IWCS seeks quotes for new school board attorney

Isle of Wight County Schools is soliciting quotes for a new school board attorney.

Firms have until 3 p.m. on July 24 to submit sealed bids to Board Clerk Jessica Whitlow detailing their qualifications to provide legal services to the board.

The window for proposals opened on June 24, 11 days after the School Board voted 4-1 to withdraw from the Virginia School Boards Association, but is unconnected to that vote, according to division officials.

“Periodically the board puts out feelers for services to weigh options and gauge the market,” said David Elliott, coordinator of educational technologies and communications for IWCS.

According to IWCS spokeswoman Lynn Briggs, School Board Attorney Pakapon “Pak” Phinyowattanachip is contracted separately from the division’s now-lapsed VSBA membership, which had also afforded the division legal counsel from VSBA attorneys. The 2023-24 budget lists a cost of $80,000 annually.

“Pak is still under contract with us,” Elliott said.

According to the solicitation, sole practitioners and law firms are each eligible to apply for what would likely be a three-year contract. The chosen practitioner or firm would be required to send a representative to attend all School Board meetings and offer legal guidance and advise on matters discussed related to federal and state legislative changes. Legal services are expected to average 20 to 35 hours per month.