*Interested candidates are invited to submit a letter of interest, current résumé or curriculum vitae, and professional credentials for consideration. At this time, applicants for this position are not required to complete the district's standard online employment application.

In order to be considered, please submit all materials electronically to

Superintendent Dr. Jeanice Swift, jeanice.swift@usd497.org*

Title: SCHOOL GENERAL COUNSEL

Reports Directly to: Superintendent

Lawrence Public Schools

Lawrence Public Schools USD 497 serves approximately 10,000 students in Lawrence, Kansas, a vibrant university community that is home to the University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University. The district includes 11 elementary schools, four middle schools, two comprehensive high schools, early childhood programming, alternative and virtual learning opportunities, a College and Career Center, and a wide range of specialized programs and services designed to support student academic success, social development, and preparation for postsecondary success.

Position Summary

The School District General Counsel provides legal counsel and support to the Superintendent, Human Resources, district administration, and designated staff. The position provides proactive legal guidance, helps ensure compliance with district policies, state and federal laws, and assists district leaders in identifying and managing legal risk.

This position is focused on the priority of watching out for and protecting the best interests of students and the district, including: operations, employment matters, labor relations, public records, investigations, compliance, contracts, student and family matters, and other legal issues affecting the school district. This position represents, operating as legal counsel on behalf of the district, including collaborating with outside counsel as needed.

Qualifications

Required

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed and in good standing to practice law in the State of Kansas.
• Knowledge of federal and state employment law.
• Understanding of, proficiency, and demonstrated record in managing PK12 school district legal issues.
• Strong legal research, writing, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage confidential and highly sensitive information.
• Demonstrated ability to provide practical legal advice in complex situations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with administrators, Members of the Board of Education, employees, families, and outside professionals.

Preferred

• Experience representing or working within a public school district, governmental entity, or other public-sector organization.
• Experience in education law, labor and employment law, or public-sector law.
• Experience with collective bargaining and negotiated agreements.
• Knowledge of Kansas education law, KORA, KOMA, public employment law, and school district operations.
• Experience with employee investigations, Title IX, civil rights matters, workers' compensation, FMLA, ADA, and employment-related litigation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Legal Counsel and District Compliance

• Serve as legal counsel to the Superintendent, Human Resources, district administration, and designated staff.
• Provide timely legal advice regarding federal and state laws, regulations, district policies, administrative procedures, and school district operations.
• Research, interpret, and communicate changes in legislation, regulations, and case law affecting public education.
• Review and recommend revisions to district procedures, handbooks, agreements, forms, and administrative practices to maintain legal compliance.
• Provide preventative legal guidance designed to address concerns before they develop into formal disputes or litigation.
• Coordinate with outside legal counsel when specialized expertise or litigation support is needed.

Kansas Open Records Act and Open Meetings Compliance

• Coordinate and respond to requests received under the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA).
• Review records to determine appropriate disclosure, redaction, or exemption under applicable law.
• Work with district departments to identify, preserve, collect, and produce responsive records.
• Provide guidance regarding records retention, litigation holds, electronic records, and discovery obligations.
• Provide administrative guidance regarding Kansas Open Meetings Act requirements as they relate to district operations and administrative responsibilities, in coordination with Board counsel as appropriate.

Collective Bargaining and Employee Groups

• Serve as a member of or legal advisor to the district's bargaining teams for both certified and classified/Employee Support Personnel employee groups.
• Provide legal guidance regarding collective bargaining, contract interpretation, grievances, impasse procedures, and implementation of negotiated agreements.
• Assist district leadership in developing bargaining proposals and reviewing proposed contract language.
• Research legal and contractual issues arising during negotiations.
• Provide advice regarding employee association and union-related matters.

Human Resources and Employee Relations

• Provide legal counsel to Human Resources regarding employee relations and personnel matters.
• Advise administrators regarding employee discipline, corrective action, suspension, termination, nonrenewal, resignation, reduction in force, transfers, and other employment actions.
• Provide guidance regarding employment contracts and interpretation of negotiated agreements.
• Advise the district regarding the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations, Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), wage and hour requirements, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other employment laws.
• Provide legal guidance regarding employee leave, attendance, performance concerns, and return-to-work matters.
• Advise Human Resources and administrators during complex or high-risk personnel situations.
• Support the development of legally compliant HR procedures, forms, notices, and communications.

