Staff Counsel for Student Support Services

Lowell Public School District•Lowell, MA

1d•$140,000 - $150,000

About The Position

Lowell Public Schools is a diverse, public school district, committed to providing equitable, high-quality educational opportunities for all students. We serve approximately 14,200 students across 28 schools and pride ourselves on strong community partnerships, and student-centered decision-making. Position Summary The Lowell Public Schools is seeking a knowledgeable and student-focused Staff Counsel for Student Support Services, to provide legal counsel and representation on matters related to education and special education, Section 504, disability services, FOIA, Bullying/Harassment, Civil Rights and related compliance areas. This position will work collaboratively with district leadership, school-based teams, and families to ensure adherence to federal and state laws while supporting the implementation of high-quality services for all students. The Staff Counsel for Student Services is responsible for building the system's capacity to develop and implement policies and procedures that ensure a school environment in which student rights and school system responsibilities to provide a safe, high quality education for all are respected. Under the direction of the Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services, and in collaboration with the Administrator of Special Education, the Counsel provides advice to administrators concerning student service issues, with special emphasis on IDEA, student discipline and Section 504. The Counsel oversees the system's student discipline program to ensure it meets legal requirements, conforms to the policies of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and School Committee, and contributes to the School Committee's goal of a safe and respectful school environment. The Counsel coordinates the system's use of the Law Department on matters related to student services, as appropriate, to ensure effective case management.

Requirements

A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Licensure to practice law in Massachusetts and continued good-standing with the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers of the Supreme Judicial Court.
Strong knowledge of federal and state education and special education laws, regulations, and case law.
Minimum of 3–5 years of experience practicing education law, with a strong focus on special education and disability matters.
Demonstrated knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, ADA, Chapter 222 and relevant state education laws and regulations.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and ability to work collaboratively, manage multiple priorities, and respond to time-sensitive matters.
Ability to motivate and coach others; work independently or as a team player, as dictated by the situation; react calmly in difficult situations; solve problems; and follow through on commitments.
Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion in education.

Nice To Haves

Experience representing or advising public school districts.
Minimum of 3-5 years of experience practicing education and special education law, preferably in a school district in Massachusetts or similar setting. In the alternative, an equal number of years representing parents, students and/or agencies in the area of education and/or special education law.
Prior experience with administrative hearings (for example before the BSEA), mediation, or litigation related to special education.
Familiarity with culturally responsive and family-centered approaches to dispute resolution.

Responsibilities

Provide senior level legal advice and guidance to administrators, departments, educators, and staff on education and special education issues, including student rights, eligibility, evaluations, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), disciplinary actions, and due process procedures.
Review, assess and recommend systems, procedures, practices and protocols pertaining to student services, including but not limited to IDEA, Section 504, Bullying, Harassment, Civil Rights, health and safety, and discipline for students to ensure that students are receiving appropriate services, school safety is maintained, and legal responsibilities are met.
Train and coach Principals, Assistant Principals and Student Services and Special Education administrators in order to build administrators' capacity to analyze student services issues, maintain student safety, and make legally sound decisions in an environment of changing legal requirements.
Represent the district in IEP meetings, mediations, due process hearings, Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA) proceedings, and other administrative or court actions as needed and requested.
Collaborate within the Office of Student Support Services to proactively resolve disputes and foster positive, solutions-oriented communication with families.
Conduct training and workshops on legal issues and developments in the law related to student services.
Oversee and respond to PRS complaints filed with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and monitor corrective action as needed.
Review and draft contracts, service agreements, and program proposals related to special education services.
Conduct legal research, analysis and render opinions briefs, and guidance documents and provide counsel on special education laws and regulations.
Support the district in responding to state and federal monitoring, corrective action plans, and policy updates.
Work with outside counsel when appropriate to resolve Special Education matters that are in litigation.
Work collaboratively with other attorneys, administrators, educators, families, and community partners to ensure the delivery of high-quality special education services to all students.
Serve as the District Records Officer, responsible for managing, coordinating, and responding to all Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant disclosure in accordance with state and federal regulations, while collaborating with relevant departments to collect, review, and produce responsive records.
Remain current on legal issues related to education and special education.
Perform investigations or fact-finding inquiries as assigned by the Superintendent.
Serve on the criminal records review appeal board as needed on an occasional basis.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or designee.