Leavenworth board discusses replacing district counsel; candidate firm pitched K‑12 specialization and training
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Summary
Board members heard the results of an RFP and an interview committee recommendation to consider replacing the district’s existing counsel with a K‑12‑specialized firm that would also offer trainings; board members asked to see rate information and more detail before taking action.
Leavenworth — The board reviewed a recommendation to retain a new law firm specializing in K‑12 education after a request‑for‑proposal and interview process. Staff said the recommended firm focuses its practice on public education and would provide subject‑matter expertise and training for administrators and board members.
In discussion, several board members questioned whether switching counsel is warranted given institutional knowledge held by the district’s current attorney. Board members asked whether the proposed firm’s lower hourly rates and training offerings were included in the packet and asked for the rate sheets to be provided before any final decision.
The district’s current counsel, who spoke at the meeting, said the firm would assist with any transition but warned that having two counsel simultaneously could create confusion. A representative for the recommended firm (referred to in the record as "Jessica") described her firm as full‑service for K‑12 clients and said they handle matters across the range of school needs. Board members elected to treat the item as discussion and requested more time to review proposals and rates rather than taking final action at that meeting.
Next steps: staff to provide the board with proposed rates and any additional proposal materials so members can review before deciding whether to change district counsel.