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Residents press Keller ISD on legal fees, ask board to stop "blank check" for counsel
Summary
Dozens of public commenters criticized district legal spending, demanded unredacted invoices and called for the board to reconsider retaining Tim Davis/Jackson Walker; the issue prompted extended debate and calls for an RFQ for legal services.
A large portion of public comment at the Sept. 24 Keller ISD board meeting centered on legal spending and the board's relationship with attorney Tim Davis and Jackson Walker LLP. Speakers repeatedly demanded transparency and the release of invoices redacted in prior records requests, tying legal expenses to cuts in programs and staff.
Laura Romano told trustees: "Fire Tim Davis." Other speakers said the consent-item placement of Jackson Walker's retention lacked supporting documentation, and asked why invoices over $25,000 were on a consent list rather than an action item with backup. Trustees and community members debated whether an RFQ for legal services should be initiated to protect district taxpayers and ensure appropriate terms of engagement.
Board discussion reflected that tension: some trustees defended continuing with Jackson Walker as cost-effective and legally necessary for ongoing litigation, while others argued the district had no valid board-approved retention agreement and that the agenda failed to provide the required supporting materials. The item drew the meeting's longest public-comment and trustee exchange and remained a focal point for calls for audit and greater disclosure.
