Simple, Madison, WI, May 2014
- Presenter, "Lawfully Managing Student Records Without Violating Privacy Rights", Middleton, WI, May 2015
- Presenter, "Disciplining Students with Behavioral Issues", Webcast, July 2015
- Presenter, "Race and Special Education: Avoiding Discriminatory Practices", Teleconference, November 2015
- Presenter, "They Did What?! Lessons From the Other Side of the Witness Stand", NASP Conference, Denver CO, July 2016
- Presenter, School Law Expert Panel: How to Handle Your Biggest Challenges, Milwaukee, WI, November 2018
- Presenter, School Law: Handling Mental Health Issues, Naperville, Illinois, February 2019
Education
- J.D., Michigan State University College of Law, 2005
- Autism Training, Continuing Education, Silver Lake College, 1999
- M.S. in School Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, 1997
- B.S. in Psychology. University of Wisconsin-Madison,1995
Community Involvement & Board Memberships
- Sugar River United Methodist Church, Member
- Cubmaster for Cub Scout Pack 170, Cubmaster
Professional Memberships
- Council of School Attorneys
- Wisconsin Association of School Boards
Matthew’s Latest Writing & Presentations
Top 3 Misconceptions about Section 504 Accommodations
School Law FYI | 10.03.24
An accommodation plan under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”) is a way for schools to support students in classrooms and activities when a disability substantially limits a major life activity. There are 3 common misconceptions of Section 504 that schools should consider.