In-House District Counsel: Education Policy & Compliance

IRVING INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

DISTRICT ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: District Assistant General Counsel

WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Exempt

LENGTH OF WORK YEAR: 230 days

REPORTS TO: Deputy Superintendent

PAY GRADE: Administrative/Professional09

DEPARTMENT: Superintendent

DATE REVISED: January 2025

A Letter of Assurance will be issued for this position.

Primary Purpose: Assist the General Counsel to provide in-house legal support 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, in good standing

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, litigation and writing skills
• Thorough knowledge of the legislative process
• Ability to read and interpret law, policy, and procedures
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral forms with all levels of management, both internal and external to the district
• Exceptional organizational, communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills

Minimum Experience :

Minimum of three (3) years experience in public or private practice dealing with legal issues in public school law or comparable experience with local, state, and federal government. School district experience will be given additional compensation consideration.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

Legal Representation

1. Advise the superintendent, staff, and board on legal matters, including personnel and student issues and compliance with the Texas Public Information Act.
2. Draft, review, and revise legal documents.
3. Attend board meetings and other administrative meetings to provide legal counsel.
4. Assist the General Counsel in coordinating legal services provided by outside law firms.
5. Serve as the district’s counsel for applicable student and employee grievances, complaints, and appeals as required by policy.

Legal Oversight

1. Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy and serve as the district’s compliance officer.
2. Monitor and interpret the impact of proposed or enacted legislation.
3. Coordinate responses to investigations by the Texas Education Agency, U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, and other administrative or regulatory agencies.
4. Monitor compliance with the Texas Open Meeting Act and competitive procurement and purchasing requirements.
5. Provide legal assistance on district elections.

Policy and Reports

1. Assist in the formulation and execution of policies and regulations, and review materials for publication in handbooks.
2. Compile, maintain, file, and present all reports, records, and other documents as required.
3. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Communication

1. Conduct professional development and training, including preparing training materials for staff and board members.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Not applicable

Working Conditions:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including personal computer and peripherals

Posture: Prolonged sitting. Occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse. Occasional reaching

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment: Frequently work prolonged or irregular hours. Frequent district and statewide travel.

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions. Maintain emotional control under stress.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.