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Trustee questions $9.12 budget transfer that includes legal fees tied to prior litigation; counsel explains $11,000 was settlement‑related
Summary
Trustee Christine Bello asked to separate roughly $11,000 from a budget transfer to legal fees; district counsel said the amount related to a previously board‑approved settlement and associated legal costs and the transfer proceeded after discussion and roll call.
Trustee Christine Bello asked that the board separate out portions of resolution 9.12, a budget transfer, to allow closer review of what she called a "questionable district charge." The transfer primarily covered retainer expenses for district counsel, a mediator expense, an investigation and commissioner appeals work, according to the district clerk's transfer request.
Trustee Levenstein noted approximately $30,000 was being transferred to legal fees tied to claims by a board member and two community members. Bello specifically moved to remove roughly $11,000 from the transfer, arguing taxpayers should not pay for legal fees arising from disciplinary charges.
District counsel Michael Shaw responded that the $11,000 referenced was part of a settlement related to prior litigation involving the superintendent, the withdrawal of charges, and general releases; he said the payment had been board‑approved previously and would be subject to the district claims auditor's review.
After discussion the board took a roll call vote and accepted the transfer. Trustees who voted in favor said the amounts were lawful given past approvals and the claims auditor's oversight.
What happens next: the transfer will be processed through the district's financial controls and claims auditing processes; trustees signaled they expect documentation from the claims auditor if questions remain.
