Board asks staff to prepare RFP for legal services after noting higher counsel bills

The Leavenworth USD 453 board reviewed a three‑year history of legal fees Monday and asked administration to prepare a request for proposals (RFP) so the board can compare options for outside counsel. Administration presented a three‑year spending summary showing Polsinelli as the primary firm used by the district and higher legal costs this year tied to a cluster of unusual or high‑demand matters earlier in the calendar year. Polsinelli’s representative said those matters were atypical and cautioned against switching counsel midstream on active cases. He also said firms of comparable size and depth generally charge similar rates, and that because of the district’s relationship he offers the district discounted rates. Trustees asked for due diligence and a market check. The board directed administration to draft and return with an RFP document for review before issuing the solicitation, with the aim of running the process in mid‑fall and reporting results back to the board. Trustees discussed soliciting proposals from small, midsize and large firms and interviewing finalists; no change in counsel was authorized at Monday’s meeting.