Comprehensive Legal Services

2026-11-03

Harlem Consolidated School District # 122 ( the " District "), located in Winnebago County , Illinois , invites qualified legal firms licensed and authorized to do business in the State of Illinois to submit responses to this Request for Proposal ( RFP ) for a full range of legal services . While the District is soliciting qualifications for comprehensive representation , the Board of Education reserves the right to retain individual firms for discrete or specific areas of legal specialization as needed . Services Required Responding firms or individuals must demonstrate experience and expertise in representing Illinois school districts and the types of legal issues Illinois school districts would encounter . All respondents must meet the highest standards of professional competence and ethics . The successful firm will be expected to provide a full range of legal services for the Board of Education and District Administration . The Scope of Services includes , but is not limited to : 1 . Board Governance & General Counsel : a . Legal Opinions : Provide written and oral legal opinions to the Board and Superintendent upon request . b . Meeting Attendance : Attend Board meetings as requested to provide counsel on parliamentary procedure and legal matters . c . Open Government : Ensure strict adherence to the Illinois Open Meetings Act ( OMA ) and the Freedom of Information Act ( FOIA ). d . Policy Development : Review and draft Board policies to ensure alignment with the Illinois School Code . 2 . Business , Finance , & Real Estate : a . Contracts & Procurement : Draft and negotiate District contracts , including construction bids and intergovernmental agreements ( IGAs ) with local municipalities . b . Finance : Provide legal oversight for tax levies and compliance with the Local Government Prompt Payment Act . c . Acquisition and sales of Real Estate 3 . Labor Relations & Personnel a . Collective Bargaining : Act as lead negotiator or consultant for bargaining with certified and non - certified unions . b . Employee Discipline : Advise on and conduct proceedings for the discipline or dismissal of employees in accordance with the School Code . 4 . Special Education & Student Rights a . IDEA / Section 504 Compliance : Provide expert counsel on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ( IDEA ) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act . This includes ensuring all procedural safeguards are followed and providing guidance on the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs ( IEPs ) and 504 Plans . b . Student Discipline & Due Process : Provide legal oversight for student suspensions and expulsions to ensure strict adherence to constitutional due process . This includes assisting with proper notice , evidentiary standards , and the impartial conduct of hearings . c . Manifestation Determination Reviews ( MDRs ): As needed , provide specialized counsel for MDR meetings to ensure the district correctly determines if a student ’ s conduct was a manifestation of their disability . This oversight is critical to maintaining compliance with procedural due process before any significant change in placement or disciplinary action is finalized . 5 . Litigation & Risk Management ( CLIC ) a . Defense of Claims : Defend the District against civil rights , employment , and tort liability claims . b . CLIC Coordination : As a member of the Collective Liability Insurance Cooperative ( CLIC ), it ’ s preferred the firm has " Approved Counsel " status and coordinate directly with CLIC adjusters .

Illinois

2026-04-08