General Counsel – Frisco ISD

Job Title:  General Counsel
 
Reports to:  Superintendent
 
Dept/School:  Legal Affairs
 
Work Year:  226 days
 
Salary:   Competitive salary will be commensurate with background and experience.
 
PRIMARY PURPOSE:
Oversee the governance and policy functions of the District and the provision of legal support to campus and department administrators.
 
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Certification:
Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an ABA accredited law school
Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas

Special Knowledge/Skills:
Knowledge of legal terminology and state, federal, and local laws and regulations related to public education
Skill in interpreting the application of local, state, and federal law and regulations, particularly as they relate to a large organization
Skill in accurately processing in a fast-paced and structured deadline environment
Skill in legal research and writing
Skill in contract negotiations
Skill in critical thinking, problem solving, and legal analysis
Ability to balance legal risks against operational concerns when providing legal counsel
Ability to prioritize tasks and coordinate multiple projects to meet specific deadlines
Ability to effectively communicate with diverse groups of individuals utilizing tact and diplomacy
Ability to maintain confidentiality of privileged and sensitive information at all times
 
Experience:
Minimum of five years of experience in school law preferred
Experience in special education and employment law preferred
 
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Legal Counsel:
Advise campus and department administrators regarding a variety of legal issues including personnel and student issues, business matters, administrative and regulatory matters, compliance with the Texas Open Meeting Act and the Public Information Act, and other matters that may arise in the conduct of school district affairs.
Provide guidance regarding the District complaint processes.
Advise the Board of Trustees regarding governance and other legal issues.
Manage litigation response activities, including engagement and oversight of outside counsel, gathering information necessary to respond to discovery requests, identifying potential risks to the District, and coordinating testimony of relevant personnel at hearings or trials.
Respond to Texas Education Agency (TEA) and U.S. Department of Education – Office for Civil Rights (OCR) complaints, including gathering relevant documentation and drafting narrative response to requests for information.
Advise central administrators regarding compliance with TEA guidance and rulemaking, including interpreting formal guidance and rules from the TEA and identifying necessary adjustments to District practice.
Oversee the District's Public Information Program.
 
Policy and Governance:
Manage the development, review, and revision of Board Policy and administrative regulations to ensure consistency and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Advise District staff regarding the development, review, and revision of the Student Code of Conduct and District administrative handbooks, including the Student Handbook and Employee Handbook to ensure consistency and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and Board Policy.
Oversee management of database of District administrative regulations and handbooks.
Advise the Superintendent, Instructional Support Team, and other District staff regarding the interpretation and implementation of Board Policy, administrative regulations, and administrative handbooks.
Advise District staff regarding applicable laws and regulations regarding school board elections.
Oversee District contracting activities including drafting contracts, negotiating with vendors, contract approval process, and compliance with applicable purchasing laws and Board policies.
Advise District staff regarding interpretation of contract terms, contract negotiations, amendments, and terminations.
Oversee the conduct of District elections..
 
Special Education:
Advise Special Education staff on relevant legal matters.
Participate in Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee meetings as needed.
Manage due process hearing activities, including engagement and oversight of outside counsel, gathering information necessary to respond to discovery requests, identifying potential risks to the District, and coordinating testimony of relevant personnel at hearings.
 
General Responsibilities:
Design and facilitate trainings for campus and central administrators regarding contract processes, complaint processes and responses, first amendment issues, and other legal issues.
Maintain effective working relationships and provide a high level of customer service to administrators, District officials and employees, co-workers, vendors, outside attorneys and organizations, and the general public.
Select, train, evaluate, and supervise department staff and make recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.
Manage budget and personnel.
 
OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED:
Frisco ISD retains the right to adjust the responsibilities and assignments of all positions as needed to meet the needs of the District.
 
WORK RELATIONSHIPS:
Frisco ISD is committed to fostering a collaborative work environment that honors and supports the social and emotional well-being of all.  Employees are expected to interact in a manner that is becoming of educators and promotes high levels of productivity for the benefit of the students we serve.
 
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:. 
Fluctuating workload demands; deadline-driven work.  Occasional high-stress assignments. Maintain emotional control under stress.  Work with frequent interruptions.  May be subject to repetitive motion such as typing, data entry and vision to monitor.  Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing and pulling.  Prolonged use of computer and repetitive hand motions.  Frequent prolonged and irregular hours. 

Application Deadline:  October 23, 2023 (4:00 PM CDT), or Until Filled
Email HudsonKri@friscoisd.org
 
 
The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

 Approved By:  Pamela K. Linton, Ed.D.
                          Chief Human Resources Officer   

Date:  10/4/2023
 
 
The Frisco Independent School District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, national origin, gender, age, religion, or disability status of otherwise qualified individuals. FISD does not discriminate on the basis of membership or application for membership in the uniformed services.