Project Information

Bid Title

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

Issuing Agency

State Government of North Carolina

Location

North Carolina

Published Date

May 14, 2026

Closing Date

May 29, 2026

Government Level

State & Local

Status

Closed

Ref. #

198-05292026

Original Source

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Project Description

Solicitation Number:	198-05292026
Project Title:	Request for Proposal: Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education Attorney
Description:	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.
Opening Date:	5/29/2026 4:00 PM
Posted Date:	5/14/2026
Status:	Open
Department:	IREDELL/STATESVILLE SCHOOLS

Solicitation Number * 198-05292026	Department IREDELL/STATESVILLE SCHOOLS	Status Reason Open
Opening Date 2026-05-29T16:00:00.0000000	Posted Date * 2026-05-14T13:27:21.0000000Z	Primary Commodity Code Legal services
Mandatory Conference/Site Visit — —	Special Instructions Proposals should be mailed to Iredell-Statesville Schools, Attn: Kelly McCarraher, 549 North Race Street, Statesville, NC 28677	Solicitation Type * Select RFP IFB RFI
Owner Stacey Robinette
Description 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.

Attachment Preview

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

Commodity Codes

• NAICS 611430Professional and Management Development Training
• NAICS 611710Educational Support Services

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