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

Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education is issuing a Request for Proposals to procure legal services from qualified law firms and licensed attorneys to serve as Board Attorney for the school district. The solicitation seeks a single firm or attorney 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. Key service areas include board governance and general counsel, personnel and employment law services, student services and hearings, contracts and construction matters, litigation and administrative representation, and preventive legal services. Minimum qualifications require licensure to practice law in North Carolina, demonstrated experience representing public school districts, knowledge of North Carolina education law, ability to provide timely advice and emergency response support, and professional liability insurance coverage. Proposals are due by May 29, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. via sealed mail or hand delivery to Kelly McCarraher, Board Clerk, at 549 North Race Street, Statesville, NC 28677, with written questions to be submitted to Dr. Jeff James, Superintendent, by May 25, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. The evaluation criteria weight public school law experience at 40 percent, qualifications of assigned attorneys at 20 percent, references and reputation at 10 percent, cost proposal at 15 percent, responsiveness and availability at 10 percent, and training and preventive services at 5 percent. The anticipated contract term is three years, running from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029, with the possibility of renewal upon mutual agreement and Board approval.

No set-aside designations, disadvantaged enterprise restrictions, or specific organizational type limitations are mentioned in the solicitation documents. No information regarding an incumbent vendor, current contractor, or existing legal service provider is disclosed. The RFP does not specify pricing terms, budget amounts, or possible award values; respondents must submit detailed fee proposals as part of their comprehensive proposal submissions. The district reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, conduct interviews with selected respondents, request additional information, negotiate contract terms, and cancel the RFP at its discretion. All submitted proposals become the property of Iredell-Statesville Schools, and the selected firm will be required to maintain strict confidentiality regarding confidential personnel, student, legal, and closed session information.