Centennial board approves Kilkenny firm as solicitor after heated debate and amendment for hourly fee

The Centennial School District Board of School Directors voted 5–4 on Dec. 9 to appoint the Kilkenny law firm as district solicitor, following a prolonged debate about procurement process and contract transparency.

The new‑business item (7.1) proposed awarding solicitor services to the Kilkenny firm effective Dec. 9, 2025, with annual renewal by the board. Several board members said they had not expected the change, asked whether an RFP (request for proposals) had been issued and requested to see the full contract before voting. One board member moved to table the item; the motion to table failed on a 4–5 vote.

Board members then moved to amend the solicitor motion to include an explicit hourly fee. The amendment to add a $155/hour fee passed 6–3 on a roll call. After that amendment was adopted, the board conducted a roll‑call vote on the appointment and approved Kilkenny firm 5–4. Votes recorded on the roll call show Mrs. Lynch, Mr. Sadowski, Mrs. DePaolo, Mrs. Crossen and Mrs. Krieger voting yes; Dr. Maguire, Mr. Godickson, Mr. Hartline and Mr. Martin voting no in the final 5–4 tally.

Those opposing the appointment said the district had not solicited other proposals and that the board had been presented no signed contract for review, raising concerns about transparency and best value for taxpayers. Supporters said the firm previously represented the district and that pricing matched the prior solicitor, and one supporter told the board he reviewed résumés submitted by the Kilkenny firm and found candidates with municipal and legal experience.

The board also discussed whether to add contractual language (minimum hours, scope) and emphasized that the hourly fee would be added to the motion, with the amendment passed before final approval.

Next steps: the board agreed the hourly fee would be recorded in the motion and staff will circulate contract details post‑vote.