Request for Proposal: Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education Attorney

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education Attorney
RFP Issue Date: May 13, 2026
Proposal Due Date: May 29, 2026
Proposal Submission Location: 549 North Race Street, Statesville, NC 28677
Contact Person: Kelly McCarraher, Board Clerk
Introduction
Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education is soliciting proposals from qualified law
firms and/or attorneys licensed to practice law in the State of North Carolina to provide
legal services. The Board seeks legal counsel with extensive experience in North
Carolina public education law and demonstrated expertise in advising public school
systems on governance, personnel, student matters, litigation, contracts, policy,
compliance, and operational issues.
Purpose
The purpose of this Request for Proposals is to identify and select a highly qualified
attorney or law firm capable of providing timely, practical, and effective legal counsel to
support the mission and operations of the district.
The Board seeks a legal partner who demonstrates:
Strong knowledge of North Carolina public school law
Excellent responsiveness and communication
Sound judgment and problem-solving skills
Ability to work collaboratively with board members and district leadership
Experience handling sensitive and high-profile matters
Scope of Services
The Board Attorney or selected law firm shall provide comprehensive legal counsel and
representation to the Board of Education and the Superintendent in matters related to

school governance, employment, students services, operations, litigation, and
regulatory compliance. Services may include, but are not limited to, the following:
A. Board Governance, Meetings, and General Counsel Services
The Board Attorney shall serve as legal counsel to the Board of Education and
provide guidance related to governance, legal compliance, and board operations.
Responsibilities may include:
Attendance at regular board meetings, work sessions, emergency
meetings, special-called meetings, and closed sessions as requested by
the Board.
Serving as Parliamentarian and advising the Board on parliamentary
procedure, Robert's Rules of Order, and the Board's adopted bylaws and
procedures.
Advising the Board regarding compliance with the North Carolina Open
Meetings Law, Public Records Law, ethics requirements, and
conflict-of-interest matters.
Assisting with the lawful conduct of public comment periods and advising
on constitutionally permissible, content-neutral restrictions.
Drafting and reviewing motions and procedures necessary to enter and
conduct closed sessions in accordance with N.C. General Statutes.
Providing legal guidance during executive sessions and ensuring
discussions remain within the scope of the authorized closed-session
purpose.
Reviewing or assisting with confidential closed-session minutes or general
accounts as required by law.
Reviewing, interpreting, and advising on board policies, administrative
procedures, and governance practices.
Providing legal updates and governance training to the Board and district
leadership.
Advising on Superintendent contracts, evaluations, and related
governance matters.
B. Personnel and Employment Law Services
The Board Attorney may provide legal representation and counsel regarding
employment-related matters, including:
Employee discipline, dismissal, suspension, nonrenewal, and grievance
matters.
Personnel hearings, appeals, and administrative proceedings.
Employment contracts and employment-related agreements.
Workplace investigations and compliance reviews.

Guidance regarding ADA, FMLA, Title VII, Title IX, and other federal and
state employment laws.
EEOC matters, discrimination claims, harassment complaints, and related
investigations or proceedings.
Preventive legal guidance related to personnel practices and employment
risk management.
C. Student Services, Hearings, and School Operations
The Board Attorney may advise and represent the district in student-related legal
matters and operational compliance issues, including:
Student discipline hearings, appeals, and quasi-judicial proceedings.
Guidance regarding due process requirements and evidentiary procedures
during hearings.
When necessary, establishing ethical separation between attorneys
advising the Board and attorneys representing the administration in
contested matters.
IDEA, Section 504, FERPA, Title IX, student records, and student privacy
matters.
Student rights and constitutional issues.
School safety, emergency response, and crisis-related legal guidance.
Athletics, extracurricular activities, and student participation matters.
D. Contracts, Construction, and Business Operations
The Board Attorney may provide legal services related to district operations and
business matters, including:
Review, drafting, and negotiation of contracts, agreements, memoranda of
understanding, and vendor agreements.
Construction, procurement, bidding, and facility-related legal matters.
Real property transactions and land use matters.
Insurance, liability, and risk management issues.
Preventive legal review of agreements, personnel actions, and operational
decisions to reduce exposure to litigation or regulatory violations.
E. Litigation and Administrative Representation
The Board Attorney or law firm may represent the district in legal proceedings
and dispute resolution matters, including:
Representation before state and federal courts.
Representation in administrative hearings, agency proceedings, and
appeals.
Mediation, settlement negotiations, and alternative dispute resolution.

