Board approves attorney contract despite complaints about short notice and potential cost

The Dothan City Board of Education voted Nov. 18 to approve a new contract for board legal services amid objections over timing and cost.

The motion to approve the contract was moved by Mr. Scott Childers and seconded by Ms. Ashley Davis and passed with a majority. Mrs. Taiisha Walton objected to receiving the contract only two hours before the meeting and asked whether the chair negotiated the contract directly with the attorney. Walton said the short notice made adequate review difficult and raised concerns that requiring the attorney to review every contract could lead to substantial billable hours. She characterized the situation as feeling like “representing yourself in court,” referencing Lincoln’s aphorism during her remarks.

Walton also criticized a $50,000 buyout clause and a $300-per‑hour billing rate, and she asked why the contract had no maximum annual cap; she warned total legal costs could reach “$500,000–$600,000” in a worst‑case scenario. Mrs. Aurie Jenkins defended the attorney, saying he has been responsive and often bills less in total than prior counsel. Mr. Scott Childers publicly offered to personally cover any expenses exceeding $300,000, telling the board he was confident costs would not reach that level.

Staff provided context on prior legal spending: $65,000 was paid to other law firms last year (with $25,000 mandated by insurance), and Mark Boardman’s firm was paid $45,230 in 2025 at $250/hour. The board did not adopt an explicit annual cap in the contract at the meeting.

Board members asked staff to consider procurement alternatives and whether a procurement director could reduce recurring contract review costs. The contract was approved and the board moved to continue with the attorney arrangement.