JOB TITLE: District General Counsel
WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Exempt
LENGTH OF WORK YEAR: 230 days
REPORTS TO: Deputy Superintendent
PAY GRADE: Administrative/Professional 10
DEPARTMENT: Superintendent
This position is eligible for a Letter of Assurance.
PRIMARY PURPOSE:
Provide in-house legal services to the superintendent, designated staff, and board of trustees, including representation and research. Assist the superintendent and board in legal performance of their duties. Coordinate all legal services required by the district.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Education:
Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an accredited university
Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas
Special Knowledge/Skills
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, regulations relating to public education
Specific knowledge related to human resources/school personnel law in education, special education
Demonstrated legal research and litigation skills
Thorough knowledge of the legislative process
Ability to interpret law, policy, and procedures
Exceptional organizational, communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills
Minimum Experience:
Minimum of five years experience in public or private practice dealing with legal issues in public school law or comparable experience with local, state, and federal government
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
1. Advise the superintendent, staff, and board on legal issues, including personnel and student issues.
2. Prepare and conduct litigation and represent the district in administrative and judicial proceedings.
3. Draft, review, and revise legal documents.
4. Attend board meetings and other administrative meetings to provide legal counsel.
5. Coordinate legal services provided by outside law firms, including administering contracts and reviewing billings.
6. Serve as the district’s hearing officer for applicable student and employee grievances, complaints, and appeals as required by policy.
7. Serve as the district’s compliance officer for all applicable state or federal laws.
8. Provide assistance and advice regarding district records, including requests under the Texas Public Information Act.
9. Assist with compliance of the Texas Open Meetings Act.
10. Advise and assist with compliance of competitive procurement and purchasing contract requirements.
11. Assist in the formulation and execution of policies and regulations and review materials for publication in handbooks.
12. Coordinate responses to investigations by the Texas Education Agency, U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil
Rights, and other administrative or regulatory agencies
13. Provide legal assistance on district elections.
14. Monitor and interpret the impact of proposed or enacted legislation.
15. Conduct professional development and training, including preparing training materials for staff and board members.
Policy, Reports, and Law
16. Compile, maintain, file and present all computerized and physical reports, records, and other documents required.
17. Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy.
Communication
18. Maintain a positive and effective relationship with superintendent, board of trustees, and staff.
19. Effectively communicate with colleagues.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Supervise and evaluate any assigned support staff.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent district and statewide travel; frequent prolonged and irregular hours.
The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed in this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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