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Board authorizes $60,000 expansion this year and $150,000 allocation next year for outside legal services
Summary
The board approved a $60,000 expansion of the current legal-services contract to cover higher-than-expected litigation costs and authorized a not-to-exceed $150,000 allocation for next fiscal year so the Procurement/AG contracting process can begin before the April deadline.
The board approved two related legal-contract actions after Superintendent Dr. Martin told members that ongoing litigation costs had exceeded the amount budgeted for this year.
Dr. Martin said litigation in the "Maurice Smith" case had increased legal expenses; he asked the board to approve a $60,000 not-to-exceed expansion to the current legal-services contract to cover work through the end of the fiscal year. He also asked the board to authorize a next-year allocation of up to $150,000 so the contracting office could begin the AG review process before the April 4 procurement deadline.
Board discussion clarified that the $60,000 is an identified budget amount that may not be fully spent but is available if needed. Board member Kenny asked whether the $60,000 is a cap; staff confirmed it is a not-to-exceed amount. Sherry moved to add funds for the current contract; Jessica White seconded; the motion passed on a roll-call vote. The separate motion to authorize $150,000 for next year—so that the AG's office and procurement could start contract processing—also passed on roll call.
Why it matters: The approvals authorize budgeted reserves for outside counsel to handle pending litigation and permit the district to meet state procurement timelines for the coming fiscal year.
Follow-up: Business Office staff will submit paperwork to the Attorney General's office and procurement before the April 4 timeline and provide updates to the board if expenditures approach the authorized caps.
