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Board authorizes director of student services to contact legal counsel in amendment that passes 6–1

Robbinsdale Public School District Board of Education · January 13, 2026

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Summary

The Robbinsdale board voted 6‑1 to add the director of student services to the list of district staff authorized to contact legal counsel; board members debated cost controls and safeguards before the roll‑call vote.

The board amended a prior resolution on Jan. 12 to authorize the director of student services (Tony Boynton) to contact district legal counsel. Chair Grama Evans Becker moved the amendment and Director DJ Brennison seconded it. The board took a roll‑call vote: Evans Becker — Yes; Brennison — Yes; Bowman — Yes; Bassett — Yes; Hillenbrand — Yes; Long — No; Wuto — Yes. Chair Evans Becker announced “Motion prevails” after the 6–1 result.

During debate, Director Bassett warned about potential cost exposure from broader authority to call legal counsel: “If everybody’s just calling up a lawyer, I’m looking forward to see how much lawyer fees we already have, quite frankly.” Administration said it reviews invoices monthly and expects existing internal processes to limit random or inappropriate calls to counsel.

Outcome and next steps: The amendment passed and is effective immediately; administration said it will continue to provide the board with monthly invoice reviews and described internal criteria for when staff should consult legal counsel.