Coordination with insurance carriers, third-party administrators, and
outside counsel as necessary.
Development of legal strategy and litigation management.
F. Preventive Legal Services, Policy Review, and Legislative Guidance
The Board Attorney shall provide proactive legal guidance intended to minimize
legal exposure and ensure ongoing compliance with changing laws and
regulations. Services may include:
Periodic review of Board policies and administrative procedures to ensure
compliance with federal and state law.
Guidance regarding newly enacted legislation, regulatory changes, and
emerging legal issues affecting public education.
Preventive compliance training and workshops for Board members,
administrators, and staff.
Ongoing legal consultation intended to identify and mitigate operational,
governance, personnel, and compliance risks.
Minimum Qualifications
Respondents must meet the following minimum qualifications:
Licensed to practice law in the State of North Carolina
Demonstrated experience representing public school districts or boards of
education
Knowledge of North Carolina education law
Ability to provide timely legal advice and emergency response support
Professional liability insurance coverage
Proposal Requirements
Proposals should include the following information:
A. Cover Letter
Include:
Name of firm
Primary contact person
Office location(s)
Statement of interest
Signature of authorized representative
B. Firm Background and Qualifications
Provide:
History of the firm

Areas of legal practice
Number of attorneys
Experience representing public school systems
Description of education law experience
C. Assigned Personnel
Identify:
Lead attorney
Attorneys expected to provide services
Relevant experience and qualifications
Resumes or biographies
D. Revelvant Experience
Describe experience in:
Public school law
Board governance
Personnel law
Student matters
Litigation
Construction/procurement
Crisis response and emergency guidance
E. References
Provide at least three references from current or former public school district clients,
including:
District name
Contact person
Title
Phone number
Email address
F. Responsiveness and Availability
Describe:
Typical response times
Emergency availability
After-hours procedures
Availability for board meetings and special called meetings
Backup coverage procedures
G. Fee Proposal

Provide:
Hourly billing rates
Rates by attorney and staff level
Retainer information, if applicable
Board meeting attendance fees
Litigation rates
Travel costs
Billing increments
Any alternative fee structures
H. Conflicts of Interest
Disclose any current or potential conflicts of interest, including representation
involving:
Charter schools
Educational vendors
Employees adverse to public school districts
Other entities that may present conflicts
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals may be evaluated using criteria including, but not limited to:
Criteria Weight
Public school law experience 40%
Qualifications of assigned attorneys 20%
Responsiveness and availability 10%
Cost proposal 15%
References and reputation 10%
Training and preventive services 5%
The district reserves the right to conduct interviews, request additional information,
negotiate terms and reject any or all proposals
Terms of Services

The anticipated term of the agreement shall be a 3-year contract running July 1, 2026
through June 30, 2029, with the possibility of renewal upon mutual agreement of the
parties and approval by the Iredell-Statesville Board of Education.
Submission Instructions
Proposals must be labeled: Board Attorney RFP 2026-2029 and received no later than:
Friday, May 29, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
Submit sealed proposals by mail (US Post Office, FedEx, UPS) or hand delivery to:
Kelly McCarraher
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Board Clerk
Iredell-Statesville Schools
549 North Race Street, Statesville, NC 28677
Late submissions may not be considered.
Questions Regarding the RFP
Questions regarding this RFP must be submitted via email by Monday, May 25, 2026 at
5:00 p.m. to:
Dr. Jeff James
Superintendent
Iredell-Statesville Schools
jeff_james@iss.k12.nc.us
Reservation of Rights
The district reserves the right to:
Reject any or all proposals
Waive informalities or irregularities
Request clarification or proposals
Negotiate with any respondent
Cancel the RFP at any time
Select the proposal deemed to be in the best interest of the district
All submitted bids become the property of Iredell-Statesville Schools.

Confidentiality
Respondents acknowledge that certain district matters may involve confidential
personnel, student, legal, or closed session information. The selected attorney firm will
be expected to maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with applicable law and
professional standards.
Equal Opportunity
Iredell-Statesville Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate
on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or other protected
classifications under applicable law.