Rocky River school board interviews law firms for legal counsel

ROCKY RIVER, Ohio — The Rocky River Board of Education conducted a first round of interviews for new legal counsel on Friday (Aug. 22).

Lawyers representing two firms that specialize in legal services to school districts and public agencies sat for an hour each.

The five school board members asked questions about contract negotiation timelines, special education case management and each firm’s collaborative philosophy regarding all parties involved in education disputes.

Here’s more on the two firms interviewed.

Ennis Britton

Ennis Britton presented its experience in education law, highlighting its recent success in helping the Bay Village School District negotiate updated teacher contracts, including modernized healthcare benefits that are beneficial to both teacher and district.

The firm emphasized its collaborative approach to contract negotiations, preferring streamlined processes that typically require only three to four meetings over approximately 24 hours total.

The attorneys addressed salary schedule modifications, explaining how districts can move from traditional step increases to more sustainable models that balance teacher compensation with budget realities.

They noted the challenges of managing dual salary schedules and recommended consolidating to a single system.

In special education matters, Ennis Britton reported extensive due process experience, with one attorney noting Ohio’s longest case record.

The firm prioritizes mediation, recognizing that maintaining positive relationships serves long-term district interests.

The firm operates with 13 attorneys across three Ohio offices (four in Cleveland, seven in Cincinnati and two in Columbus).

They stressed their commitment to working directly with school boards rather than just administrators, requiring board meetings before major negotiations and ensuring board approval for significant decisions such as media communications.

Pepple-Waggoner

Pepple-Waggoner said its over 35 years of experience provides a strong commitment to protecting and improving quality education.

According to its website, “Pepple & Waggoner helps school boards identify legal concerns early and resolve them as efficiently and inexpensively as possible.

“This proactive focus is why so many of Ohio’s boards of education have relied on us since 1989.″

The firm emphasized its responsive approach to public records requests and communication with school boards, particularly when dealing with challenging situations involving parents.

The firm offers educational seminars, including special education training planned for January, to help board members handle complex situations.

They publish blog articles to keep clients informed about important legal developments and issues they might not hear about elsewhere.

Regarding conflicts of interest, the attorneys described their experience with a large urban district facing multiple challenges, including superintendent conflicts and potential teacher strikes.

The attorneys said the firm helped negotiate a contract resolution in July while maintaining professionalism throughout difficult circumstances.

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