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Trustees press for clear counsel‑communication protocols and conflict steps
Summary
Trustees asked that any new general‑counsel contract include explicit notifications and procedures for conflicts of interest and clarified the pathways by which trustees, the president, and the superintendent should contact counsel; counsel offered to draft proposed contract language.
During the study session trustees emphasized the need for clear communications protocols between individual trustees, the board president, the county superintendent and legal counsel. Several trustees said they wanted language ensuring that if an individual trustee or member of the public reaches counsel, the board president and superintendent would be notified and that the contract would specify notification requirements.
Special counsel said ethical obligations require counsel to notify clients of potential conflicts, but trustees said the policy and contract should make expected steps explicit. Trustees discussed whether individual board members may contact counsel directly in rare circumstances and agreed this is a topic the contract and policy should address. Counsel offered to propose draft language clarifying notification and conflict procedures for the board’s consideration.
