Trustees raise concerns over attorney–client privilege in Section 31aa grant discussion

At its Nov. 10 meeting, the Carson City-Crystal Area Schools Board discussed the State School Aid Act Section 31aa grant and whether accepting the latest terms could undermine attorney–client privilege.

Trustee M. Jensen said she had attended a Zoom briefing and raised a specific legal concern: "This year the change is if you opt in to the grant there could be ramifications to lawyer client privilege," she told the board. Superintendent Sattler reported the district received the grant last year for mental health and safety and that the district has contacted legal counsel (Thrun) for guidance. MDE (the Michigan Department of Education) allows districts to apply for and accept the grant without prior board action, Superintendent Sattler noted.

Trustee R. Lankford echoed Jensen's concern about any requirement that would waive privilege. Board members did not vote or adopt a resolution at the meeting; the agenda's corresponding action item was recorded as "no action taken." Superintendent Sattler and staff, including a staff member identified as Cyrena in the record, were noted as able to apply for the grant without board approval.

The discussion did not produce a formal direction or vote. Trustees said they wanted legal clarity before agreeing to any resolution or formal board action on the Section 31aa provisions.

What's next: The record shows no formal motion or vote on Section 31aa at this meeting. Board members indicated they would seek counsel guidance before any board-level resolution or waiver was considered.