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Board rejects $131,770.97 legal invoice after trustees demand itemization
Summary
Trustees voted 0–6 to reject payment of an August legal invoice for roughly $131,770.97 amid board concerns about unclear itemization, multiple attorneys billed for single calls, and a steep month‑to‑month hours increase.
Trustees for Hinsdale Township High School District 86 declined to approve a large August invoice from the district’s current law firm during their Oct. 24, 2024 meeting after extended questioning about billing practices.
A board member pulled consent agenda item 8.7 — legal bills totaling $131,770.97 — for separate discussion. Several trustees described the invoice as "appalling" and said it lacked sufficient detail to determine which matters were billed and whether shared costs were allocated properly. One trustee noted a sharp increase in billed hours (from 265 to 470 hours between months) and asked administration to reconcile fees by matter and date.
Board members repeatedly requested more granular invoices showing matter-level breakdowns, counts of attorneys on calls, and any cost‑sharing arrangements. Administrators said the bulk of the work appeared to support administrative operations and student‑services matters, and they agreed to cross‑tabulate invoices by date and matter and report back with clarifications.
After the review and debate, the board took a roll‑call vote on approving payment of the Robin Schwartz August invoice; recorded votes were unanimous "Nay" and the motion failed (0–6).
The board instructed administration to work with counsel to provide a clearer, matter‑based reconciliation of the invoices before any final payment action is taken.
