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Trustees clash over access to F3 Law Firm billing; substitute motion requires firm to make records available to trustees
Summary
Trustees debated whether F3 Law Firm billing records should be provided electronically to trustees as confidential closed‑session documents; Trustee Allman sought full electronic copies for independent analysis, while Trustee Williams' substitute motion requiring F3 to make records available at the firm's office carried.
A dispute over access to billing records from outside counsel F3 Law Firm was a focal point of discussion during purchase-order approvals at the San Dieguito Union High School District Board meeting on Dec. 11.
During item 8B, materials distributed by Trustee Michael Allman were noted by counsel to contain privileged information; Allman removed the privileged pages before distribution. Trustee Allman made an alternate motion asking that the superintendent and district counsel provide each trustee, as a confidential closed‑session document, detailed F3 billing records from July 1, 2024 through Nov. 30, 2025 in an electronic format that permits analysis, listing date, matter, timekeeper, hours, hourly rate and a short narrative for each entry. That motion sought a searchable, analyzable data set so trustees could independently review invoices and the proposed F3 contract.
Trustee Jodie Williams offered a substitute motion that F3 Law Firm make its billing records available to any trustee who wishes to review them at the F3 offices and that staff and counsel make themselves available to answer questions and assist with calculations between now and the next Board meeting. Williams' substitute motion was seconded by Trustee Jane Lea Smith and carried. The final resolution record shows Williams, Viskanta and Smith voting yes and Allman and Anderson voting no on the substitute measure.
Why it matters: Trustees expressed differing views about the appropriate mechanism for accessing privileged billing details — Allman pushed for district‑provided electronic copies as confidential closed‑session records for trustee analysis, while Williams' alternative prioritized on‑site access at counsel's office with staff support. The substitute motion resolves the immediate access question in favor of on‑site review rather than electronic closed‑session distribution.
Remaining issues and next steps: The record indicates counsel advised redaction or removal of privileged pages before distribution; the Board's substitute motion leaves open whether trustees who cannot attend the F3 office review in person will receive an alternate method of access. Staff and counsel were directed to make additional information and assistance available to trustees prior to the next meeting.
