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Board approves special‑education legal MOU after debate over procurement
Summary
Trustees approved an MOU for special‑education legal services 4–1; critics on the board said the contract was not publicly advertised and local attorneys were not considered.
The Gary Community School Corporation board voted 4–1 to approve an MOU to secure outside legal counsel for special‑education matters.
The director of special education told trustees the district’s prior outside counsel had moved on and the district sought a firm with relevant special‑education experience. Board materials included the firm’s hourly rates; staff said insurance limits the ability to cap coverage for due‑process litigation. A trustee opposed the MOU on procurement grounds, saying the district did not solicit proposals publicly and that local attorneys were not given an opportunity to compete.
Supporters said special‑education representation requires specialization and that directors commonly rely on known providers when there is a technical need. The motion carried 4–1.
