Public questions legal retainer and search costs as board approves JMA contract

A visitor at the March 14 Blackhawk School District meeting raised concerns about district spending on legal and search‑firm fees, prompting responses from board representatives as the board approved a contract with JMA and Associates.

The public commenter asked whether the district was paying a solicitor a monthly retainer and referenced past search expenses, saying: “we paid a visitor $110,000 for a finder fee for superintendent” and asking whether those obligations remain. In response, board representatives said the new solicitor proposed a retainer of $99,000 per month, while the district’s historical monthly legal expenditures on an hourly basis have averaged roughly $12,000–$15,000. The board also said it could not discuss details of an existing contract because the matter is under litigation.

Separately, the board considered agenda item 3.1 to approve JMA and Associates for specified services. Board member Matt (Mr SCH) clarified that references to “contract negotiations” in JMA’s scope describe financial reporting and business‑manager‑type support at $200 per hour, and do not make JMA the district’s legal counsel or give it authority to provide legal advice. The board voted to approve the JMA contract; the motion carried with eight members present.

The board agreed to provide clearer wording in minutes and to make copies of relevant policies and backup materials available for the next meeting. No change to the solicitor retainer was adopted at the March 14 meeting; the public comment requested further review of attorney fees and of public‑comment time limits.