Round Lake CUSD 116 authorizes second law firm after parent objects to timing

The Round Lake Area Board of Education voted 7–0 on Dec. 15 to authorize Kira Bucek LLC to represent the district on legal matters assigned by the board president, superintendent or the superintendent’s designee.

During public comment, parent Trisha Snyder criticized the timing of adding another law firm so soon after a large reduction in force, saying it “feels really icky” and asking why the district would hire more lawyers after laying off teachers. Doctor Mendoza responded during new business that the intent is not to expand routine legal spending but to provide flexibility for unique situations and to secure specialized services, particularly in special education. “Using a second law firm will ensure that we receive prompt, well-informed legal counsel,” Mendoza said, and he added the district will not put the second firm on retainer and will pay only when the firm is used.

Mendoza told the board the second firm’s partner rate is lower than the district’s primary firm for some specialties and that administrators will provide quarterly updates on how the arrangement is working. Board members discussed oversight and review timelines; the superintendent committed to incremental updates and the option to end the relationship if it proves unnecessary.

Motion to authorize Kira Bucek LLC was made by Mister Jewett and seconded by Missus Klingler and passed by roll call. The board recorded a unanimous vote in favor.

The authorization permits the district to retain specialized counsel, primarily for special education and other matters where unique expertise is needed, but does not replace the district’s primary legal counsel or establish a standing retainer with the new firm. Administration characterized the change as a use‑case approach rather than an expansion of ongoing legal staffing.