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Stockton Unified board ratifies F3 legal contract after heated exchanges over firm's conduct
Summary
Trustees voted to ratify a one-year legal services agreement with law firm F3 after several trustees defended the firm's integrity and at least two trustees accused the firm of failing to support them in closed-session matters. The motion passed 4–2 with one abstention.
The Stockton Unified School District Board of Trustees ratified a legal services agreement with law firm F3 for April 1, 2024, through March 30, 2025, after a contentious public discussion at the board's meeting.
Trustee Angelan Flores said she has tried to build a relationship with the firm but also expressed frustration with prior legal representation and urged the board to consider a fresh start. "I do believe the district can do better and maybe start fresh," Flores said, while acknowledging efforts by district staff and the superintendent to move the district forward.
Other trustees defended F3. One trustee said the firm had shown "integrity" and continued to provide services despite criticism and difficult interactions. "They have been the only law firm that I've seen that has come in and been honest and providing whatever we've asked them to do," the trustee said.
Trustee Alexio Rico publicly accused the firm of ignoring his reports of harassment and failing to support him in closed sessions, saying he had sought help and received no meaningful response: "I search for help ... because I was harassment really bad ... they say nothing." Trustees cautioned that details from closed session are not appropriate for open-meeting discussion and urged adherence to legal confidentiality rules.
On roll call the motion to ratify the F3 agreement passed with four yes votes (Vice President Sophia Cologne, Clerk Donald Dair, Trustee Angelan Flores and President Kena Stevens), two no votes (Trustees Cecilia Mendes and Alexio Rico) and one abstention (Trustee Raymond Zula). The board did not disclose attorney-client privileged details discussed in closed session.
The ratification completes the board's contractual vote on legal services for the coming year; trustees who raised concerns requested follow-up about how the firm will handle board member complaints and communications going forward.
