School Prayer Legal Fees

How much did the district pay in legal fees for the preparation of the invocation resolution and board policy?

I finally received my FOIA information.

The District was billed 15.6hrs in legal fees for the work done by lawyers to prepare the invocation resolution and board policy.

GPS paid $89,235 for pre-paid legal services in 2014.  The per hour cost was not made available. However, average legal fees are $200-400/hr.  Assuming $300, the invocation process would have utilized more than 5% of the pre-paid legal services.

During the board meeting, Ms. Burk asserted that the Trust to which GPS belongs would pay if the District is sued.  After reading the trust documents, I am not so sure.
          Exclusions to coverage include:
          2.2 To alleged and/or actual liability of a covered party which is caused by or done at the direction of           such covered party with the covered party's knowledge that the occurrence, offense or wrongful act             would violate the rights of or injure another person or organization.

Are board members complying with board policy BCA Board member ethics?

• Render all decisions based on the available facts and independent judgment, and refuse to surrender that judgment to individuals or special-interest groups;
• Remember always that a board member's first and greatest concern must be the educational welfare of the students attending the public schools.

Is this the appropriate use of our limited financial resources?

If you are concerned, please let board members know how you feel.