Workers Compensation and Employee Leave

• Provide legal advice related to workers' compensation claims, employee injuries, return-to-work issues, accommodations, and related employment matters.
• Coordinate as appropriate with the district's workers' compensation carrier, third-party administrator, medical providers, and outside counsel.
• Assist Human Resources in addressing situations involving the intersection of workers' compensation, FMLA, ADA accommodations, and other employee leave provisions.
• Provide guidance regarding light-duty assignments and fitness-for-duty or return-to-work documentation.

Investigations and Complaints

• Advise Human Resources and district administrators regarding employee investigations and complaint procedures.
• Conduct or provide legal guidance on investigations involving allegations of employee misconduct, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, ethics concerns, or other significant matters.
• Assist in determining appropriate investigative procedures, documentation, findings, and follow-up actions.
• Review investigation reports and administrative recommendations when legal review is warranted.
• Advise district administrators regarding due process requirements.

Title IX, Civil Rights, and Nondiscrimination

• Provide legal guidance regarding Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, Section 504, ADA, and other federal and state civil rights requirements.
• Advise Title IX Coordinators, investigators, decision-makers, and administrators regarding legally compliant procedures.
• Monitor changes in federal regulations and court decisions affecting district civil rights responsibilities.

Student and Family Matters

• Provide legal advice regarding student discipline, student records, enrollment, residency, custody matters, special education, Section 504, student rights, and parent concerns.
• Advise administrators regarding FERPA and confidentiality of student records.
• Provide legal guidance regarding subpoenas, court orders, law enforcement requests, and requests for student or employee information.
• Consult with specialized counsel as necessary regarding complex special education or student matters.

Contracts and Agreements

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, memoranda of understanding, interlocal agreements, leases, vendor agreements, professional service agreements, settlement agreements, and other legal documents.
• Advise administrators regarding contract terms, liability, indemnification, insurance, termination provisions, and district obligations.
• Assist with procurement-related legal questions and vendor disputes.

Litigation, Claims, and Risk Management

• Represent the district or coordinate with outside counsel in administrative proceedings, hearings, litigation, mediation, arbitration, or other legal proceedings as assigned.
• Review claims, demand letters, subpoenas, preservation notices, and other legal correspondence.
• Assist district leadership in evaluating legal exposure and options for resolving disputes.
• Coordinate legal strategy with the district's insurance providers and outside counsel.
• Maintain appropriate documentation regarding pending or potential legal matters.

Training and Professional Learning

• Develop and provide training for administrators and staff regarding employment law, investigations, employee discipline, KORA, Title IX, FERPA, student rights, records management, and other legal compliance topics.
• Provide administrators with practical guidance and resources for addressing common legal issues.
• Communicate significant changes in laws and regulations to appropriate district leaders.

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain confidentiality and attorney-client privilege regarding sensitive district matters.
• Establish systems for tracking legal matters, public records requests, contracts, claims, investigations, and deadlines.
• Collaborate closely with Human Resources, Student Services, Special Education, Finance, Operations, Communications, and other district departments.
• Coordinate with the district's Board attorney when matters overlap with Board governance, formal Board action, or representation of the Board of Education.
• Develop positive working relationships while maintaining the independence and professional judgment required of legal counsel.
• Perform other duties related to legal services and district operations as assigned by the Superintendent.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Sound professional judgment and the ability to balance legal requirements with practical operational considerations.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to explain complex legal issues in clear, understandable language.
• Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority matters and deadlines.
• Ability to remain objective and composed in difficult or highly sensitive situations.
• A proactive approach to identifying and reducing legal and organizational risk.
• Commitment to supporting the district's educational mission and serving students, employees, families, and the community.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The tasks listed in this position are subject to change at the discretion of the superintendent/designee.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, and some fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 50% sitting, 25% walking, and 25% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.

LENGTH OF CONTRACT: Twelve-month administrative contract

SALARY RANGE: Salary Range: 155,000 -175,000 annually, plus benefits, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on Evaluation.