Office of Superintendent | General Counsel

PURPOSE

(FWCS). The General Counsel provides strategic guidance and support to personnel on a comprehensive range of issues to effectuate the mission of FWCS the education all students to high standards.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA accredited law school
• Member Indiana Bar Association
• Three to five (3 to 5) years of experience in the practice of law

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary functions include the following duties and abilities. This list of tasks is not intended to be comprehensive.

• Provide sound legal advice to the Board of School Trustees, Superintendent, Cabinet, and broader administration as directed by the Superintendent regarding labor and employment, contract review and negotiation, public purchasing and procurement, construction and real property matters, and public education law, including special education and student rights issues.
• Recommend changes in policies and procedures that ensure compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws while avoiding liability exposure and reducing risk.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with all labor groups, including the following unions:
• The Fort Wayne Education Association (FWEA)/Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA), representing all teachers
• Teamsters, representing all bus drivers
• The Fort Wayne Classified Association (FWCA), representing a collection of classified employees
• The Fort Wayne Nurses Association (FWNA), representing school nurses
• Control litigation costs and other legal expenses. The General Counsel will coordinate insured litigation with insurance adjusters and the FWCS Fiscal Affairs Department.
• Directly represent FWCS in all administrative charges, complaints and litigation, including but not limited to
• The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) within the United States Department of Education
• The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
• The Metropolitan Human Relations Commission
• The Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC)
• The Indiana Occupational Health and Safety Administration (IOSHA)
• The Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor
• Select external counsel in consultation with the insurance carrier and Superintendent and coordinate all aspects of judicial litigation to control and reduce costs.
• Protect the confidentiality of students education records under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), advise the administration about record retention under state and federal law, and insure adherence to Indianas Access to Public Records Act (APRA) and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
• Develop and maintain record systems for the purpose of ensuring documentation of legal matters.
• Draft and review contracts and other legal documents.
• Gather evidence, compile research, interpret policies and procedures, and interview staff to ensure external counsel has the information and materials available to advise or defend FWCS.
• Attend all meetings of the FWCS Board of School Trustees to ensure parliamentary order and provide advice to the Board on all legal matters.
• Coordinate and provide professional learning to inform administrators about changes in the law.
• Monitor legislative changes and study any changes in the law that may impact FWCS.
• Maintain professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest developments in public school law and in other related areas.
• Support the FWCS Schools of Success mission to empower all students to reach their potential through equitable and relevant community-connected experiences to ensure students achieve at least one of the 4Es - (Enrollment, Employment, Enlistment, or Entrepreneurship.)
• Positively promote and embody the FWCS Schools of Success six core competencies in our daily work: Creativity and Innovation, Critical and Analytical Thinking, Collaboration, Communication, Cultural Agility, and Self-Direction
• Perform related duties, as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of applicable education law and developing issues.
• Skill in negotiating
• Skill in fiscal management
• Skill in written and oral communications
• Skill in identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions
• Skill in effectively managing ones own time and the time of others
• Ability to develop and deliver presentations
• Ability to provide competent legal advice and counsel to the Superintendent, Board, and Administration on a wide range of legal and policy issues
• Ability to analyze and interpret issues and to prepare legal opinions
• Ability to communicate and interact with community partners and government officials
• Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments
• Ability to supervise and coordinate the work of legal professionals
• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment
• Ability to develop and implement legal strategies and solutions

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

To perform the essential functions of this job effectively and safely, employees must meet the following physical qualifications:

• Communication Skills: Ability to speak clearly and hear effectively in various environments.
• Manual Dexterity: Adeptness in the use of hands and fingers.
• Postural Endurance: Sit or stand for prolonged periods, as the job requires.
• Flexibility: Ability to bend at the waist, kneel, or crouch to perform specific duties.
• Visual Acuity: Close vision ability with the capacity to adjust focus.
• Mobility: Freedom to sit or walk at will throughout the work environment.
• Strength and Stamina: Capability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to twenty (25) pounds or more.

FWCS will reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.