Special Counsel

2026-11-03

A . General Legal Services 1 . Representing the Board in specified legal matters and advising and assisting the Board , Superintendent , Business Administrator , and staff as required in the administration of the Board ' s business . 2 . Representing the Board in any litigation and conducting trials , appeals , and other proceedings affecting the interests of the Board as he / she may in his / her discretion determine to be necessary or desirable , subject to the approval of the Board . 3 . Providing legal opinions and memoranda on matters affecting the District . 4 . Reviewing and drafting contracts , agreements , policies , and regulations . 5 . Attending Board meetings and committee meetings as requested . B . Urban Hope Act and Renaissance School Project Services Special Counsel shall provide comprehensive legal services related to the Urban Hope Act and the District ' s three ( 3 ) existing Renaissance School Projects , including but not limited to : 1 . Operating Contract Management and Compliance : ○ Reviewing , interpreting , and providing guidance on the District ' s three ( 3 ) existing operating contracts with Renaissance School Partners ○ Ensuring ongoing compliance with contract terms and conditions for operation , management , and funding ○ Advising on contract amendments , modifications , or extensions as needed ○ Monitoring nonprofit entity compliance with organizational documents and operational requirements ○ Providing guidance on contract enforcement and remedies 2 . Urban Hope Act Compliance and Guidance : ○ Providing expert interpretation of the Urban Hope Act ( N . J . S . A . 18A : 36C - 1 et seq .) and related regulations ○ Advising the District on its rights , responsibilities , and obligations under the Act ○ Ensuring ongoing compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements ○ Monitoring changes to the Urban Hope Act and advising on impact to the District ○ Providing guidance and support to the District in advocating for modifications to the Urban Hope Act ○ Coordinating with the Department of Education on compliance matters 3 . Funding and Financial Oversight : ○ Reviewing financial reports and audit compliance ○ Advising on categorical aid distributions ( security , special education , preschool ) ○ Advising on funding disputes and payment issues ○ Ensuring compliance with federal funding attributable to students ○ Advising on existing lease agreements 4 . Enrollment and Student Services Coordination : ○ Advising on attendance area policies and enrollment procedures ○ Ensuring compliance with lottery systems and non - discrimination requirements under N . J . S . A . 18A : 36C - 8 ○ Advising on IEP implementation and fiscal responsibility under N . J . S . A . 18A : 36C - 14 ○ Addressing enrollment disputes and student placement issues ○ Ensuring proper notification and challenge procedures for private day or residential placements 5 . Governance and Compliance : ○ Advising on periodic reviews and renewal processes ○ Advising on comprehensive 10 - year reviews ○ Addressing breach of agreement issues and potential termination scenarios 6 . Reversion and Transition Planning : ○ Advising on title reversion procedures under N . J . S . A . 18A : 36C - 16 ○ Negotiating substitute or replacement operators ○ Managing facility occupancy agreements under N . J . S . A . 18A : 36C - 17 7 . Regulatory Compliance and Reporting : ○ Ensuring compliance with charter school laws applicable to Renaissance School Projects ○ Coordinating with the Department of Education and Commissioner ' s office ○ Advising on local education agency designation for federal funding applications ○ Monitoring compliance with exemptions from facility efficiency standards and other regulatory requirements C . Strategic Guidance and Policy Development 1 . Providing strategic legal advice on the District ' s relationship with Renaissance School Partners 2 . Advising on policy development affecting Renaissance School Projects 3 . Identifying legal risks and recommending mitigation strategies 4 . Keeping the District informed of best practices and legal developments in Renaissance School operations

New Jersey

2026-04-29