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Radnor board renews solicitor contract after debate on process and oversight; 8–1
Summary
The board approved a three‑year renewal of Whistler Pearlstein as district solicitor following a lengthy discussion about whether such contracts should be elevated to full‑board review; the motion passed 8–1 with a single dissent from Member Lau.
The Radnor Township School Board approved a three‑year renewal of Whistler Pearlstein as the district's solicitor at its May 26 meeting after a robust debate about procurement and board oversight.
Member Lau pulled the item from the consent agenda and said she would vote no, arguing the selection of the district solicitor "is not your, I guess, run of the mill service contract" and urging that the full board have more opportunity to weigh in on such important legal partnerships. "I am going to vote no," she said, adding she would offer private feedback to the firm rather than publicly airing criticisms.
Other board members defended the renewal process, noting that the solicitor contract previously went through an RFP and that the firm provides continuity, reasonable pricing and steady legal counsel for sensitive matters in executive session. One member said the administration and finance committee's vetting supported continuation; another urged the board to continue to consider which contracts merit full‑board review moving forward.
After discussion, the board called the question and approved the solicitor renewal by a recorded vote of 8–1. Members noted the discussion raised a broader question about when the board should elevate certain provider selections to full‑board consideration.
Provenance: The discussion began when item 11‑02 was pulled from the consent agenda and concluded with the recorded vote to renew the solicitor contract.
