Legal Services, Kansas Public School Funding Coalition

Background

The Olathe Public Schools, on behalf of the Participating Districts including Shawnee Mission School District, Blue Valley Unified School District, and De Soto School District, is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) for legal services. The goal is to engage legal counsel specializing in public school funding issues to address challenges arising from insufficient state funding, particularly regarding special education funding obligations.

Work Details

The selected contractor will provide general legal services that include: 1. Monitoring Kansas school funding and providing updates on the funding formula and K-12 education budget. 2. Evaluating the potential for litigation against the State of Kansas regarding funding obligations. 3. Developing a litigation strategy aimed at improving school funding for the Participating Districts. 4. Representing the Participating Districts in legal matters before county, state, and federal courts. 5. Providing legal advice via various communication methods, attending Board meetings as needed, and assisting with document review and negotiations related to school finance matters.

Period of Performance

The representation is expected to commence on July 13, 2026, following the evaluation process which includes proposal submissions due by June 17, 2026.

Place of Performance

Legal services will be performed primarily in Kansas as the firms must be licensed to practice law in Kansas state and federal courts.

Bidder Requirements

Proposers must be licensed attorneys in good standing with the Kansas Bar Association and have at least five years of experience in school law. They must comply with all Kansas Rules of Professional Conduct regarding conflicts of interest and confidentiality.