General Counsel - RPS 205

ROCKFORD PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT #205

Job Description

Job Title: General Counsel

Job Code: 4010

Department: Administration

Supervisor: Board of Education

Date:

FLSA Status: Exempt

Grade: 1

Compensation Range: $170,000 - 220,000

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: Supervises, directs and coordinates all legal matters of the Board of Education and District 205. Oversees the development of policy for the Board of Education and assists in the formulation of regulations for implementation on behalf of the Superintendent. General Counsel keeps the Superintendent informed of General Counsel’s activities except as to matters (a) involving the Superintendent himself and the Superintendent’s relations with the Board or (b) that the Board, the Board’s Executive Committee, and/or the Board’s President has specifically directed General Counsel not to discuss with the Superintendent.

General Counsel serves as a member of the senior management team. Further, with respect to matters under the purview of the Superintendent, General Counsel will report to the Board through the Superintendent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is not the intent to compromise any obligations the attorney has to the Board under the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Deputy General Counsel, Staff Attorney, Paralegal

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. In addition to the requirements listed below, regular attendance is an essential function of this position.

1. Ensures that all actions are in concert with the Board policies as well as the mission statement, beliefs, objectives, and parameters found in the Board’s strategic plan.
2. Participates in job training and professional growth opportunities in order to enhance ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
3. Performs other related duties for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment and as assigned by the Board of Education and/or Superintendent.
4. Attends all regular meetings of the Board of Education and special meetings at the request of the Board President. At the meetings of the Board of Education, the General Counsel shall act as attorney to the Board of Education. Board Policy 2.160.
5. Serves as the legal advisor to the Board of Education, board committees, the Superintendent, and other staff on legal matters relating to the daily conduct of the District’s business. Board Policy 2.160.
6. Renders written opinions on any legal questions when requested by the Board of Education or Superintendent. Provides such other information on legal issues to the Board of Education or Superintendent relating to the operations of the school district as may be requested. Board Policy 2.160.
7. All members of the Board of Education shall have the privilege of consulting the General Counsel on any school and/or district matter. When any opinion given to one member may be of general interest to all board members, the General Counsel shall provide such opinions to all members. Board Policy 2.160.
8. Provides legal guidance and opinions to the academic and business leadership at District administrative offices and school sites on matters related to labor and employment, student rights and student discipline, special education and student disabilities, real property, litigation and administrative hearings, public meetings and Freedom of Information Act compliance.
9. Prepares necessary legal documents and oversees the legal compliance of all elections of school board members and for such referendums or special elections as may be called by the Board of Education. Board Policy 2.160
10. Reviews, develops, drafts, and implements legal instruments, contracts, documents, and board policies for execution by Officers of the Board of Education or the Superintendent and in compliance with state and Federal laws and regulations. Board Policy 2.160, 2.240, 4.60.
11. Provides legal guidance and service to the Board of Education and/or Superintendent on the purchase or sale of any real estate for the District. Board Policy 2.160.
12. Serves on the negotiating team(s) as legal counsel and may also serve as the Superintendent’s designee as chief negotiator in all collective bargaining matters. Advises the Board of Education in collaboration with Labor Relations concerning bargaining strategy. Board Policy 2.160, 4.60 and Agreement between the Board of Education Rockford School District no. 205 and The Rockford Building Maintenance Association (RBMA), Agreement between the Board of Education of Rockford School District No. 205 Winnebago and Boone Counties, Illinois and Educational Interpreters Association, IEA-NEA.
13. Conducts internal investigations of District-related matters at the direction of the Board of Education and/or the Superintendent and presents findings from such investigations, unless there is a conflict of interest or it has been determined by the Superintendent that the General Counsel should not perform this role.
14. Recommends retention of outside counsel when necessary. Board Policy 2.160.
15. Provides leadership, strategic direction, and oversight of the Office of General Counsel operations, including oversight of staff, budget and outside counsel.
16. Represents the District with significant internal and external constituencies, including government agencies, executives and outside consultants and advisors. Board Policy 2.160.
17. Represents the District in any legal matter as requested by the Board of Education and authorized by the Superintendent until the Board has an opportunity to consider the matter. Board Policy 2.160.
18. Audio records all closed meetings and ensures that: (1) an audio recording device and all necessary accompanying items are available to the Board for every closed meeting, and (2) a secure location for storing closed meeting audio recordings is maintained close to the Board’s regular meeting location. Board Policy 2.220.
19. Reviews the written rationale submitted in support of any recommendation the Board award a bid to an individual or entity other than the lowest bidder. Board Policy 4.60.
20. Serves as the District’s Open Meetings Act Officer.
21. Provides annual in-service training to principals and assistant principals concerning the provisions of Board Policy. Board Policy 7.150.
22. Responds to, supervises, disposes of, and/or adjusts all other matters that may be deemed necessary and proper by the Board of Education and/or Superintendent.

QUALIFICATIONS: B.S. or B.A. and Juris Doctorate from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. Must hold a current, unrevoked and unsuspended license to practice law in Illinois. Must have current knowledge of and expertise in municipal and school law. Outstanding credentials, business and legal judgment, demonstrated excellence as a lawyer and a proven track record required. Must have exemplary leadership capabilities and the ability to manage high performing teams with multiple, ever-changing priorities.

1. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:Ability to demonstrate qualities aligned to our core values of Character, Communication, Collaboration and Continuous Improvement.
2. The General Counsel must be able to handle and manage complex legal matters and be able to evaluate cases and transactions and, when necessary, recommend outside counsel if specific skills and/or expertise are needed.
3. Job requires substantial knowledge and skills relating to the duties and responsibilities identified above, the ability to communicate effectively and efficiently both verbally and in writing, and the ability to work in a multi-racial organization with a diverse client population.
4. A comprehensive benefits package including: Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance
5. Voluntary life insurance
6. Paid Sick and Personal time
7. Paid holidays
8. Paid vacation
9. Membership in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) or Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS)
10. Optional 403(b) plan
11. Employee assistance program (EAP)

WORK CALENDAR: 12 Months

WORKING CONDITIONS: Moderate in-district travel as well as intermittent in-state and out-of-state travel. Intermittent prolonged and irregular hours of work.

OTHER: This job description describes duties and responsibilities which are representative of the nature and level of work assigned to the position. The identified duties and responsibilities are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the school district and employee and is subject to change by the school district as the needs of the school district and requirements of the job change.