General Counsel, Cleveland Metropolitan School District
Alma Advisory Group, United States
Job Description
As the second largest school district in the state of Ohio, Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) serves approximately 35,000 scholars across 99 schools, including 65 schools serving PreK through 8th grade, 31 High Schools, and 3 remote or virtual school options. Our district is grounded in the progress achieved since the introduction of our community-driven reform framework and we are poised to continue these essential efforts to ensure that all public school scholars have a high-quality, equitable education in schools that inspire joy in learning. Our families have the opportunity to choose which schools their scholars attend, with extensive options that include STEM, the arts, single-gender education, International Baccalaureate, Montessori, and early college. Our Vision for Learning is personalized for each scholar and designed to engage scholars deeply with increased autonomy on their respective learning journeys. Rooted in the elements of Competency-Based Education, Anytime/Anywhere Learning, Whole Human Learning, and Personalized Learner Pathways, we aim to amplify the experience and opportunity for each scholar and family we are honored to serve. Strong community partnerships support our efforts to help scholars select, prepare for and access futures of their choice through Say Yes Cleveland’s wraparound support and tuition scholarships, advising through College Now, and Planning and Career Exploration (PACE).
In the spring of 2023, the Board appointed new CEO Dr. Warren Morgan to lead the district into its next chapter. In the coming year, Dr. Morgan is looking to thoughtfully assess the current state of the district and build a clear vision moving forward. He is establishing a leadership team that is laser focused on building the conditions for student success, and ensuring that all schools have the resources, services and supports needed to ensure high-quality instruction in every classroom and every school.
What You’ll Do
The General Counsel reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Warren Morgan, and manages a team of professionals that support the organization in reaching its shared goals. The General Counsel is a critical member and advisor of the executive leadership team, leads a team of district attorneys, and serves as a liaison between the District and Administration and outside counsel on all matters. The person in this role must be a trusted partner and advisor, an empathic listener, and a problem solver who can help bring understanding to a complex system and bridge gaps when misunderstandings occur.
Your Key Responsibilities
Legal Advising, Contracts and Strategic Guidance
- Advises the Board of Education, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff and division heads regarding legal issues; provides legal advice and assistance at Board meetings and other meetings designated by the Chief Executive Officer; provides legal advice and opinions interpreting constitutional, statutory and case law, and policies, rules and regulations governing the district and its employees.
- Support the executive and senior leadership teams in specific matters related to each functional area, including but not limited to: student discipline, student supervision, construction and facilities, real property acquisitions, personnel matters, and collective bargaining.
- Represent the district in issues related to Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) actions and complaints prior to formal litigation, and Ohio Civil Rights (OCR).
- Review and draft contracts, agreements, and other legal documents related to the district's operations, including vendor contracts, service agreements, and facility leases, ensuring they comply with applicable laws and protect the district's interests.
- Represent the district in legal proceedings, including administrative hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and court cases.
- Provide strategic thought partnership and risk management guidance on CMSD initiatives, goals and priorities.
- Collaborate with district leadership to develop, review, and update policies and procedures to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.
Successful Execution of Written and Oral Communications
- Conduct legal research and analysis to support the district's legal positions and ensure the accuracy of legal advice.
- Ensure that all messages are coherent, consistent, cost-effective, and coordinated.
- Communicate with various stakeholders to ensure that expectations are clear and that questions are answered directly and transparently.
Team Management and Development
- Supervise the direct reports and provide ongoing coaching and development.
- Identify opportunit